The Elevator Careers Podcast

In this episode, I interviewed Aaron Bailey, Sales Director at Star Elevator, based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Aaron holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and began his career with TK Elevator immediately after graduating. With over a decade of experience in sales and sales management, Aaron takes pride in sharing his expertise with customers, helping them make informed decisions about their elevator systems.

Chapters: 
00:00 Intro 
01:03 Getting Started in the Elevator Industry
03:01 First Impressions & Early Career Experience
04:33 Inside Elevator Engineering & Product Design
06:25 Transitioning from Engineering to Sales
07:14 Moving to California & Career Shift
09:32 What Makes the Bay Area Elevator Market Unique
10:37 Working with 100+ Year-Old Elevators
11:18 What “Modernization” Really Means
13:49 What Aaron Loves About the Elevator Industry
15:21 Large Companies vs Independent Elevator Companies
17:05 Customer Relationships & Long-Term Sales Strategy
20:33 How Reputation Drives New Business
21:30 Why He Chose an Independent Company
22:24 Biggest Lessons: Patience & Consistency in Sales
25:06 A Funny Elevator Story from the Field
26:12 The Elevator Industry Community
27:39 Advice for Newcomers to the Industry
30:33 The Future of the Elevator Industry
34:17 Final Thoughts

Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Connect With Us: linktr.ee/AllredGroup

A Message From Our Sponsor: 
Looking for top-tier talent to join your team? Call The Allred Group for your elevator recruiting needs! With a deep network and unmatched industry expertise, we quickly connect you with skilled professionals who are ready to elevate your team.  Let us handle the hiring process, so you can focus on growing your business with the best in the industry. Reach out today, and let us help you take your business to new heights!
To contact us go to: https://allredgroup.com

Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Submit a Topic Idea for the Podcast: https://elevatorcareers.net/
Connect With Us: https://linktr.ee/AllredGroup
Join our Newsletter - Episodes, Elevator Jobs, Insights, and more: https://eepurl.com/jnVaOM

A Message From Our Sponsor:
Looking for top-tier talent to join your team? Call The Allred Group for your elevator recruiting needs! With a deep network and unmatched industry expertise, we quickly connect you with skilled professionals who are ready to elevate your team. Let us handle the hiring process, so you can focus on growing your business with the best in the industry. Reach out today, and let us help you take your business to new heights!
To contact us go to: https://allredgroup.com

In this episode, I interviewed Richie Lobert, Founder & Co-Director of LML Lift Consultants in Melbourne, Australia. Richie has been in the industry for many years starting right out of high school and has traveled the world working on and with elevators as a mechanic, engineer and consultant. Richie is a true "Lifty" as they say in Australia. Richie loves the elevator industry and has met many amazing people from all over the world. He is grateful for the global elevator community and the richness it has brought to his life, and he finds a lot of satisfaction bringing his gifts and insights to this amazing industry.

Chapters: 
00:00 Introduction 
01:10 Getting Started in the Elevator Industry  
03:06 First Job: Learning Construction from the Ground Up  
05:30 Discovering a Career Path by Accident  
06:04 10 Years in the Field: Service, Modernization & Night Calls  
07:03 Traveling Europe as an Elevator Technician  
08:57 The Global Elevator Community  
11:53 Returning to Australia & Career Progression  
12:11 Transitioning into Elevator Consulting  
13:17 Why Start a Consulting Business?  
14:54 What Makes LML Lift Consultants Different  
16:46 Using Technology in Elevator Maintenance
25:02 Why Educating Customers Matters  
28:18 Industry Trends & Maintenance Challenges  
33:20 Advice for Newcomers to the Industry  
35:40 Final Thoughts

Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Connect With Us: linktr.ee/AllredGroup

A Message From Our Sponsor: 
Looking for top-tier talent to join your team? Call The Allred Group for your elevator recruiting needs! With a deep network and unmatched industry expertise, we quickly connect you with skilled professionals who are ready to elevate your team.  Let us handle the hiring process, so you can focus on growing your business with the best in the industry. Reach out today, and let us help you take your business to new heights!
To contact us go to: https://allredgroup.com

Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Submit a Topic Idea for the Podcast: https://elevatorcareers.net/
Connect With Us: https://linktr.ee/AllredGroup
Join our Newsletter - Episodes, Elevator Jobs, Insights, and more: https://eepurl.com/jnVaOM

A Message From Our Sponsor:
Looking for top-tier talent to join your team? Call The Allred Group for your elevator recruiting needs! With a deep network and unmatched industry expertise, we quickly connect you with skilled professionals who are ready to elevate your team. Let us handle the hiring process, so you can focus on growing your business with the best in the industry. Reach out today, and let us help you take your business to new heights!
To contact us go to: https://allredgroup.com

In this episode, I interviewed Steve Phillips, Chief Operating Officer at Southern Elevator. Steve started his career outside of the elevator industry, gaining knowledge and experience in operations, from the military, NASCAR, emergency services and management for over 20 years. When Steve started at Southern, he found that the management skills and knowledge he had acquired elsewhere were perfectly transferrable to the elevator industry. Steve has learned a lot since starting and plans to retire from this industry. He has learned to love the elevators and is excited to continue to grow and innovate.

Chapters: 
00:00 Introduction
01:40 Entering the Elevator Industry
04:10 Searching for a Career That Actually Uses Your Skills
07:20 Interviewing the Company
09:20 Earning Respect from Mechanics & Union Teams
11:40 The 9-Month Learning Curve
12:30 Elevator Management = Crisis Management
14:20 Getting Hired Without Industry Experience
19:30 Building a Culture of Respect
24:00 Using Data & Meetings to Drive Performance
27:00 Getting Out of “Firefighting Mode”
28:00 How to Prioritize Elevator Service Calls Effectively
30:30 Turning Around an Unprofitable Branch
31:50 Setting Customer Expectations the Right Way
33:10 Why the Elevator Industry Needs Change
34:50 Technology vs. Service 
37:30 Advice for Newcomers to the Industry
38:10 Hiring Talent from Outside the Elevator Industry
40:20 The Biggest Lesson Steve Has Learned
43:20 Final Thoughts 

Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Connect With Us: linktr.ee/AllredGroup

A Message From Our Sponsor: 
Looking for top-tier talent to join your team? Call The Allred Group for your elevator recruiting needs! With a deep network and unmatched industry expertise, we quickly connect you with skilled professionals who are ready to elevate your team.  Let us handle the hiring process, so you can focus on growing your business with the best in the industry. Reach out today, and let us help you take your business to new heights!
To contact us go to: https://allredgroup.com

Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Submit a Topic Idea for the Podcast: https://elevatorcareers.net/
Connect With Us: https://linktr.ee/AllredGroup
Join our Newsletter - Episodes, Elevator Jobs, Insights, and more: https://eepurl.com/jnVaOM

A Message From Our Sponsor:
Looking for top-tier talent to join your team? Call The Allred Group for your elevator recruiting needs! With a deep network and unmatched industry expertise, we quickly connect you with skilled professionals who are ready to elevate your team. Let us handle the hiring process, so you can focus on growing your business with the best in the industry. Reach out today, and let us help you take your business to new heights!
To contact us go to: https://allredgroup.com

In this episode, I interviewed Chris Miller, General Manager with Kone in Salt Lake City, UT. Chris joined the elevator industry after several years in the US Air Force, where he took to heart the Core Values: INTEGRITY FIRST, SERVICE BEFORE SELF and EXCELLENCE IN ALL WE DO. Chris loves what he does and has come to know that the elevator business is truly a "team sport"; nobody can succeed alone. Chris is a student of leadership and strives to become a better leader every day.

Chapters: 
00:00 Introduction
01:38 How Chris Discovered the Elevator Industry
02:50 Childhood Dreams & Early Career Vision
03:39 Why He Joined the U.S. Air Force
04:45 Core Military Values That Shaped His Leadership
06:25 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life
12:30 Early Civilian Job & Hard Leadership Lessons
18:54 Earning Trust Without Technical Expertise
23:49 Turning Around a Difficult Team
27:22 When the Elevator Industry Finally Clicked
33:25 Best Leadership Books & Frameworks
36:05 Understanding People (DISC & Communication)
37:08 The Core of Great Leadership
43:04 Advice for Newcomers to the Industry
45:04 Final Thoughts & Closing

Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Connect With Us: linktr.ee/AllredGroup

A Message From Our Sponsor: 
Looking for top-tier talent to join your team? Call The Allred Group for your elevator recruiting needs! With a deep network and unmatched industry expertise, we quickly connect you with skilled professionals who are ready to elevate your team.  Let us handle the hiring process, so you can focus on growing your business with the best in the industry. Reach out today, and let us help you take your business to new heights!
To contact us go to: https://allredgroup.com

Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Submit a Topic Idea for the Podcast: https://elevatorcareers.net/
Connect With Us: https://linktr.ee/AllredGroup
Join our Newsletter - Episodes, Elevator Jobs, Insights, and more: https://eepurl.com/jnVaOM

A Message From Our Sponsor:
Looking for top-tier talent to join your team? Call The Allred Group for your elevator recruiting needs! With a deep network and unmatched industry expertise, we quickly connect you with skilled professionals who are ready to elevate your team. Let us handle the hiring process, so you can focus on growing your business with the best in the industry. Reach out today, and let us help you take your business to new heights!
To contact us go to: https://allredgroup.com

In this episode, I interviewed Emerald Kuhns, Executive Director of NAESA International. Emerald joined NAESA after working in sales leadership and she has never looked back. After 8 years administering the QEI certification program, Emerald was promoted to Assistant Executive Director and in 2023, she became the Executive Director. Emerald loves the fact that the elevator industry is one big family. She is passionate about safety and wants each and every person to be safe and return home at the end of the day

Chapters: 
0:00 – Introduction
0:40 – Getting Into the Elevator Industry
2:20 – Starting at NAESA: QEI Certification & Career Growth
5:00 – Why Elevator Inspections Matter & How They Work
7:50 – Can Anyone Become an Elevator Inspector?
9:40 – Requirements for QEI Certification Explained
10:50 – Challenges as Executive Director of NESA
11:40 – Global Reach of Elevator Inspectors
12:10 – Industry Shortage: Why More Inspectors Are Needed
13:10 – The Future of the Elevator Industry Workforce
14:05 – Being a Woman in a Male-Dominated Industry
15:15 – What Makes the Elevator Industry Unique
15:45 – Biggest Lessons Learned 
16:30 – Why Emerald Chose This as a Long-Term Career
16:55 – Final Advice

Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Connect With Us: linktr.ee/AllredGroup

A Message From Our Sponsor: 
Looking for top-tier talent to join your team? Call The Allred Group for your elevator recruiting needs! With a deep network and unmatched industry expertise, we quickly connect you with skilled professionals who are ready to elevate your team.  Let us handle the hiring process, so you can focus on growing your business with the best in the industry. Reach out today, and let us help you take your business to new heights!
To contact us go to: https://allredgroup.com

Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Submit a Topic Idea for the Podcast: https://elevatorcareers.net/
Connect With Us: https://linktr.ee/AllredGroup
Join our Newsletter - Episodes, Elevator Jobs, Insights, and more: https://eepurl.com/jnVaOM

A Message From Our Sponsor:
Looking for top-tier talent to join your team? Call The Allred Group for your elevator recruiting needs! With a deep network and unmatched industry expertise, we quickly connect you with skilled professionals who are ready to elevate your team. Let us handle the hiring process, so you can focus on growing your business with the best in the industry. Reach out today, and let us help you take your business to new heights!
To contact us go to: https://allredgroup.com

In this episode, I interviewed Erin Scott, Chief Operating Officer-US Inspections at ATIS. Erin joined the elevator industry after being a Naval fighter pilot and aviation maintenance duty officer in the US Military and quickly found her niche. Erin is passionate about learning as much as possible and knows the value of asking questions. Although she wondered if she was in the right place at first, Erin found many people who were as eager to teach as she was to learn. Erin loves the industry and loves being connected with those who are solving problems and making the magic happen.

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
01:30 – Transitioning from Military to Elevators
03:20 – Life as a Navy Fighter Pilot
05:00 – Why the Elevator Industry Was the Right Fit
06:30 – Finding Purpose After the Military
08:30 – Challenges of Career Transition
10:00 – Adjusting to Civilian Work Culture
12:00 – First Role at Otis
14:30 – Building Trust with Mechanics
16:30 – When the Industry Finally Clicked
20:30 – Mentors Who Shaped Her Career
23:00 – Women in the Elevator Industry
25:00 – Navigating a Male-Dominated Field
27:00 – Bias, Confidence & Speaking Up
30:00 – The Boston Box Story
34:30 – Career Shift to AUS (COO Role)
36:00 – Finding Meaning & Making an Impact
38:30 – Biggest Lessons Learned
41:00 – Advice for Newcomers
43:00 – Why the Elevator Industry Matters
44:00 – Closing Thoughts

Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Connect With Us: linktr.ee/AllredGroup

A Message From Our Sponsor: 
Looking for top-tier talent to join your team? Call The Allred Group for your elevator recruiting needs! With a deep network and unmatched industry expertise, we quickly connect you with skilled professionals who are ready to elevate your team.  Let us handle the hiring process, so you can focus on growing your business with the best in the industry. Reach out today, and let us help you take your business to new heights!
To contact us go to: https://allredgroup.com

Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Submit a Topic Idea for the Podcast: https://elevatorcareers.net/
Connect With Us: https://linktr.ee/AllredGroup
Join our Newsletter - Episodes, Elevator Jobs, Insights, and more: https://eepurl.com/jnVaOM

A Message From Our Sponsor:
Looking for top-tier talent to join your team? Call The Allred Group for your elevator recruiting needs! With a deep network and unmatched industry expertise, we quickly connect you with skilled professionals who are ready to elevate your team. Let us handle the hiring process, so you can focus on growing your business with the best in the industry. Reach out today, and let us help you take your business to new heights!
To contact us go to: https://allredgroup.com

In this episode, I interviewed Nathan Hall, Chief Elevator Enthusiast at Vasile Elevator. Vasile Elevator is a designer,  manufacturer, and installer of premium commercial elevator interiors, cab shells, entrances and doors that was started with grit, determination, and absolute dedication to quality. Nathan shares his background in the hospitality industry and how he came to join Vasile 13 years ago, bringing his enthusiasm and customer-first thinking to the company. We discussed what makes elevator interiors such a specialized niche, how design impacts everyday experiences, and why passion and curiosity still matter in a highly technical field.

Chapters: 
00:00 Introduction 
01:30 What Does Vasile Elevator Do?
03:00 Celebrating 25 Years in Business
05:30 Entering the Elevator Industry from Hospitality
07:00 The Meaning of “Elevator Enthusiast”
10:15 Building a Culture of Passion & Problem Solving
12:00 Elevator Interiors Matter More Than You'd Think
15:00 Life-Work Balance & Team Productivity
17:00 Designing for Real People
19:00 The Role of Interior Design in Elevators
22:00 The Origin Story: From Immigrant Dream to Business
25:30 Early Struggles & First Customers
29:00 Learning Business Basics
31:00 Marketing, Growth & Adapting Over Time
33:30 What Makes the Elevator Industry Unique
36:00 Industry Culture & Advice for Newcomers
41:30 Entrepreneur Advice: Know Your Numbers
44:00 Closing Thoughts

Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Connect With Us: linktr.ee/AllredGroup

A Message From Our Sponsor: 
Looking for top-tier talent to join your team? Call The Allred Group for your elevator recruiting needs! With a deep network and unmatched industry expertise, we quickly connect you with skilled professionals who are ready to elevate your team.  Let us handle the hiring process, so you can focus on growing your business with the best in the industry. Reach out today, and let us help you take your business to new heights!
To contact us go to: https://allredgroup.com

#podcast #elevators #trades

Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Submit a Topic Idea for the Podcast: https://elevatorcareers.net/
Connect With Us: https://linktr.ee/AllredGroup
Join our Newsletter - Episodes, Elevator Jobs, Insights, and more: https://eepurl.com/jnVaOM

A Message From Our Sponsor:
Looking for top-tier talent to join your team? Call The Allred Group for your elevator recruiting needs! With a deep network and unmatched industry expertise, we quickly connect you with skilled professionals who are ready to elevate your team. Let us handle the hiring process, so you can focus on growing your business with the best in the industry. Reach out today, and let us help you take your business to new heights!
To contact us go to: https://allredgroup.com

In this episode, I interviewed Mike Loeffler, Senior Vice President/General Manager with VDA Vertical Transportation Consulting. Mike started in the industry working in the field and loved it from the very beginning.  He values that early learning as being key to his success and continues to learn everyday even well into his career. Mike enjoys working as a consultant and loves being able to assist both clients and contractors in finding mutually beneficial solutions to projects and issues, and helping foster relationships. His only regret is not finding consulting sooner.

Chapters: 
00:00 Intro
00:58 How Mike Got Into the Elevator Industry
02:11 Motocross, Mechanics & Early Skills
03:40 Why Elevator Work Fits Multiple Trades
04:18 When Mike Knew This Was His Career
05:54 From Field Work to Management
07:07 Mentors Who Shaped His Career
08:02 Taking a Risk: Moving to North Dakota
08:59 Most Interesting Projects (NASA Launch Pads)
11:38 Transition Into Consulting
14:08 Biggest Challenges 
16:23 Real-World Consulting Scenarios
18:01 Maintenance Contracts Explained
20:29 When Clients Ignore Recommendations
24:04 Surrounding Yourself with the Right People, Leadership, & Integrity
28:33 Biggest Lessons Learned
31:12 Working Between Field & Engineering
33:36 Advice for New Elevator Professionals
35:07 Closing Thoughts

Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Connect With Us: linktr.ee/AllredGroup

A Message From Our Sponsor: 
Looking for top-tier talent to join your team? Call The Allred Group for your elevator recruiting needs! With a deep network and unmatched industry expertise, we quickly connect you with skilled professionals who are ready to elevate your team.  Let us handle the hiring process, so you can focus on growing your business with the best in the industry. Reach out today, and let us help you take your business to new heights!
To contact us go to: https://allredgroup.com

Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Submit a Topic Idea for the Podcast: https://elevatorcareers.net/
Connect With Us: https://linktr.ee/AllredGroup
Join our Newsletter - Episodes, Elevator Jobs, Insights, and more: https://eepurl.com/jnVaOM

A Message From Our Sponsor:
Looking for top-tier talent to join your team? Call The Allred Group for your elevator recruiting needs! With a deep network and unmatched industry expertise, we quickly connect you with skilled professionals who are ready to elevate your team. Let us handle the hiring process, so you can focus on growing your business with the best in the industry. Reach out today, and let us help you take your business to new heights!
To contact us go to: https://allredgroup.com

In this episode, I interviewed Jeremy Metzger, CEO of Axxiom Elevator. Jeremy graduated from Penn State and joined the elevator industry with Kone as a Sales Rep, with his first assignment in Tampa, FL.  After Kone, Jeremy spent over 15 years at Otis in multiple management roles and following Otis, Jeremy spent two years as COO of Oracle Elevator. In 2023, Jeremy became one of the founders and CEO of Axxiom Elevator. Jeremy is excited about the future and is looking forward to partnering with independent owners who are seeking the support of a partner to help them take their businesses to the next level.

Chapters: 
00:00 Introduction to Part 2
01:50 Why Jeremy Started Axxiom Elevator
03:20 From OEMs to Independent Business Ownership
04:30 Partnering with Private Equity
05:40 Early Growth & Acquisitions Strategy
06:50 Partnering with Founders 
07:20 Axxiom’s Value Proposition in the Market
08:30 Customer Experience & Service Frequency
11:40 Communication Gaps in the Industry
12:30 Building a Company from the Ground Up
14:40 Integrating Acquired Companies
17:10 What Jeremy Enjoys About Running a Business
18:30 Startup Reality vs Large Company Experience
19:50 Vision for Axxiom Elevator 
23:30 Risk vs Reward in Entrepreneurship
24:40 Final Advice for Industry Professionals

Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Connect With Us: linktr.ee/AllredGroup

A Message From Our Sponsor: 
Looking for top-tier talent to join your team? Call The Allred Group for your elevator recruiting needs! With a deep network and unmatched industry expertise, we quickly connect you with skilled professionals who are ready to elevate your team.  Let us handle the hiring process, so you can focus on growing your business with the best in the industry. Reach out today, and let us help you take your business to new heights!
To contact us go to: https://allredgroup.com

Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Submit a Topic Idea for the Podcast: https://elevatorcareers.net/
Connect With Us: https://linktr.ee/AllredGroup
Join our Newsletter - Episodes, Elevator Jobs, Insights, and more: https://eepurl.com/jnVaOM

A Message From Our Sponsor:
Looking for top-tier talent to join your team? Call The Allred Group for your elevator recruiting needs! With a deep network and unmatched industry expertise, we quickly connect you with skilled professionals who are ready to elevate your team. Let us handle the hiring process, so you can focus on growing your business with the best in the industry. Reach out today, and let us help you take your business to new heights!
To contact us go to: https://allredgroup.com

In this episode, I interviewed Jeremy Metzger, CEO of Axxiom Elevator.  Jeremy graduated from Penn State and joined the elevator industry with Kone as a Sales Rep, with his first assignment in Tampa FL.  After Kone, Jeremy spent over 15 years at Otis in multiple management roles and following Otis, Jeremy spent two years as COO of Oracle Elevator.  In 2023, Jeremy became one of the founders and CEO of Axxiom Elevator. Jeremy is excited about the future and is looking forward to partnering with independent owners who are seeking the support of a partner to help them take their businesses to the next level.

Chapters: 
00:00 Introduction
01:20 Career Overview
07:30 Learning Sales & Customer Relationships
09:10 The Challenge of Finding New Business
10:50 Sales Without Commission vs Commission Structures
14:20 Early Mentors & Lessons Learned
15:50 Safety in the Elevator Industry
20:40 Biggest Early Career Lessons
21:10 The Power of Responsiveness in Sales
24:40 Advice for Newcomers to the Industry
26:00 Why the Elevator Industry is a Strong Career Path
27:00 Closing Thoughts

Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Connect With Us: linktr.ee/AllredGroup

A Message From Our Sponsor: 
Looking for top-tier talent to join your team? Call The Allred Group for your elevator recruiting needs! With a deep network and unmatched industry expertise, we quickly connect you with skilled professionals who are ready to elevate your team.  Let us handle the hiring process, so you can focus on growing your business with the best in the industry. Reach out today, and let us help you take your business to new heights!
To contact us go to: https://allredgroup.com

Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Submit a Topic Idea for the Podcast: https://elevatorcareers.net/
Connect With Us: https://linktr.ee/AllredGroup
Join our Newsletter - Episodes, Elevator Jobs, Insights, and more: https://eepurl.com/jnVaOM

A Message From Our Sponsor:
Looking for top-tier talent to join your team? Call The Allred Group for your elevator recruiting needs! With a deep network and unmatched industry expertise, we quickly connect you with skilled professionals who are ready to elevate your team. Let us handle the hiring process, so you can focus on growing your business with the best in the industry. Reach out today, and let us help you take your business to new heights!
To contact us go to: https://allredgroup.com