For the eighth edition of The People Issue, we feature 16 outstanding vertical-transportation (VT) industry professionals from all over the world: North America, Europe, the Middle East and South Asia. They are engineers, educators, entrepreneurs, mechanics, consultants, salespeople and more. These 12 men and four women have earned recognition for their integrity, determination, dedication and ingenuity. It’s no secret the percentage of women elevator mechanics is negligible — less than 2% — but there are other ways to rise up in VT, namely, management, sales and strategy. The women VT professionals showcased this year include a U.S. Navy veteran who successfully landed countless aircraft carriers before joining — and growing in — the VT industry 15 years ago, a young woman originally from Shanghai who immigrated to Canada with a degree in finance who proved herself an excellent general manager with her fearlessness and creative problem-solving and a young woman who quickly rose to the director of sales position for a division of a global VT components supplier after decades in another manufacturing industry. When they were young, these women probably never dreamed their future careers would be in VT.
And then there are those — men and women alike — for which it is a matter of family tradition. We feature the daughter of the founder of a major elevator company in Greece who has ushered it into the future with aplomb and style, as well as several male VT veterans who represent the third generation of their families to thrive in the business. Hailing from and based in places as varied as Boston, Massachusetts; Marianna, Florida; Hod Hasharon, Israel; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; St. Louis, Missouri; and of course, NYC, each one of these VT professionals has a fascinating story to tell. North of the U.S. border, we highlight individuals from across Canada, and far, far from that border, we feature a respected OEM leader in India.
We hope you enjoy The People Issue 2025. In all honesty, there were more worthy VT professionals nominated than this magazine had room for, so never hesitate to re-nominate your favorite VT person next year!
Delber Baustert
Lins Elevator Service, Inc.
Delbert Baustert is a distinguished figure in the elevator industry whose career spans more than six decades of dedication, expertise and leadership. After spending time in the U.S. Navy, he began his vertical-transportation (VT) journey with Westinghouse Elevator in 1958, where he quickly established himself as a skilled technician, mastering the complexities of elevator installation, maintenance and modernization. His commitment to excellence and deep understanding of the trade propelled him through the ranks, earning the respect of both colleagues and clients.
Recognizing the need for quality, customer-focused elevator service, Baustert took a bold step and joined Howard Lins at Lins Elevator Service in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1972, where his nominator Joe Walker said he “became a pillar of the industry.” Baustert said the company had a great reputation in the area, and under his leadership, it flourished and is now known for its unwavering commitment to reliability, multifaceted expertise and personal service.
Baustert is still involved in Lins’ business daily, saying he talks with Walker multiple times a day. “Just being able to give the customer what they’re paying for is our goal,” Baustert said, adding, “We have good employees, and we plan to continue doing what we’re doing.”
Walker says that Baustert’s mentorship has shaped countless technicians over the years, instilling in them the same values of hard work, integrity and craftsmanship that have defined his own career. He said:
“Delbert’s contributions extend beyond business success; his dedication to the elevator industry has left a lasting impact, ensuring that future generations inherit a trade built on excellence. His lifelong commitment and invaluable expertise make him a truly deserving nominee for this honor.”
About spending his career in the VT industry, Baustert said:
“What I like about it is it’s a great business, and you can do a lot of good for customers if you treat them right. And they’ll treat you right, too. It’s been a long ride, and it’s still a great company.”
Michael Coyle
The Peelle Co.
With 30 years in the elevator industry, The Peelle Co.’s NYC General Manager (GM) Michael Coyle has solidified his status as a vertical-transportation (VT) industry veteran. Coyle is a third-generation elevator professional, following in the footsteps of his grandmother Veronica Coyle, who started working in the office at Mainco Elevator in the early 1950s, and his father William (Bill) Coyle, who started at Mainco in 1958. In 1994, Michael Coyle’s father, mother and himself started Colonial Elevator. While they owned Colonial Elevator, Michael Coyle worked in maintenance, repair, testing, violations, modernization and installation, as well as numerous positions in the office. He eventually became president of the company after his parents retired.
After selling Colonial Elevator where he worked with his brother, partner and co-owner Tom Coyle, who currently works for Unitec Elevator in NY, in 2012 and merging with Consolidated Elevator, Michael Coyle held the position of vice president of Operations at Consolidated Elevator in Long Island City, NY, for almost three years. He then joined D&D Elevator in Elmsford, NY, where he held the title of sales engineer. Finally, he started working for The Peelle Co. in January 2019 as GM of Peelle NYC after JT Peelle approached him to take over his position.
In Coyle’s six years at Peelle, he has worked with the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) and Local 580 labor to install Peelle freight doors and various passenger entrances for independent and major elevator contractors, as well as provide emergency repair and maintenance services. Nominator Vice President of Business Development at Peele and long-time co-worker of Coyle’s, Michael J. Ryan said:
“Coyle comes from a contractor background; therefore, he built his team with other elevator contractor professionals to address their specific needs, a unique approach for a supplier firm.”
While Coyle has had too many jobs and overseen too many projects to pick the one of which he’s most proud, he is proud to be a certified QEI elevator inspector. Yet, he is most proud of his 14-year-long marriage and two children, as well as carrying on his father’s legacy in the industry. As Coyle often says, “If, at the end of my career, people see me in half the light they saw him, I will be doing just fine.”
DJ Crasta
Otis India
DJ Crasta’s career with Otis India began in 1975 with an advertisement for a field trainee position, which sparked his curiosity about the world of elevators – a world he knew little about. From carrying heavy materials as a trainee to mastering the art of elevator installations and the intricate adjustments that follow, he treated every task as a lesson and every day as an opportunity.
As his expertise grew, Crasta became a key contributor to Otis India’s training initiatives, eventually leading the field trainee program. He quickly climbed the ranks to manage large projects, including landmark developments like India’s Hiranandani Hospital and Centaur Hotel.
He has consistently been at the forefront of adapting to evolving industry demands, but it was his role as the area manager for New Mumbai that truly defined his leadership journey. “Tasked with overseeing all facets of operations, he proved that a great leader adapts to every challenge, ensuring both the team and the customers always feel supported and understood,” said nominator Sebi Joseph, Otis India president.
One of Crasta’s — now director of Environment, Health & Safety, Otis India — most notable contributions to the industry was his role in pioneering scaffold-less installations, a method that revolutionized the way elevators were installed by significantly increasing efficiency while enhancing safety. This soon became standard in the industry, with competitors following suit in recognition of its success. “This innovative approach demonstrated not just technical expertise, but the foresight to transform an entire industry practice,” Joseph said, adding:
“His philosophy is simple yet powerful: Always be ready to serve and lead with integrity. He is a person of perseverance, vision and excellence; an inspiration to us all. He embodies the spirit of innovation and dedication that drives the elevator and escalator industry forward, making him a deserving candidate for recognition as one of the marquee figures of the industry.”
Carlos Escobar
Hyperion Solutions
On paper, Carlos Escobar has 30 years of elevator industry experience. But growing up with his namesake father who founded Long Island City (LIC), NY-based Titan Machine Corp. in 1973, elevators have always been a part of his life. Titan is a respected manufacturer of replacement sheave assemblies, worm and gear sets and custom-engineered fabrications, synchronizing both new product manufacturing and repair services. As a second-generation business owner, Escobar took the reins at Titan Machine in 2014, continuing to build the company’s reputation as a vital national supplier. In 2022, Escobar negotiated the sale of Titan to Arcline Investments, a private-equity (PE) firm that owns Hyperion Solutions, in turn transitioning to the role of Hyperion’s director of business development and technical solutions consultant. Today, he is based in Vermont, but travels frequently to evaluate repair and modernization projects on-site and takes to the stage to present at industry events throughout North America. Although he is no stranger to boardrooms, he’s much more comfortable on the shop floor. Indeed, when EW told him which headshot would run with this profile, he sent an old picture of himself from the mid-2000s in the shop preparing to overhaul a turn of the century Otis tandem geared drum machine. “That’s what I resonate with,”
he said.
From his time at Titan, Escobar has hands-on expertise in manufacturing traction machines, as well as all the intricacies associated with the operation of a repair, fabrication and machine shop. He has interacted with and supported countless modernizations, new-construction projects and high-profile/high-pressure repair emergencies. “He learned the trade from a generation that is soon all but gone and wears his reverence for that generation on his sleeve,” Escobar’s nominator, Hyperion General Manager Morgan Jones said, continuing:
“(Escobar’s) commitment to the greater benefit of the industry, while rooted in legacy expertise, isn’t stuck in the past. He’s just as likely to be found in a motor room tackling a complex modernization project as advising the executive team in the boardroom.”
Cindy Li
Delco Elevator Products
Cindy Li, general manager (GM) of Vancouver, Canada-headquartered Delco Elevator Products, embodies commitment, resilience and excellence in the elevator industry, says her nominator, Delco Marketing Manager Veronika Vasylieva. A native of Shanghai, China, Li joined Delco right after graduating college in 2007 in finance, initially holding an entry-level role as an accounting assistant. From day one, Li stood out for her willingness to take on any challenge and solve problems from which most others would walk away.
Over the years, her responsibilities at Delco continuously expanded as she earned the trust of colleagues, senior leadership and customers. Her consistency, sharp decision-making and ability to lead under pressure earned her a promotion from accountant to GM in 2013. In this role, Li oversees company operations, staff development and long-term planning. She works closely with Delco President Anya Codack, helping make high-level strategic decisions and shaping the future direction of the company. Li’s career, Vasylieva says, is proof that long-term dedication and hard work do not go unnoticed. “Cindy Li is more than a valuable team member,” Vasylieva says. “She is a pillar of Delco and a standout professional in our industry.”
For her part, Li says she works diligently on every project because she understands that attention to detail and consistent effort are the keys to client satisfaction. “Each project is an opportunity to improve, innovate and strengthen trust with our partners,” Li observes, adding that one of the most rewarding aspects of her job is how much she learns from clients. She says:
“They have been generous in sharing their technical expertise and practical insights, making them not only valued partners but also the most honest and effective mentors. Their feedback continues to challenge Delco to expand our product line and elevate our quality standards.”
Li also draws inspiration from her colleagues and is especially grateful to Codack, “whose clear direction and strategic vision help guide our team forward. I am proud to be a part of such a supportive and driven team — one that constantly encourages each other to grow and deliver better service to our customers.”
Lonnie Mackenzie
Abco Elevator
The elevator industry runs in Lonnie Mackenzie’s blood. As owner and founder of Abco Elevator in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada and a third-generation elevator technician, Mackenzie brings his approximately 30 years of experience in the elevator industry to Abco. But what is experience without passion? Mackenzie’s Instagram and YouTube accounts, where he posts videos discussing elevators in popular films like Speed, reflect his unbridled passion for elevators and movies.
Mackenzie completed his Primary Care Paramedic Certificate in 2004. He then obtained his Elevator Device Mechanic Education in 2007; then, as he likes to put it, he “started attending the schooling of hard knocks when [he] founded Abco Elevator in 2008.” During this time, he also became a National Construction Safety Officer.
Mackenzie’s nominator, Dawn Barker, the Special Projects lead at Abco Elevator, highlighted how Mackenzie’s presence has improved all areas of the company, driving it to become a leader in the Western Canadian elevator industry. Barker said:
“Lonnie is never satisfied with ‘good enough’ — if there is a way to make something better or fulfill an unforeseen need, he addresses it with zeal. One example is his creation of Variable, a software that allows users to do tracking, training, project management and organization in a central, single location, to streamline document handling and communication between companies and their customers. Another example is his development of Responder Elevator Training (RET), a hybrid online/in-person training for addressing elevator rescue situations, developed specifically to help first responder, commercial and industrial customers facing entrapment situations.”
Mackenzie’s creation of the four-year Elevator Device Mechanic (EDM) program, designed to satisfy or exceed the requirements of the Elevating Devices Mechanic Apprenticeship Curriculum Standard of the Ontario College of Trades, allows employees to obtain their EDM qualification while working full time. Barker concluded her nomination by saying:
“Lonnie is a leader in the industry, but more importantly to Abco’s people, he is a great example of ethics and inspiration within the elevator field and an exemplar in how to treat everyone you deal with (with respect, humor and honor).”
Michael Mancuso
DTM Drafting & Consulting Services Inc.
With more than 45 years of experience, Michael Mancuso has truly exemplified the qualities of leadership, dedication and expertise that have shaped the industry as we know it today. A graduate of the Electrical Trade School, Mancuso now acts as the Field Operations manager at NY-based DTM Drafting & Consulting Inc., where he has spent the last 15 years of his career.
Mancuso’s career began with the NYC Transit Authority, where he worked his way up through the ranks, eventually retiring as superintendent. His time there reflected his commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of the complexities of the vertical-transportation (VT) industry. His legacy within the Transit Authority is one of unparalleled service and dedication, leaving a lasting impact on the organization and the city itself.
In his time at DTM, Mancuso has brought a wealth of experience to overseeing the daily operations of all field personnel. His leadership and expertise have been instrumental in ensuring the success of operations, and without his tireless efforts, the company would not be where it is today, says Accounting Director and nominator Annemarie Montesano, adding:
“What truly sets Mike apart is his unwavering availability and commitment to supporting his team. Mike is known for picking up the phone 24/7, regardless of the time of day or night. This dedication to being present and accessible has earned him the trust and respect of everyone who works with him. His willingness to go the extra mile and offer guidance whenever needed has made him an invaluable resource for all of us. Beyond his work ethic and professionalism, Mike’s sense of humor has been an essential part of our success. He has an uncanny ability to lighten the mood and get everyone through even the toughest days. His wit and light-heartedness help maintain a positive atmosphere, even in the most challenging circumstances, reminding us all that a good laugh can be just as valuable as hard work.”
Mancuso’s humor is known to foster camaraderie and keep his team motivated, even during the most demanding projects. His dedication, wisdom and infectious personality make him not only an incredible leader but also a true friend to everyone who has had the pleasure of working with him.
Rick Milefchik
Access Elevator and Electric Supply
With 40 years in the vertical-transportation (VT) industry, Rick Milefchik has spent the last three serving as vice president/COO of Access Elevator and Electric Supply in Emeryville, California. His nominator, son and the general manager of Quality Elevator Products, Inc. (QEP), Kyle Milefchik, said once his father began his elevator career, he never stepped out of it. Rick Milefchik started at Montgomery Elevator as a teenager in a co-op program for his high school. He worked in the mailroom, then the warehouse and finally in acquisitions and sales. Later, he graduated to working in sales at KONE in 1981.
Milefchik steadily worked his way up, eventually becoming president and COO of ECS Corp., working with direct sales and operations teams from 2013 to 2022. Then, he began his latest venture at Access Elevator and Electric Supply in 2022 while simultaneously acting as COO of QEP in Niles, Illinois, where he has worked alongside his son. Kyle Milefchik highlighted his father’s strong leadership and personal and professional growth, saying his “willingness to serve the industry from a supplier’s perspective, on the front lines with his teams” has been a driving force in Access Elevator’s success. Kyle Milefchik continued:
“The relationships he has built over his more than 40 years in the industry are certainly something to be proud of, as well as the journey from an entry-level high schooler at Montgomery to running multiple companies is something anyone should be proud of. I think, like many companies in this industry, family is involved on many different levels, and Rick has had the privilege of having all three of his kids work for him.”
From the mailroom to running a successful privately owned company supplying many independents, as well as OEMs, Rick Milefchik has crafted a noteworthy VT industry career.
Rick’s children, Kyle, Brittany and Stephanie, have all been inspired by their father’s success in the VT industry, with Brittany serving as a key accounts manager for Access and Stephanie acting critically in the purchasing departments. Recognizing the wealth of his father’s valuable knowledge on the VT industry, Kyle Milefchik knew he wanted to be there to pass that knowledge onto the next generation and preserve his father’s legacy.
Timothy Mowrey Sr.
Mowrey Elevator
For nearly 50 years, Timothy Mowrey Sr. has thrived on the freedom and flexibility of running Mowrey Elevator Co. Inc., in Marianna, Florida. “I call the shots — choosing clients, projects and partners,” he says. “There’s no corporate red tape, and you can innovate without corporate approval.” In the years since founding Mowrey Elevator in 1976, Mowrey has focused on creating “a quality product we can be proud of while ensuring the overall safety and satisfaction of customers.” With safety as its driving force, Mowrey Elevator has achieved success, completing approximately one complete elevator package per day. To date, the company has delivered approximately 16,000 units from its Marianna factory. There are nearly 240 employees located throughout Florida, Georgia and Alabama, and Mowrey recently expanded its business into Mississippi, Virginia, the Carolinas and the Caribbean. Mowrey Elevator has designed, manufactured and installed not only elevators but also dumbwaiters, wheelchair lifts and stairlifts.
Mowrey worked for another small, independent elevator company in South Florida before running his own. Despite its many rewards, it hasn’t been without its challenges, often stemming from “obstacles imposed by our government and its supporting industries.” Businesses like Mowrey grapple with rising costs in areas such as workers’ compensation rates, health insurance, liability insurance and increased corporate taxes, Mowrey says. These financial pressures, he says, create significant hurdles for companies that strive to provide employment opportunities while meeting the needs of customers who rely on the elevator industry. Still, “the U.S. remains the greatest country in the world,” he says. “We will continue to navigate these business obstacles with determination and move forward.”
Mowrey’s nominator, Lacey Beck, has been with the company for more than 18 years, and thinks of Mowrey and fellow leaders as family. She says Mowrey remains very “hands-on” to ensure the business is operating in the best possible way. Creative problem solving still gives Mowrey joy. “Getting old systems to run like new or upgrading them affordably is like solving a puzzle,” he says. “That challenge is super satisfying and incredibly rewarding to me.”
Corinne A. Nawrocki
Abel Elevator Consulting, Inc.
Few leaders in the vertical-transportation (VT) industry bring the blend of heart, precision and visionary thinking that defines Corinne A. Nawrocki. As the founder and CEO of Abel Elevator Consulting, Inc., she has become a trusted name in the high-end commercial real estate sector — known not only for her deep technical insight, but for her refreshingly human approach to service, safety and strategic growth.
With more than a decade of experience spanning leadership roles at Stanley Elevator, Schindler, and TK Elevator, Nawrocki launched Abel in 2023 with a clear vision: to touch the lives of people every day through VT. Since then, her firm has built a reputation for white-glove service, innovation and integrity, earning her shining recognition across the VT industry.
Nawrocki currently serves as president of the Massachusetts Elevator Safety Association (MESA), where she has led a bold revitalization of member engagement and collaboration. She holds both a BA and an MBA from Bentley University and brings past experience in national retail and tech brand development to her forward-thinking approach.
A passionate mentor and connector, Nawrocki is a familiar and respected presence at industry events throughout North America. Her belief that strong relationships are the cornerstone of business success has made her a trusted advisor to both clients and peers. She says:
“Our work goes beyond vertical assets — it’s about people, trust and progress. When we serve with purpose, precision and heart, we elevate more than buildings, we uplift lives, build enduring credibility and shape the future.”
Nawrocki’s nominator, ELEVATOR WORLD Correspondent Matthew Jackson of Diversified Elevator Products, LLC, says he is always struck by her boundless energy, enthusiasm and determination to make the VT industry better. Outside of her consulting work, her MESA leadership has brought about notable differences, with an uptick in both member numbers and benefits, Jackson says. “Success is just a matter of time for Corinne,” he observes.
Christy Raineri
Monteferro America
When it comes to manufacturing, Christy Raineri knows what she’s doing. She began in the paper industry nearly 30 years ago before transitioning to exterior building products, eventually serving as regional manager Canada for her employer. A native of Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, Raineri moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1987. In 2022, she was recruited by Monteferro America — the only elevator guide rail manufacturer in North America — to join the company. Before making the career shift, Raineri researched the company and loved what she found: “Monteferro is known for its environmentally responsible practices — manufacturing its guide rail material in Canada 100% from recycled scrap metal rather than mined iron ore,” she observes.
Under the mentorship of Monteferro America General Manager Mandy Wiens and Vice President of Corporate Sales Marco Bodio, Raineri has built many strong customer relationships since becoming director of sales in 2023.
Based at Monteferro’s head office in Winnipeg, Raineri focuses on sustainability, innovation and tailored solutions, including company offerings beyond elevator guide rails. “These efforts often evolve into valuable, long-term partnerships,” she says. As director of sales, Raineri oversees and drives sales strategy across North America, enduring the company meets both short- and long-term growth objectives. Her responsibilities also include identifying new business opportunities, cultivating key customer relationships, negotiating contracts and working closely with supply-chain teams to align sales efforts with market trends and customer needs. A member of both the Canadian Elevator Contractors Association and the National Association of Elevator Contractors, Raineri adores the VT industry and intends to stay. She says:
“The elevator industry is fast-paced and ever-evolving, constantly presenting new challenges that align well with my experience and drive for success. Among the challenges are managing the complexity of supply-chain logistics, particularly in light of recent factors like tariffs, which demand ongoing adaptability and strategic planning. On the rewarding side, I take great pride in fostering long-term partnerships and creating tailored solutions to meet the needs of each customer, an achievement made possible through our strong collaboration within the Monteferro global network.”
Erin Scott
ATIS
After serving as an officer in the U.S. Navy managing maintenance and repair on F/A-18s fighter jets, Erin Scott worked with Bradley-Morris, a military recruiting firm that helps veterans translate their military skills into a civilian resumé. “Her experience landing F/A-18Cs on aircraft carriers is a testament to her exceptional skills and dedication,” says nominator Rachel Baker. Bradley-Morris sources companies looking for these specific skillsets, and Scott interviewed with Otis in May 2010, when she said she “fell in love with both the industry and the company [Otis].”
In her time at Otis, Scott oversaw 28 offices in vertical-transportation service operations. Through this work and using field feedback, she created the Otis Repair Council, a team of mechanics focusing on billable repair issues, which significantly improved service quality and customer satisfaction.
She joined ATIS in 2023 when the company’s largest customer contract was out to bid. Her work with the field team helped secure the contract, and she said, “The dedication that the team put into building out the bid package was inspiring, as every member played an equal role in the collaboration.”
Now, as chief operating officer (COO) for U.S. Inspections at ATIS, “she leads with excellence, inspiring her team and driving our organization forward,” Baker said. “Erin’s leadership has been instrumental in enhancing our inspection operations and ensuring the highest standards of service and safety.”
Scott credits her success in the industry to the mentors and industry greats she has been around, saying:
“I think that the most important point that my mentors both in the field and in the office have driven home is the reminder of why we do what we do. The industry is dangerous, so safety starts on day one of installation and doesn’t stop until the unit is decommissioned. We write policies to keep our field members safe, we write code to ensure the equipment works the way it should and we inspect the units to ensure compliance for the safety of the riding public. If we keep safety at our core, the rest will fall into place.”
Josh Simpson
GAL
Manufacturing
According to Josh Simpson, Technical Support manager, GAL Manufacturing, the industry found him in 2002 when he met Gerald Mayne and Ronald Beebe Sr., owner of Atlantic Coast Elevator in Savannah, Georgia. With a background in computer network engineering, he said he did not know the elevator industry was a thing. He joined Atlantic Coast, which was acquired by Oracle Elevator, under General Manager William Lawson, who he credits with a big part of his growth: “He gave me tremendous opportunities and mentored me into becoming who I am today. He taught me to be a man and do the right things for this industry.”
Simpson worked in Savannah for six years prior to moving to Florida to open a new location before eventually relocating to Kentucky. He then joined Vantage Elevation in NYC as a regional field engineer for the Northeast, saying that, in this role, “I had the luxury of meeting with and working with some of the most brilliant people I’ve known in the industry.”
Simpson finds satisfaction in empowering customers with the knowledge and skills to properly install, maintain and troubleshoot the company’s equipment. “I like to think that I have been successful in building strong relationships with our customers and helped lead them to success on their projects whether it is a single-car hydro modernization, a 54-car project or low-rise tractions or a 154-car complex of high-rise applications,” he said. “The relationships I’ve been able to build with the customers have been the most rewarding part of my career.”
With the passing of industry leader R. Carl Burch, Simpson succeeded as leader of GAL Technical Support in the Bronx. “I could not be more proud of having the opportunity to lead this team into success. It is the brightest moment of my career thus far,” he said. Nominator Douglas Considine said of Simpson:
“His exceptional knowledge in all aspects of the field of elevators is extraordinary. It’s clear to see that he truly loves what he does. He loves to teach and is willing to help anyone at any time no matter where it may take him. We are lucky to have him in our industry.”
George Snead
VM Elevators
George Snead, operations manager for London-based VM Elevators, fell into the vertical-transportation industry by accident, driving past Becker Lifts, which was advertising for draughtsmen. He interviewed, was offered the job and the rest is history. Otis acquired Becker and other sister companies where he worked before he became a full-time Otis employee, holding a number of roles. He played a crucial role in lift modernization across the U.K., according to nominator Simon Whitbread, who added: “His expertise in site surveys, bespoke component design and troubleshooting complex installations made him a key figure in delivering cost-effective, high-quality solutions.”
Snead then worked in a project management role for 11 years for a smaller company before Whitbread, who had previously worked for Snead, asked him to run the installation/modernization side of his company, VM Elevators, in 2014. “That was 11 years ago, and we have grown from a two-man operation to the exceptionally successful and respected company we have become today,” Snead said.
The company brings in young local apprentices, passing on the wealth of knowledge that the senior employees have accumulated over the years, and Snead is dedicated to mentoring this next generation of engineers. He said:
“Over the years in this industry, I have accumulated a vast amount of experience and technical knowledge. Working with young people who show enthusiasm and willingness to learn gives me great pleasure in passing on what I have learned to guide them into becoming competent in their chosen field and carry out their duties in a confident and safe manner.”
Whitbread said:
“George continues to shape the industry – not only through his technical excellence but also through his dedication to mentoring and developing the next generation of engineers. His deep knowledge and hands-on approach make him an invaluable leader, guiding his team with patience and precision while fostering a culture of learning and innovation. His passion for passing on his expertise ensures that VM Elevators remains at the forefront of the industry.”
Anthi Stavropoulou
Doppler Lifts
Doppler Lifts Managing Director Anthi Stavropoulou isn’t focused on just engineering excellence — but on building a company that reflects the values of its people: integrity, quality and relationships. Her leadership reflects a deep connection to her roots and a passion for pushing boundaries while staying grounded in community values. Under her leadership, Doppler has enhanced its public image, refined its brand identity and evolved into a modern, forward-looking company. In 2010, when Stavropoulou took over as commercial director, and in close collaboration with her father, Doppler’s founder Stavros Stavropoulos, the company began intensifying its export activity, laying the groundwork for a strong global presence. This strategic focus on international growth was further accelerated in 2021, when, under Stavropoulou’s leadership, Doppler significantly expanded its global outreach. Since then, the company has successfully entered more than 15 new markets and now operates in 98 countries worldwide while also increasing its market share in Greece.
Always looking to improve, Stavropoulou introduced digital transformation, smart tools and AI systems to streamline internal communication and operations. Doppler has increased its workforce to more than 220 people, and Stavropoulou has broken long-standing industry norms by opening even production roles — traditionally male-only — to female professionals. Her leadership is shaped by hands-on experience. She’s worked across departments — from production to procurement to sales and marketing — giving her a well-rounded perspective that helps her make smart, inclusive decisions that reflect the needs of both the company and its people.
Stavropoulou’s commitment to sustainable innovation has driven eco-conscious choices in product design and energy efficiency. She actively supports local initiatives focused on environmental protection, education, mental and physical health, sports and the arts.
“Anthi Stavropoulou’s story is one of transformation, but also of staying true to who you are,” said nominator Eleni Papadopoulou. “Her leadership is shaping Doppler Lifts into a company where innovation meets heart.”
Yuval Valiano-Rips
Rips Elevator Group
Vice president of engineering at RIPS Elevators Group — a leader in the Israeli vertical-transportation (VT) industry for more than 35 years — Valiano-Rips is a well-known industry professional who, beyond his engineering work, has written widely and lectured internationally about elevator safety and the intersections of elevators, AI, space and science. He has published in Lift Journal, ELEVATOR WORLD and other global publications. One recent article for EW provided an in-depth look at the challenges and importance of elevator inspections in a country under frequent rocket siege — Israel — amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. In that piece, “Safety and Urgency: A Careful Balance,” Valiano-Rips observed the war has a silver lining in that it has united Israel’s diverse population — Jews, Arabs, Druze, Christians and others — against a common enemy. “We, as elevator inspectors, play our part by ensuring the continuity of elevator safety, even in areas under constant threat,” he said.
Valiano-Rips was nominated by Assaf Chaprak, co-founder and president of Shifters AI Robotics, who has followed his career for 20 years and credits him with advancing international collaboration and mentoring the next generation. Chaprak says that Valiano-Rips is also involved in many volunteer initiatives such as “Yedidum” (rescuing people from stuck elevators), Little Big Science (a public-science education initiative) and Israel’s largest elevator-related social group, Hama’aliya, which Valiano-Rips founded.
Valiano-Rips earned his B.Sc. in computer engineering and applied physics from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Additionally, he possesses qualifications in practical machinery engineering and holds a master’s degree in business management from Raichman University, Herzliya, Israel. Notably, he is also the publisher of Israel’s only Hebrew-language elevator engineering book, widely used in academic and professional settings, and recently took on the role as chairman of a newly founded nonprofit organization dedicated to improving elevator safety.
All over the world, Valiano-Rips’ presentations on interesting, complex topics like space elevators always hold audiences spellbound, as he engages them by illustrating his ideas in clear, easily relatable terms.
Get more of Elevator World. Sign up for our free e-newsletter.
