Posts by Matt Allred

Jim Comley is the President and Owner of Embree Elevator. Jim Started in the industry when he was 19 years old in 1950. After a few years in the Navy, Jim returned and worked for Payne Elevator for many years. In 1973, Jim bought Embree Elevator and to his day, he continues to work because…

Ray Miller is the Business Development Manager for Elevators with Schmersal, USA & Canada. Ray started his career with Southern Elevator & Electric Supply (SEES) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 2008. In 2009, Ray moved to Los Angeles, California, to take a promotion with SEES, and shortly thereafter, he took on the role of Sales…

Josh Miller is the Sales Manager for Services & Solutions for Kone in the San Francisco Bay area. Josh has an MBA from St. Mary’s College of California and spent about 20 years working outside of the elevator industry before joining Kone in 2020. Josh’s prior experience prepared him to hit the ground running in…

Darrin Porch is the Founder and CEO of SafeRise, LLC. Darrin founded SafeRise as a solution to safely address elevator installation issues throughout the US, particularly around hoistway safety. Darrin has worked in the elevator and construction industry for over 20 years, including significant time with Otis and Schindler. He is excited to help make…

Matt Jackson is the president and founder of Blackstone Elevator Consulting. Matt started in the elevator industry with Kone as an Account Manager, and worked in Denver and Houston before landing in Chicago. When Matt joined VDA and began to see that the business runs best when founded on solid relationships. Matt brought this philosophy…

Cornelius Walls is the Global Vice President of Elevator Sales with Formula Systems, North America. Cornelius has been in the industry since 1995, when he stared with Adams Elevator as a receiving clerk. Cornelius has served on the board of directors of the EESF for 14 years, including being chairman of the board for three…

Mitch Nici is the “Elevator and Escalator Program Manager” for the Washington Metro Area Transit Authority (WMATA) in Washington DC, overseeing all elevators and escalators. Mitch started his career as a helper with Flynn Hill Elevator in 1985 and in 1992, Mitch moved to Washington DC and joined WMATA. Mitch has been in the industry…

Steve Comley is the President of The Elevator Museum in Amesbury, MA. Steve grew up in the industry with his father working at Payne Elevator; Steve joined the company when he was 18 years old, and spent 43 years as a mechanic. Steve has a passion for all things “elevator” and has collected many artifacts…

Today our guest is Nick Montesano, CEO and President of DTM Drafting and consulting services. Nick started as a helper with Millar elevator in New York City in 1979. In 1984, Nick joined his father, Joseph C. Montesano at the family consulting business. Nick has been in the industry 43 years and he is passionate…

Evan Petrower is the president of Day Elevator and Lift, a Kleemann Company. Evan started Day Elevator as an accessibility and mobility company in 1992 and he has continued to grow. Evan holds a New York City Director license. Evan is the past president and board member of AEMA, and is a safety and education…