Elevator Careers – Details, episodes & analysis

In this conversation, Ryan Schuett and I discuss his role as the business manager of the International Union of Elevator Constructors, Local 31 in Houston, Texas. Ryan addresses the significance of mentorship, the challenges of recruiting, and the importance of perseverance. We also discuss his own journey as a first-generation elevator constructor, and he offers his advice for aspiring elevator constructors.

Chapters:

00:00 Passion and Dedication in the Elevator Trade

07:31 The Role of a Business Manager

10:21 Path to Becoming an Elevator Constructor

18:50 Challenges and Opportunities in Recruitment

24:02 Mentorship and Community in the Trade

33:23 Preparing for Success in the Elevator Industry

40:45 The Future of the Elevator Trade

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

This episode brings together advice and lessons from four consultants in the elevator trade that were previously interviewed on the podcast, each with their own unique path and perspective. Featuring Mike Balsamo from VDA, Joe McAnulty who serves as chair of the Elevator and Escalator Safety Foundation (EESF), Matt Jackson with Blackstone Elevator Consulting, and John Koshak with Elevator Safety Solutions, sharing advice they've learned throughout their careers.

Chapters:

0:00 Intro

1:47 Mike Balsamo: Communication

3:17 Joe McAnulty: Getting involved

6:30 Matt Jackson: Partnership and Integrity

9:00 John Koshak: Honesty and Tenacity

11:33 Outro

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

A Message from our Sponsor: 

If you're interested in the opportunity to franchise, contact Jason Booher, the franchise manager, at jason@elevators.com or visit https://www.elevators.com/franchise to learn more.

Intro:

This episode of Elevator Tools & Tech is brought to you by Nationwide Lifts, a leader in residential elevators and one of the first companies in the industry to build a large-scale franchise model centered on local ownership and customer care. I interviewed co-founder Andy Darnley to talk about what sets residential work apart, how diversification has fueled Nationwide Lifts’ growth, and opportunities for elevator technicians to step into entrepreneurship through launching a franchise with Nationwide Lifts. 

Eric Burket started in the elevator industry in 1997 with General Elevator, working in Hagerstown, Maryland.  Eric quickly found his passion for the industry and has spent 25 years in various sales roles and locations, including Regional Vice President with TK in New York City. Today, Eric is the President of ELEV8 Elevator Consulting.  Eric loves what he does and believes that hard work is the key to success.

Rick Milefchik is the Chief Operating Officer of Access Elevator Supply in San Francisco and Quality Elevator Products in Chicago. Rick started in the industry in 1981 with Montgomery Elevator as a 16 year old high school student, and grew from there. He spent 32 years with Montgomery/Kone and 8 more with ECS Corporation before taking on his current role. Rick met his wife of 33 plus years at Montgomery, and his three children work for him today with AES and QEP. Rick has accomplished much in his career, and all without ever leaving his hometown.

Jeff Smith started his career in new installation and modernization sales with, then, Thyssenkrupp Elevator, in Richmond Virginia.  Over the past 20 years, Jeff has held various sales and sales leadership roles, and has also spent time P&L.  Jeff is currently the Regional Business Development Manager with Smartrise Engineering for much of the Northeast.  Jeff is full of enthusiasm for the elevator industry and is passionate about the Customer Experience and helping develop the next generation of industry experts.

Joel Frohlinger grew up in an elevator family in New York City and is a proud graduate of the University of Oklahoma. Joel has worked in the elevator industry for over 56 years; he started as a helper, ran his own business for about 34 years and still works as a consultant. Joel loves the work he does and the wonderful people who have become life-long friends.

Joey Austin is the president of Atlantic Elevators, a residential elevator contractor in North Carolina. Joey started as a helper in 2003 and quickly moved up to being a foreman. In 2009, Joey moved to the Bay area of CA and in 2012, he moved to Virginia, where he continued to perfect his skills. In 2014, Joey was offered an opportunity to buy into an ownership position, which he was excited to do. For the past four years, Joey has had full leadership control of the company. He loves the work he is doing and continues to grow."

Loannie Reyes, also known as the “Elevator Chick," is the CEO of Authentic Elevator Services, headquartered in New York City. Loannie and her husband Quinn are originally from Puerto Rico and came to New York with the dream of learning the business and starting an elevator company in Puerto Rico. In addition to being the CEO, Loannie picked up the tools of the trade and is a mechanic and inspector; she can often be found performing repairs, troubleshooting and inspecting. Loannie loves the elevator industry and is passionate about teaching, training and developing everyone who wants to learn.

Amy DiPaolo is the Chief Sales Officer and an equity partner with Champion Elevator, headquartered in New York City. Amy started her career at Dover elevator at age 18 working a temp job in the office and she has never looked back. Amy is an ambitious learner and has performed every job possible and learned all aspects of running an elevator company. In 2014, Amy and her husband started Independence Elevator in New Jersey and operated it for seven years. In 2021, they sold to Champion Elevator and Amy joined as a partner. Amy is passionate about the elevator industry.  She believes it is incumbent upon those who have benefitted from it to volunteer and groom the next generation. Amy is proud to have accomplished so much in her career and looks forward to continuing on her journey.