Full House

Well-attended 2023 NAEC Annual Convention & Exposition provides a wealth of learning, networking and fun in Reno, Nevada. 

 photos courtesy of NAEC

As he passed the National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC) president torch to 2024 President Sean Madden, 2023 President John Tolar shared one of his earliest memories: being amazed by the ThyssenKrupp elevator test tower in Horn Lake, Mississippi, as a 5-year-old boy tagging along with his father at work. It would begin a passion for the vertical-transportation (VT) industry that persists to this day. Tolar spoke of transitioning from OEMs to independents, and realizing that those in the independent elevator sector are very much focused on relationships — making connections. “The industry is amazing not just on an elevator level, but on a personal, family level,” he said. “NAEC has helped me tremendously in navigating a myriad of challenges. My only regret is not getting involved sooner.” 

From the looks of the crowds at the 74th annual convention in Reno, Nevada, on September 10-13, many more VT professionals are getting involved. More than 2,000 individuals (including many new faces) attended the event, a testament to the association’s growing draw. Notably, this year’s expo drew a considerable West Coast presence, with approximately 650 attendees, or more than 30%, driving in from California. The venue, the Reno Sparks Convention Center (RSCC), is connected via a skybridge to host hotel Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, with its 64,814-ft² gaming floor alive with card games and the sounds and lights of slot machines. Over fabulous food, seemingly endless cocktails, awards, recognitions, parties, networking and lots of education, relationships were strengthened and formed throughout the four-day event. Happenings at both locations were action-packed and nearly constant. 

Sunday, September 10

As exhibitors set up, 105 players took part in the official golf tournament at Old Greenwood Golf Course in Truckee, California, approximately 35 mi. southwest of the RSCC. Featuring a beautiful mountain backdrop in the High Sierras and plenty of hazards, the course proved challenging. Few played their best games, but all who attended agreed the fabulous setting and industry fellowship were well worth it.

That evening, Membership Development Chair Charley Meeks of Delaware Elevator organized a reception for first-time convention attendees and new NAEC members in an Atlantis ballroom. The new-member reception was “amazing,” she said, drawing more than 100 people, including many first-timers. Meeks said: 

“My committee was ecstatic to meet so many awesome people who were new to NAEC. I am incredibly proud of the Membership Development Committee and the NAEC staff that coordinated so we could pull this event off. It will be a convention highlight for years to come!”

Immediately following was the always-lavish Welcome Reception in Atlantis’ expansive Treasures ballroom, decorated with aged whiskey barrels serving as both tables and couches. It featured a live band, magicians strolling from table to table performing slight-of-hand card tricks, lots of networking, open bars and a feast fit for a king: bacon-wrapped filet mignon, shrimp cocktail and oysters Rockefeller to name only a few. In a nod to the Comstock Lode, the first major discovery of silver ore in the U.S. and a major reason for Reno’s early growth, attendees could pose for keepsake photos wearing Old West garb. 

Monday, September 11

As guests registered in the RSCC exhibit hall, the Welcome Breakfast featured keynote speaker Dr. Randy Ross, author of the book Choose to be Remarkable! The ballroom was standing room only with an attentive crowd. Prior to the keynote, NAEC Executive Director Rená Cozart presented Canadian Elevator Contractors Association (CECA) Executive Director Catharine Bothwell with a “Lobster Award,” recognizing CECA as the “undisputed lobster champion.” Cozart graciously acknowledged the dearth of lobster at the NAEC 2015 convention in Boston, an event that will live in on infamy as “Lobstergate.” CECA’s lobster event at its 2023 Halifax convention was quite different. “From one executive director to another, I can tell you CECA has its lobster game down,” Cozart said. 

Ross’ keynote imparted “practical wisdom for today’s leaders” with the help of visuals, including a video featuring an entrepreneur who has Down Syndrome. The young man’s business is a success, the video showed, because he works hard and is happy to come to work. “Workplace culture happens by design, not default,” Ross said, observing the hallmarks of a remarkable work culture are where people see, want and expect the best from one another. Thoughtful leadership and strong relationships are vital to business success, he said. 

Prior to calling the annual General Business Session to order, Tolar acknowledged 9/11 and the impact of that tragic day. During the following NAEC membership session, Mike Jennings of Virginia Controls said NAEC has 301 voting members. Board of Directors (BoD) Nominating Committee Chairman Bret Abels introduced the contractor nominees: Amy DiPaolo of Champion Elevator; John O’Shea of Start Elevator, Inc.; and Evan Petrower of Day Elevator and Lift, a Kleemann Company. Accepted by popular vote, all three expressed gratitude to NAEC and their desire to serve the association and the industry. Supplier Committee Chairman Steve Husband introduced BoD nominee Blake Pilgrim of Wurtec who was accepted by popular vote and welcomed to the podium. 

NAEC treasurer Karen Kennedy Dodds of Kencor Inc. shared in the financial report that the association “surpassed budget goals for the fiscal year” in a year characterized by success, expansion and a growing education program. NAEC enjoyed strong participation at the 2023 Spring Educational Conference in Hawaii and the NexGen Retreat in Nashville, she said. All in all, “the books are in good order, with solid expense control and balanced revenue streams.” All approved the treasurer’s report. 

In 2024, Tolar said, there will be an increased focus on member outreach and automation to enhance resource usability for members. Ongoing efforts to reach out to potential and new members resulted in one company representative each from Bermuda and Germany attending the Reno convention. “They got to see firsthand how we operate as a group and what we offer,” Tolar said. A few examples of NAEC’s increased focus on automation and technology were evident at the RSCC: Guests printed their own badges at a computer station, and a handy app providing up-to-the-minute updates of what was going on could be downloaded. Both worked flawlessly. 

After the General Business Session, the contractor, associate and supplier member sessions were held concurrently.

During the contractor session, David Smarte said he had been teaching a lot of Qualified Elevator Inspector (QEI^®) preparation courses, along with working with Occupational Safety and Health Administration Alliance Partners on aligning the industry in fall protection, false cars and lock out/tag out. NAEC Director of Credentialing Rose Kodzwa said that 57 inspectors have been QEI certified through NAEC’s QEI program and 25 are in progress of becoming certified. She provided information on the QEI enrollment cycle and then handed the mic over to Smarte, who said NAEC is working closely with the National Elevator Industry, Inc. and ELEVATOR WORLD to update the Elevator Industry Field Employees’ Safety Handbook for publication in 2025.

Following Smarte’s report, Tolar said: 

“What Dave just gave a report on is just a small part of what he does for the industry. He is working really hard with NEII to reach a period where safety has one voice. We want to get to a point where the Safety Handbook is the single voice for safety, industrywide. And we are close.” 

The remainder of the day was packed with in-depth education sessions: 

• “Next-Generation Sales” by Amelia Holguin of Dynasty Elevator
• “What You Need to Know about Hydraulic MRLs” by Travis Hall of Alliance Elevator Solutions
• “2nd Generation 2-Way Visual Communication Industry Rollout, Results and Improvement” by Aaron McGroathy of Rath Janus
• “Women in Motion (WiM) Practical Accounting Basics” by Nicholle Taylor of Aponi Advisors
• “Leadership Style Matters. What Is Yours?” by Vong Keovongsa of Elevator Services Group
• “Vertical Transportation Industry Safety and Education Update” by Keith Evans, David Smarte, Ray Downs and Jason Dalvano

Described by one attendee as a “rock star who is giving a voice to the new VT generation,” Holguin’s presentation saw all seats filled to hear her talk about the differences in sales techniques between the older and younger generations. The upshot: Everyone can win by taking the best qualities of both, in turn closing the generation gap and making sales. She spoke about both the power of social media and of personal, face-to-face relationships, revealing details of surveys of members of the older and younger generations to paint a picture of attitudes and practices. About customer relationship management software, or CRM, she said, “I’m obsessed with it now.” Her advice: blend traditional and modern methods for better engagement.

Your author could not attend all educational sessions, but the ones she did were lively, impactful and informative. McGroathy provided valuable insight about two-way communication code changes, what it takes to bring elevators into compliance and the implications for properties such as casinos and hospitals. Keovongsa’s presentation veered significantly away from his recent EW column of almost the same name (EW, May 2023). It included slides highlighting Keovongsa’s love of romantic comedies. Playing the role of “boss” he delivered famous movie lines (animated, loud and in character) in response to employees’ (played by audience members) legitimate questions to illustrate various leadership styles. Each attendee then took an in-depth quiz to determine their own leadership style, with discussion of the pros and cons of each following. 

A rare evening “off” was a good thing, as the tradeshow floor would be a hive of activity the next day, and the Women in Motion breakfast meeting was set to begin at 7 a.m. the next morning. 

Tuesday, September 12

Before exhibits opened at 9:30 a.m., Women in Motion held a meeting in one of the hotel ballrooms. NAEC National Development Officer Lori Wolking introduced WiM Steering Committee Chair Amy DiPaolo of Champion Elevator. With a strong turnout of more than 40, DiPaolo recognized WiM Steering Committee members and asked attendees what they would like the group to pursue. Reponses included promoting on social media, spotlighting outstanding women in VT, presenting educational sessions that people can attend remotely and reaching out to NexGen and major OEMs to recruit mentors. Highlights in the NAEC Mainline newsletter and website with headshots and bios were also recommended. WiM is in the process of crafting its mission statement, and the next meeting is planned at the Elevator Conference of New York Supplier Showcase in Bronx, N.Y., in April 2024. 

The doors to the tradeshow floor were flung open, with networking, greetings among friends, cotton candy and beer (in the morning!), lots of swag and the opportunity to chat with vendors about their latest offerings. Attendees had a chance to win such items as a bespoke pickleball tote bag from Palmer Pads and an iPad from Matot. Vantage had a full sitting area with munchies and drinks, and Delco Elevator Products had bright feather boas and heart-shaped sunglasses for visitors to pose for photos in. At the NAEC Beer Garden outfitted in bright green artificial turf, guests were invited to “come on in” for a cold beer and more. 

With the steady low roar of hundreds of conversations on the other side of the black curtain, education continued apace on Tuesday. Presentations were: 

• “To Repair or Not To Repair? Safety Systems and Code Changes” by Craig Jones of Country Home Elevator & Stair Lift
• “Optimizing Traction Elevator Machine Maintenance, Performance, Rope Life and Ride Quality” by Archie Thompson of Hyperion Solutions (Torin Drive North America)
• “Elevator Pit Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility: Safety, Statistics & Introduction of a New Safety System to Make Elevator Pits Safer” by Walter Barnes of ECI
• “Pit Ladders and Access Safety” by Margaret Lourenço of Smart Elevator Tech, LLC
• “Converting Landlines to Cellular: Best Practices, Challenges and Solutions for the Elevator Industry” by Matt Miller of Simplifi
• “Innovative Solutions: PU-Coated Ropes in Combination With Compact Gearless Elevator Machines” by Dieter Reiger and Marc Hirsch of Ziehl-Abegg and Pat Dreps of Brugg North America
• “The Evolution of Elevator Doors Used in Home Elevators” by LJ Blaiotta of Columbia Elevator 
• “New Door Lock Monitoring Requirements for Existing Elevators” by Peter Novak of Claddagh Electronics

After a long day of tradeshow fun, everyone caught a second wind for the festive Tuesday Night Reception in the RSCC Mt. Rose pre-function area directly across from the tradeshow floor, a long, brightly lit lobby with floor-to-ceiling windows spanning nearly an entire side of the convention center. In a foreshadowing of the awesome Dregs Party that was to come at the National Automobile Museum, the entry to the Mt. Rose area showcased a collection of perfectly restored vintage cars, including a 1967 Jaguar E-Type, Porsches, Jeeps and Corvettes. 

Guests snacked on pulled pork sandwiches and goat cheese at tables interspersed among numerous open bars, which proved quite popular after the long day. A deejay played the latest hits, and an Atlantic City theme included a trivia contest for the person who knew (and could shout out the loudest) the location of the first Ferris Wheel (Atlantic City) to win a Yeti cooler. Your author took the prize, promptly handing it over to a California couple seated behind her who had, in fairness, also shouted out the correct answer but weren’t as close to the deejay. A gentleman dressed as an Atlantic City Boardwalk barker used a megaphone to shout out “Last 30 min of free alcohol!” before it was time to head to the Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation dessert and cocktail reception in another room of the RSCC. 

Wednesday, September 13

It was a day of awards, beginning with the NAEC Awards Breakfast and moving on to the ever-popular EW Ellies Awards in an educational pavilion (see Ellies p. 70). 

With life-sized working models of various door equipment and machines, the bright yellow and black Vantage booth received the Spirit of NAEC Award. Additional booth awards were:

• Harris Cos. Inc, top single booth
• Savaria Concord Lifts, best multiple booth
• BIS Elevator Packages, best island

A moment of silence was observed in honor of Herb Glaser Jr., retired executive vice president of GAL Manufacturing Corp. and retired vice president of Hollister-Whitney, who passed away earlier this year (EW, November 2023). 

The Supplier Member Award was presented to Delaware Elevator Co., a “well-deserved honor for a company that has had a tremendous impact.” 

Tolar then praised NAEC for successfully navigating a “year of extraordinary challenges,” including COVID-19 and staffing issues. “It’s an honor to have served them,” he said.

Blaiotta presented the 2023 William C. Sturgeon Distinguished Service Award to Gary Schuette of Midwest Elevator, to a standing ovation. Describing the award as the “most prestigious recognition anyone in our industry can receive,” Blaiotta described how Schuette, after being let go by an OEM, grew Midwest Elevator from a home office “with his first desk fashioned from an old ping pong table that his father made” into a powerhouse covering the greater part of America’s heartland. The company, Blaiotta observed, has been repeatedly recognized as a “top place to work,” continuing: 

“Midwest’s success is no accident, nor is it surprising. It’s simply a testament to Gary’s character and leadership. For example, even today, Gary still doesn’t lead from a position of hubris, but rather from one of humility. You can witness it in even the smallest of things like the company’s annual summer and year-end holiday parties. Guests of honor include Midwest’s very first customer, John Marcallini, former director of facilities at Washington State University School of Medicine. Despite being retired, Marcallini continues to attend Midwest’s parties and has affectionately dubbed Schuette ‘the godfather of Midwest Elevator.’” 

In accepting his award, Schuette said he owes a debt of gratitude to his beloved wife of 41 years, Dianne, aka Pumpkin, who supported him throughout “the scary, grueling and exhausting years of building a business from scratch and building a life and family together.” 

Following the Awards Breakfast, the tradeshow floor and education rooms again came alive. The day’s educational sessions included:

• “Elevator Drive Branch Circuit and Dynamic Braking Resistor Protection” by Tyler Pecha of KEB America
• “Private Equity, the Elevator Industry and You: Myths, Realities, Opportunities and Threats” by Jonathan Taub of Rimrock Corp., developers of FIELDBOSS software
• “Understanding/Adjusting/Troubleshooting GALaxay Controllers” by Rick Chahoon of GAL Manufacturing and
• “How Communications Have Changed” by Jonathan Latham of MAD

The EW Ellies Awards took place mid-morning to a packed crowd. Participants love to win, with some begging our staff to give them the scoop ahead of time. The results were kept under tight wraps until the live announcements, and the excitement upon revealing the winners was palpable.

For those in the know, an additional ounce or two of energy had to be summoned for the evening Dregs Party, which has steadily become a convention highlight. This year’s version featured an endless loop of tour buses carrying guests to and from the National Automobile Museum overlooking the Truckee River only a few miles away. Sponsored by Champion Elevator and Kings III, the event featured a delicious al fresco moonlit barbecue feast, multiple full bars and tours of the amazing museum housing more than 200 classic cars. 

NAEC National Development Officer Lori Wolking said: 

“This year’s NAEC Convention was an incredible success, and we extend our gratitude to our members, exhibitors and sponsors who made it possible. Your support and dedication have been instrumental in making this event memorable. We eagerly anticipate reuniting with everyone next year in Atlantic City for another remarkable gathering.”