The elevator industry is facing a workforce crisis — a retiring generation, too few mid-career pros, and a shortage of incoming talent.

Amy DiPaolo of American Elevator Group shares her 30+ years of experience, the generational gap she’s seeing, and how companies can recruit, train, and keep the next wave of elevator professionals.

[00:00] Intro
[00:50] Career highlights
[04:30] Workforce challenges
[06:15] Apprenticeship gap
[09:20] Culture shifts
[10:45] The “missing middle” of the industry
[12:30] Recruiting solutions
[15:40] Company-led outreach
[16:50] Industry leadership
[18:10] Advice

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To close out Season One of The Elevator Entrepreneur, I'm sharing my favorite moments from 2024 and reflecting on the different stories from prominent members in our industry.

I'm eager to get YOUR feedback in the comment section on what you'd like to see more of in the upcoming season, what you'd like to see less of, and how I can uplift your entrepreneurial journey.

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In this episode of The Elevator Entrepreneur Podcast, I sit down with James Fitzgerald, owner of Advantage Elevator System, to discuss his unconventional entry into the elevator industry, the power of networking, and the keys to scaling a business for growth.

James shares his inspiring journey from buying a company with no prior industry experience to creating a thriving business while empowering his team to flourish. Tune in to discover valuable lessons on leadership, time management, and turning challenges into opportunities.

00:45 James's unconventional entry into the elevator industry.
01:32 How networking at the NAEC conference transformed his business.
05:14 Transitioning to a self-sustaining business model.
09:22 Delegating effectively and empowering team members.
12:47 Challenges and opportunities for residential elevators.
16:18 Why protecting your time is critical for business owners.

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In this episode of the Elevator Entrepreneur Podcast, I’m joined by William Odell of All Services South Florida Elevator. William takes us through his journey into the elevator industry, from his childhood, where he was inspired by tradesmen in his family, to eventually launching his own business with his wife.

He opens up about the challenges he faced, especially when it came to grasping the business and financial side of running a company. He highlights his key elements for success in the industry: a commitment to continuous learning, the power of teamwork, and unwavering dedication.

00:00 Introduction to the Elevator Entrepreneur Podcast
00:45 Meet William Odell: From Childhood to Elevator Industry
05:14 Challenges and Solutions in the Elevator Business
09:30 The Importance of Teamwork and Community
13:04 Advice for Aspiring Elevator Entrepreneurs
14:57 Conclusion and Resources for Growth

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In this episode of The Elevator Entrepreneur, Veronica Querales of Kohtler Elevator joins me to discuss how she went from working in her father’s elevator service company in Puerto Rico to becoming a respected industry leader and board member of the NAEC.

Veronica’s resilience, drive, and positive mindset propelled her to success. She hopes to make her father proud through continuing his legacy. She serves as an inspiration for all women in business by living out her core values and putting people first in the workplace.

00:00 Introduction to the Elevator Entrepreneur Podcast
00:42 Meet Veronica Querales
04:51 Challenges and Triumphs
08:56 Business Insights and Leadership
16:44 Final Thoughts

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In this episode of the Elevator Entrepreneur Podcast, Anita Seymour from Expert Service Solutions joins me to discuss her experience in the elevator industry. Anita developed a mobile app early in the tech wave that has led to creating a comprehensive ERP system for the field.

Anita emphasizes the need for having a robust HR strategy, fostering a culture that values continuous education and growth, and the challenges of building and maintaining a successful team. Through this episode, we can both agree that challenging oneself and building a supportive work environment are critical to thriving in the elevator business.

00:00 Introduction to the Elevator Entrepreneur Podcast
00:42 Guest Introduction: Anita Seymour
01:05 Anita's Journey in the Elevator Industry
05:49 Challenges and Solutions in Building a Team
10:17 The Importance of HR and Employee Development
16:15 Advice for Elevator Entrepreneurs
17:35 Closing Remarks and Resources

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In this episode of The Elevator Entrepreneur, I’m joined by Christopher Short, former CEO of Southern Elevator to explore the leadership strategies that have helped him build a successful career and business.

Christopher talks about how having a business operating system in place can give your team a clear structure to rally around. He also dives into why being involved in company culture matters and how it can lead to happier, more motivated employees.

Are you ready to take the next step in your business to implement an elevator business operating system?

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00:00 Welcome to the Elevator Entrepreneur Podcast
00:54 Meet Christopher Short of Southern Elevator
06:38 Business Challenges Faced as an Elevator Entrepreneur
10:18 Choosing an Elevator Business Operating System
19:55 Culture in the Workplace
24:55 Final Thoughts and Advice for Fellow Elevator Entrepreneurs

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A MUST WATCH for aspiring elevator entrepreneurs kicking off their journey!

Adam Thomas of Albany Elevator shares his experience in the elevator industry, coming from a third-generation family business. We discuss leadership transitions, emotional intelligence as a business owner, and the benefits of educational courses in developing leadership skills.

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In this episode of the Elevator Entrepreneur Podcast, Kassie Robinson of Robinson Elevator joins me to discuss navigating the early years as an elevator business owner.

Kassie shares what led to the creation of Robinson Elevator and the critical challenges of managing cash flow and maintaining talent. Kassie outlines the importance of staying true to one’s moral compass, and the perseverance to overcome those obstacles.

00:00 Welcome to the Elevator Entrepreneur Podcast
00:45 Meet Kassie Robinson of Robinson Elevator Company(REC)
02:58 Starting Robinson Elevator
03:57 Kassie’s Business Challenges: Cashflow and People
05:37 Navigating the Elevator Industry
13:46 Advice for Fellow Elevator Entrepreneurs

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Welcome Brad Hoersten! We discuss his innovative approach to converting leads into sales in the elevator repair industry. Brad's journey began at a college job fair, leading to the establishment of ElevatorZip over five years ago.

He highlights the critical need for improved communication between sales representatives and mechanics, explaining how ElevatorZip streamlines this process through automation and enhanced information sharing.

00:00 Welcome to the Elevator Entrepreneur Podcast
00:45 Meet Brad Hoersten of ElevatorZip
01:05 Brad's Journey in the Elevator Industry
03:05 Challenges in Repair Sales
03:55 The Importance of Mechanics in Sales
07:54 Building Relationships with Mechanics
11:05 The Mechanic's Role in Closing Deals
11:55 Challenges in Elevator Sales
12:16 ElevatorZip: Solving Sales Problems
13:13 Streamlining the Sales Process
13:48 Innovative Solutions for Sales Reps
15:51 Importance of Repair Sales
17:58 Advice for Elevator Entrepreneurs

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