NAEC Spring Education Conference Registration Now Open
Join us for the National Association of Elevator Contractors Spring Education Conference March 16-19, 2025. Located at Westin Hilton Head Resort and Spa in stunning Hilton Head, South Carolina. This year’s event promises to be the best yet!
An unparalleled learning experience set against an unforgettable backdrop, there are opportunities for vertical transportation veterans and newcomers alike to earn continuing education credits and network with esteemed industry professionals. The agenda is loaded with top-tier educational sessions designed to equip attendees with the latest industry insights. Alongside ample continuing education, for the first time ever, the Conference offers a track designed specifically for NexGen. The NexGen agenda will run concurrently with the conference program, offering a specialized mix of education and networking opportunities engineered to develop the industry’s future leaders.
CALL FOR SPEAKERS
Are you ready to share your expertise with the industry? We invite you to volunteer for a speaking opportunity at the September Convention in Houston and share your expertise with the industry. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or bringing fresh insights, your voice can make a difference!
click for speaker form
Set in the lush low country, this year’s conference offers even more ways to connect with fellow vertical transportation professionals while enjoying the coastal setting. Join us for a local community service project and add meaning to your conference experience. Or, sign up for the NAEC Official Golf Tournament on the prestigious Barony Course.
Sponsorship is one of the best ways to increase brand recognition and connect with other industry professionals. The best part is there are still a few opportunities available. Contact NAEC National Sales Representative, Paula Sanchez, at paula@naec.org or 201.280.8690 and elevate your business today!
For more information and to register, visit www.naec.org/conference
NAEC Mainline
A quarterly newsletter of the National Association of Elevator Contractors.
President: Bill McGrath
Executive Director: Rená Cozart
Be in Mainline. Know of an event or have an article idea?
Submit your photos and submissions to Rená Cozart at rena@naec.org.
NAEC is committed to providing you with the highest level of customer service. We value your time and respect your online privacy. Please take notice that we will communicate important information via e-mail regarding meetings, conventions and services that might be of interest to you and your company.
SAVEthe DATE!
UPCOMING EVENTS
FEBRUARY 26, 2025
NAEC QEI Prep Course | Lexington, KY
MARCH 12-13, 2025
New York Build Expo | Javits Center, NY
MARCH 16-19, 2025
NAEC Education Conference Westin Hilton Head Island Resort
APRIL 9, 2025
ECNY Villa Baronne | Bronx, NY
MAY 20-22, 2025
IAEC Forum 2025 | New Orleans, LA
JUNE 9-12, 2025
CECA – 2025 Niagara Falls Convention Niagara Falls, Canada
JUNE 9, 2025
NAEC QEI Prep Course Niagara Falls Convention Center
JUNE 11-12, 2025
Liftex | London, England
SEPTEMBER 14-17, 2025
NAEC Convention & Expo | Houston, TX
SEPTEMBER 25-16, 2025
NAESA Wisconsin Elevator Symposium | Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
OCTOBER 15-17, 2025
Interlift | Nuremberg, Germany
Field Employee Safety Handbook Update
During the NAEC Spring Education Conference in March, NAEC will be partnering with NEII to provide a look at the new 2025 version of the Elevator World Field Employee Safety Handbook. NAEC’s David Smarte and NEII’s Dot Mynahan will provide insight to the details and changes on this must-have safety resource that serves as the standard for the vertical transportation industry. There are several newly added sections in the updated handbook including Silica and Re-roping check off which align with the OSHA Alliance safety standards.
The Handbook, published through Elevator World, is designed to augment company safety programs and provide a resource for safety information for elevator industry field employees. Designed to help prevent injuries and illnesses resulting from unsafe acts and/or conditions, the Handbook promotes job site safety through adherence to OSHA safety regulations and defines recommended safe work practices affecting the elevator industry and other trades working with us.
To order a copy of the new Handbook, contact Elevator World/Elevator Books at elevatorworld.com/tag/elevator-books/.
click to order
16-20. With a strong commitment to innovation and progress, the NAEC Board of Directors was hard at work, with new initiatives underway to continue to drive the industry forward. This year’s meeting included robust discussions on the NAEC Strategic Plan, assessing accomplishments to date and identifying some new action steps for upcoming months.
OFFICERS 2024-25
NAEC President Bill McGrath South Jersey Elevator
NAEC Vice President Amy DiPaolo American Elevator Group
NAEC Secretary Travis Carlisle Murphy Elevator Company
NAEC Treasurer Anita Seymour Expert Service Solutions, Inc.
BOARD MEMBERS 2024-25 , Wurtec
Matt Hollinshead, Kencor Elevator
Teru Irvin, Executive Elevator
Phil Isaac, Gable Elevator
Dennis Lotter, Jersey Elevator
Jack O’Shea, Start Elevator Company
Evan Petrower, Day Elevator & Lift
Matt Yelland, The Peelle Company Ltd.
Veronica Querales, Kohtler Elevator Ind.
Welcome New Members
8th Wonder Consulting linkedin.com/in/robertcaesar2
Autoquip Guthrie, OK autoquip.com
Creations Unlimited Inc LaVista, Nebraska
Curzon Creative Fareham, UK curzoncreative.com
Driscoll Elevator Services Cranston, RI driscollelevatorservices.com
Elevator Research & Mfg Corp Los Angeles, CA elevatorresearch.com
Elevator Works Forest Hill, Maryland elevator-works.com
Elite Elevators Bethlehem, GA elite-elevators.com
Exodus Elevator Solutions LLC Houston, TX exoduselevatorsolutions.com
FellFab Hamilton, Ontario fellfabelevatorpads.com
Flood Risk America Lake Worth, FL floodriskamerica.com
GS Elevator Industries Inc North Bergen, NJ gselevator.com
Idaho Custom Elevators Meridian, ID idahocustomlifts.com
Invertek Drives USA Libertyville, IL invertekdrives.com
Ionic Elevator Ltd Rochester, NY ionicelevator.com
Lift Rite Elevator Pearl River, NY
Lifts Direct Limited Woodstock, UK liftsdirect.co.uk
Logic Elevator Solutions Inc Lockport, IL logicelevator.com
Majac East Chicago, IN
MEGA Elevator Parts Maspeth, NY megaelevatorparts.us
MES Elevator Consultancy West Hartford, CT myelevatorservice.com
PCL Contruction Entrprises Inc Denver, CO pcl.com
Primarius Elevator Bothell, WA primariuselevator.com
QI Tech Inc Dallas, TX
Resurgent Elevator LLC Whiteland, IN resurgentelevator.com
Space Solutions LLC Edmond, OK buildzoom.com
Texas Nameplate Company Lancaster, TX nameplate.com
The Home Elevator Company Jacksonville Beach, FL theheco.com
Vanguard Elevator Marietta, GA vanguardelevator.com
Victoria Surface Aurora, Ontario victoriasurface.com
Vista Elevator Technologies Bronx, NY vistaelevator.com
WEG Electric Corp Duluth, GA weg.net
Going Up: Start Elevator’s NYC Success Story
Founded in 1992 by owner and president John “Jack” O’Shea and his wife, Laura, Start Elevator serves a wide range of clients, operating throughout New York City’s five boroughs, as well as in Westchester County, Rockland County, Long Island, and New Jersey. The company specializes in the installation, maintenance, and repair of elevators for both residential and commercial properties of all sizes. Its expertise extends to educational campuses, healthcare facilities, parking garages, and retail outlets. Currently, Start is contracted to service over 3,000 elevators—a testament to its reputation and capabilities.
Start’s first two employees were the O’Sheas, with Jack having worked his way up in the elevator business from a mechanic’s helper. Today, the company employs over 130 people. “We’re proud to operate as a family-owned business, and it’s been truly rewarding to grow not just the business but relationships with our employees and customers,” said Jack O’Shea. “I believe we’ve achieved our success by adhering to the same principles today that we founded the company on: exceptional, 24/7 customer service, consistent operational excellence, and round-the-clock communication.”
The company’s comprehensive offerings include new construction, modernization, repairs, maintenance,
inspections, and resolving violations. Start designs tailored packages to meet clients’ specific budgets and schedules, delivering personalized solutions backed by decades of localized expertise.
Some recent notable completed projects include a modernization initiative for the Shore Haven Apartments in Brooklyn, NY, where 32 new elevators were installed on schedule, highlighting the company’s ability to meet and exceed client expectations. Another significant milestone was becoming the sole provider for healthcare provider Montefiore Medical Center’s extensive real estate portfolio. This partnership has not only been a rewarding business opportunity but also a chance to grow and refine the Start’s facility expertise.
Start Elevator’s affiliation with NAEC has been instrumental in its journey. Over the past 32 years, NAEC has provided invaluable support. Today, with O’Shea serving as a recently appointed board member, the company is pleased to contribute to and help strengthen this community that is a cornerstone of the elevator industry.
“NAEC membership provides a unique opportunity to grow and build relationships, which is what this industry is all about” said O’Shea. “I would especially encourage both new and long-standing members to take advantage of NEAC’s numerous educational programs and networking events. The new connections and opportunities you will have access to will have a huge impact on your organization’s growth.”
Creating a Solid Foundation for your Elevator Business
Managing finances may not be your favorite task, but it is the cornerstone of every successful elevator service business. Setting up an effective Chart of Accounts (COAs) provides clarity and consistency —enabling you to track progress, compare performance year over year, and benchmark against industry standards. These structures give you the tools to see the bigger picture —identifying which product lines are the most profitable, how to better manage cash flow, and where adjustments can drive growth.
CORE ELEMENTS OF A STRONG FINANCIAL STRUCTURE
1. Detailed Line Items: Break down revenue and expenses into specific categories and subcategories such as maintenance, billable services, repair, modernization, and new construction —providing a clearer picture of financial performance.
2. Year-Over-Year Comparisons: Compare financial data across years to identify trends, anomalies, and areas for improvement. Consider breaking down by quarters to have a clearer picture of trending highs and lows so you can plan proactively.
3. Benchmarking: Align your performance with industry standards to pinpoint strengths and opportunities for growth. If your marketing spend is below the norm, consider investing more in this area to drive business expansion, or if your highest profit margin is in repairs, consider further investment in that line of business to drive higher profitability and improve your bottom line.
TIPS TO BUILD OR IMPROVE YOUR FINANCIAL STRUCTURES
• Clear Budgeting. Allocate your resources and monitor spending effectively by creating and maintaining a detailed budget.
• Adopt a Financial Management Tool. Use software tailored for elevator businesses to manage invoicing, expense tracking, and automated reporting.
• Standardize Reporting Practices. Create consistent formats for weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports. Automate the report process so you have the tools you need in your weekly meeting syncs. This makes it easier to track progress over time and identify variances.
• Involve Your Team. Train your employees on the importance of tracking expenses accurately and consistently. Demonstrate how accurate accounting information can augment the ways in which departments collaborate and implement improvements.
• Review Regularly. Set aside time each quarter to take a deep dive into your financial reports and make business decisions by assessing the data.
When your financial framework is designed with precision, it becomes a powerful decision-making tool. Take the first step by evaluating your current financial processes—small adjustments can lead to significant results.
For expert guidance on aligning your business with industry standards, don’t miss Sean Madden’s presentation at the upcoming Spring Conference.
For additional insights or personalized support, visit ElevatorStrategicHub.com
NAEC is proud to announce a new partnership with Meazure Learning | ProctorU
ProctorU is a leader in remote proctoring services enhancing exam security and convenience that works with your schedule. This collaboration brings significant benefits to our members, ensuring secure and efficient exam processes that are both convenient and accessible.
BENEFITS OF REMOTE PROCTORING
• Convenient and Secure Testing: Participants can take exams from anywhere, with the reassurance of secure, monitored sessions to prevent cheating and ensure fairness.
• Flexible Scheduling: Exams can be scheduled at your convenience, with a 72-hour advance notice required to secure your exam spot. This gives you the flexibility to choose a time that works best for you, while still maintaining the integrity of the exam process.
• Cost Savings: Reduces the need for travel and administration costs for both students and employers.
• Fairness: Creates a fair online test environment for students.
Candidates in the NAEC CET and CAT Training Programs may use remote proctoring for all exams.
Contact Kathy Bell, education@naec.org to learn more.
THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING
My Name is Richard Williams and I was in your QEI preparation course at the elevator learning center in New York back in May of 2023. David, thanks to your methods of navigating the codebooks, on November 20th, 2024, I successfully passed and completed the QEI exam and now I am QEI certified, thanks to your preparation course. I definitely am looking forward to having you again for my continuing education classes for the QEI (hopefully they will be remote, but if I have to be physically present for the course, I will most definitely come), and again a warm thank you for everything you have done for me.”
– RICHARD WILLIAMS
PARTNERS IN EDUCATION FOR 2025
NAEC staff and volunteers will be partnering and providing education at the following industry events in 2025.
February 11 | Tampa, FL
EESF Annual General
Membership Meeting
F.E.S.H. Update*
February 26 | Lexington, KY
DC Elevator
QEI Code Prep Course
March 16-19 | Hilton Head, SC
NAEC Education Conference
March 28-29 | Ocean City, MD
NAESA Eastern Region Spring Workshop
F.E.S.H. Update*
April 11-12 | Las Vegas, NV
NAESA Western Region Spring Workshop
F.E.S.H. Update*
April 25-26 | Des Plaines, IL
NAESA Central Region Spring Workshop
F.E.S.H. Update*
June 9 | Ontario, Canada
CECA 2025 Niagara Falls Convention
QEI Code Prep Course
*Field Employee Safety Handbook
QUICK POINTS ON CET/CAT RENEWALS
• The Open CET/CAT Renewal email was sent to all active mechanics on September 10th.
• Expiration Date: Dec. 31, 2024
• Late Fees Begin: Feb. 3, 2025 Renewals after this date will incur a late fee.
• Required CEU credits: Each CET and CAT must complete at least 10 continuing education credits. Of these, at least one must be a safety credit.
• Only NAEC – approved CET/CAT Continuing Education is eligible for renewal credit (Continuing Education - National Association of Elevator Contractors (naec.org)
The new GL171X from Hollister-Whitney is a modern solution to your modernization challenge— going from geared to gearless traction machines. It’s a cost-effective solution designed for powerful, energy-efficient performance.
General Design Criteria:
Speed: Up to 500 fpm
Capacity: Up to 3,500 lbs. at 50% CW
Roping: 1 to 1, Single Wrap
Grooving: up to (8) – 3/8" or (7) – ½" ropes
Sheave Shaft Load: 25,700 lbs.
Machine weight: 2,560 lbs. Fits through 30" door
2024 highlights!
2024 highlights!
