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.

Modernization is one of the biggest decisions a building owner will make about an elevator system. It affects safety, reliability, tenant experience, downtime, and long-term cost. In this episode of Let’s Talk Elevators, host Morgan Jones sits down with Ed Rivera, Senior Vice President at VDA Consultants, to break down how modernization decisions are really made and why timing matters more than most people realize.

Ed brings more than 17 years of experience across engineering, contracting, and consulting. He shares his path from intern to licensed professional engineer and now senior leadership at one of the largest consulting firms in the country. That perspective shapes the entire conversation. This episode is about practical decision-making, not sales pitches or blanket recommendations.

The discussion starts with the current modernization market and why activity has increased across North America. Aging equipment, stricter codes, obsolescence, and changes in building use are all driving owners to take a closer look at systems that may still be running, but no longer performing reliably. Ed explains how consultants evaluate equipment condition, code requirements, sustainability goals, and long-term serviceability before recommending any path forward.

A major focus of the episode is obsolescence. As electronic components, drives, controllers, and door systems become harder to source, owners face longer shutdowns and higher risk when failures occur. Ed explains how consultants identify which components are at risk and how proactive planning can prevent sudden, extended outages that leave buildings without service for weeks or months.

Morgan and Ed also explore common questions owners ask, including whether upgrades can be phased, which components can realistically be reused, and when piecemealing work creates more risk than value. The conversation covers machines versus controllers, ride quality improvements, door systems, motor drives, positioning systems, and how each piece affects the others.

Another key theme is cost versus downtime. Ed explains how owners often weigh capital spend against out-of-service duration, and why the least expensive option upfront is not always the most economical long-term. The episode also addresses situations where owners lack capital and how targeted repairs, audits, and maintenance strategies can extend equipment life responsibly.

Finally, the episode clarifies the role of an elevator consultant. From design and bidding to code interpretation and construction oversight, Ed explains how consultants act as unbiased advocates for building owners, helping them navigate complex technical decisions with confidence.

This episode is essential listening for building owners, property managers, consultants, and anyone involved in long-term elevator planning.