Welcome to Episode 8 of Let’s Talk Elevators, recorded live at the ECNY Supplier Showcase. In this exclusive panel discussion, host Morgan Jones sits down with four industry leaders to debate a problem every contractor and building owner faces: traction systems that do not perform as expected.

When an elevator system underperforms, who owns the responsibility? Is it the manufacturer, the installer, the maintenance provider, or the environment?

Our panelists bring decades of experience from every corner of the trade to answer that question. Featuring Carlos Escobar (Hyperion Solutions), Nicola Imbimbo (Prysmian), Greg Decola (VDA), and Kevin McInerney (Metro Elevator), this conversation cuts through the finger-pointing and addresses the real-world pressure of tight schedules, shifting codes, and shrinking machine rooms.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• The Rope Life Myth: Why rope life must be measured in the number of bends and trips, not years, and how improper installation (like uncoiling kinks and unequal tension) kills ropes early.
• Modernization Constraints: The physical realities of replacing massive legacy machines with smaller, modern equipment, and the hidden costs of reusing older sheaves.
• The Training Gap: Why short-sighted economics and a lack of field education lead to premature equipment failure and costly callbacks.
• Maintenance Pricing Realities: A candid look at the "race to the bottom" in maintenance contracts and how it impacts system longevity.
• Coated Suspension Means: The European perspective on belts versus traditional ropes, including the strict environmental and cleaning requirements needed for them to function properly.

This industry is built on physics, and you cannot cheat the hoistway. Whether you are a consultant writing specs, a mechanic tensioning ropes, or an independent contractor trying to hold the line on maintenance pricing, this episode delivers the technical insight you need.

Subscribe today and join us as we elevate the conversation.

Welcome back to Let’s Talk Elevators. In Episode 7, host Morgan Jones sits down with Travis Hall from Alliance Elevator Solutions. Travis brings nearly two decades of manufacturing and industry experience to the table, sharing a candid look at what it takes to build a successful career and company in vertical transportation.

This episode cuts through the noise. Travis shares his origin story, from value engineering parts to launching Alliance with a bold pitch to his CEO. The conversation shifts quickly into the realities of the trade today. They discuss why a four-year degree doesn't guarantee success, and why a relentless drive to solve problems beats academic credentials every time.

Topics covered in this episode:

• The School of Hard Knocks: Why field experience, work ethic, and a problem-solving mindset trump traditional education in the elevator industry.
• Strategic Technology Adoption: How AI is shifting the business side of the trade. AI won't replace people, but professionals who know how to use it will replace those who don't.
• Training Realities: The balance between new 3D/software learning concepts and the irreplaceable value of hands-on training. (As Travis puts it, "There's nothing like sailing a damn boat.")
• The Supplier's Role: Why suppliers and manufacturers must act as technical educators for independent contractors, rather than just taking orders.
• Recruiting from the Trades: Practical advice on pulling talent from other blue-collar sectors by showing them the earning potential, flexibility, and stability of the elevator trade.
• Understanding True Passion: Why passion requires sacrifice, and why you shouldn't claim to have it unless you are willing to put in the work.

Whether you are a field mechanic turning a wrench, a project manager fighting tight schedules, or an independent contractor trying to scale, Travis delivers grounded, practical advice on how to navigate the current landscape of the industry.

Subscribe today and join us as we elevate the conversation.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Elevators, Morgan Jones sits down with Tom Schmidt of MEI to talk about what life really looks like in elevator service. From early mornings and emergency calls to routine maintenance and customer conversations, Tom shares an honest, field-level view of the work that keeps elevators running safely every day.

Tom’s path into the elevator industry started in the electrical trade, where he spent more than two decades as a union electrician before joining the elevator trade later in his career. That background shaped his approach to service, safety, and customer relationships. Throughout the conversation, Tom explains what a typical day looks like in service, why no two calls are ever the same, and how weather, building conditions, and daily use all impact elevator reliability.

The discussion digs into common challenges service mechanics face, especially door issues caused by debris, seasonal conditions, and pressure changes in buildings. Tom explains why simple things like keeping door sills clean can make a major difference in performance and uptime. He also shares why communication with building owners, maintenance staff, and residents is critical when diagnosing issues, especially when service visits are spaced weeks or months apart.

Safety is a constant theme in the episode. Tom talks about why speed should never come at the expense of procedure, how repetition and process protect mechanics, and why skipping steps often leads to injuries. He explains how troubleshooting relies on using all your senses, listening for abnormal sounds, noticing smells, observing patterns, and combining that information with diagnostic tools and fault codes to build a clear picture of what went wrong.

The episode also explores training, mentorship, and the responsibility experienced mechanics have to teach newer people the right way to work. Tom shares how he mentors apprentices by explaining not just what he’s doing, but why he’s doing it, and how tools like job hazard analysis help teams plan work safely before turning a wrench.

Morgan and Tom also discuss on-call life, after-hours emergencies, and the mental demands of service work. From being prepared with food and rest to having a supportive spouse who understands the job, Tom offers a candid look at what it takes to show up when elevators fail at the worst possible times.

The conversation closes with a message for building owners and the riding public. Tom explains why elevator repairs cost what they do, how safety drives every decision, and why awareness and attention from riders can help prevent incidents before they happen.

This episode is a grounded, practical look at elevator service, told by someone who lives it every day.