Insights from HydraSafe Brake's CEO Kevin Cunningham on The Elevator Careers Podcast

Welcome to today’s blog post, where we delve into the fascinating career journey of Kevin Cunningham—a true veteran of the elevator industry with over 40 years of hands-on experience in construction, modernization, and consulting. In a recent episode of The Elevator Careers Podcast, hosted by Matt Allred, Kevin shared invaluable insights into his early beginnings, the evolution of his career, and the core values that continue to drive him today, including his commitment to safety innovation through HydraSafe Brake.

A Determined Beginning

Kevin’s story began in 1985, when his unyielding determination led him to pursue a career in the elevator trade. As a young man, he persistently contacted Fujitec’s office—calling every day until he finally secured his first job. This early chapter of his career is a testament to the “squeaky wheel gets the grease” mentality, proving that perseverance and passion can open doors in even the most competitive industries.

“I called every day until they got sick of it—and then they called me back.”

His relentless drive not only landed him his first position but also laid the foundation for a career defined by hands-on learning and continual growth.

From the Field to Consulting and Beyond

Kevin’s career trajectory is marked by a series of transitions that reflect his adaptability and eagerness to master every facet of the elevator industry. Starting out as a helper and quickly advancing to become a skilled mechanic, Kevin embraced the challenges of modernizations—tackling the complex task of integrating new computerized systems with old wiring setups. Over more than two decades in the field, he honed his technical expertise and learned the importance of planning ahead, an insight that he credits as a pivotal lesson for his future roles.

Transitioning into consulting introduced Kevin to a whole new set of challenges. Writing detailed reports and developing efficient templates were skills he developed over time. These experiences taught him that clear communication and thorough product knowledge are paramount. As Kevin shared, “If you don’t know an answer, tell your customer you don't know the answer, and you’ll get back to them—that communication goes a long way.”

The Birth of HydraSafe Brake

Kevin’s journey eventually led him to the manufacturing side of the elevator industry, where he co-founded HydraSafe Brake. Born from a vision to revolutionize elevator safety, HydraSafe Brake represents the culmination of Kevin’s decades of field experience and his commitment to innovation. The product was initially prototyped in a garage, with the aim of addressing long-standing challenges in elevator braking systems.

Kevin recounts the early days of product development, highlighting the challenges of moving from a consulting role into manufacturing. He learned firsthand the complexities of supply chain management, the importance of stringent quality controls, and the necessity of tight partnerships with suppliers and manufacturers. Despite the hurdles, his drive to improve safety and reliability remained steadfast.

Key Lessons Learned

Throughout the podcast, Kevin emphasized several key lessons that have guided his career:

• Persistence Pays Off: His early days in the industry underscore the value of determination and hard work.

• Plan Ahead: Whether managing a modernization project or orchestrating manufacturing processes, planning and foreseeing challenges is critical.

• Know Your Product: In both sales and technical roles, an in-depth understanding of the product builds trust with customers and ensures better service.

• Effective Communication: Returning phone calls and clear communication can be the difference between a successful sale and a missed opportunity.

These lessons, borne out of years of experience, continue to shape not only Kevin’s professional journey but also the core principles behind HydraSafe Brake.

Looking Forward

Kevin Cunningham’s extensive career is a reminder that success in the elevator industry—like any other field—is built on a foundation of hard work, learning from experience, and a commitment to continuous improvement. His journey from the field to consulting, and ultimately to manufacturing with HydraSafe Brake, offers invaluable insights for both industry veterans and newcomers alike.

For those interested in learning more about Kevin’s story and the evolution of elevator safety technology, we invite you to listen to the full podcast episode on The Elevator Careers Podcast. Explore the discussions on career growth, the intricacies of modernization, and the breakthrough innovations driving safety in the elevator industry.

Have a safe day and keep elevating industry standards!

To listen to the full episode, visit The Elevator Careers Podcast or explore more at www.elevatorcareers.net.