Empowering Mechanics

SnapCab launches free online training with the Elevator Academy. 

Industry innovator SnapCab now offers a new tool for the elevator contractor’s toolbox: a self-paced course in elevator remodeling. This new course covers the whole process from beginning to end, with insider tips and tricks gained from more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing and installing new interiors. SnapCab is the only company in the industry offering free training in this specialty. Headquartered in Warrington, Pennsylvania, the Elevator Academy will be available everywhere online. Down the road, in-person training may be offered, as well.

Tim Kopistansky, who led the development team for the platform, said: 

“My favorite thing about it is the ability to empower elevator mechanics with the knowledge and confidence to install elevator interiors and add that to their portfolio of work to offer to their customers. Building knowledge and confidence can help with efficiency in installing interiors and keeping busy with profitable work.”

The video modules walk the elevator mechanic through every step of the process: measuring accurately, receiving the materials, adding a new ceiling and installing new panels. A training specialist is available to help during the learning process, and support is always available during actual measuring and installation. 

In the current economy, building managers will be looking for ways to save money on renovations. It is less costly to update an elevator than a lobby, for example, and residents experience the improvement up close.

SnapCab takes a complex scenario, such as measuring the inside of a unique cab, and breaks it down into easy steps. Rico Magruder’s years of experience as a union elevator mechanic were key to developing the material, and he is featured in the videos. Magruder is now the installation specialist at SnapCab, which has enabled him to share his many years of field experience with a broader audience. The course is user-friendly, and the videos can be re-watched as many times as desired. Knowledge is verified before earning a certificate of completion from the Elevator Academy. 

Taking the training gives mechanics that much more readiness and confidence to take on projects big and small.

Logical New Income Stream

“Adding elevator interior work to the mechanical work is a logical next step for companies that want to increase their revenue,” said Jon Kerr, director of Strategic Accounts at SnapCab. “Outsourcing to another company is leaving money on the table.”

In the current economy, building managers will be looking for ways to save money on renovations. It is less costly to update an elevator than a lobby, for example, and residents experience the improvement up close. 

SnapCab has helped launch this profitable new income stream for many elevator companies. The course is applicable to all kinds of cab renovations — not just SnapCab’s products. For example, the topic of cladding is covered. SnapCab does not manufacture cladding, but the company wanted to share information that will be useful in the completion of a project.

Travis Kinsey at Xcel Elevator Worx in Richmond, Texas, said, “Adding elevator interiors to our business gives us the additional product line to offer to our customers. It allows us to add variety and compete with the largest of companies in this market.”

If there is hesitancy in taking on the work, the Elevator Academy training will ease minds. More training videos beyond the initial courses will be provided over time for continuous training as desired.

A Helping Hand

SnapCab offers this in-depth training at no cost because it’s part of the company’s philosophy and culture. The company mission is to “Be Kind, Be Authentic, Be Useful.” SnapCab embraced lean manufacturing years ago. They reach out to all kinds of organizations to share the benefits they have gained. This is often in the form of tours of their facilities. Now, they want to share their knowledge and expertise.