mainline National Association of Elevator Contractors Newsletter | 2ND QUARTER 2025
in this issue… 2 Upcoming Events 3 New Members
Celebrating 50 Years
of Industrial Commercial Elevator
4 Curzon Creative 5 The Elevator Agency 5 Try Before Hire – Contract to Hire Service 6 Cedes Corporation of America 6 CECA 51st Annual Convention 7 The Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation: Making a Difference 7 QEI Code Update Workshops 8 Spring Conference Highlights
CALL FOR SPEAKERS: Share Your Expertise at the Sept. Convention in Houston We invite you to volunteer for a speaking opportunity and share your expertise with the industry. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or bringing fresh insights, your voice can make a difference! Sign up today to become an industry speaker for the Fall Convention and help drive the conversation forward. click for speaker form
1500 Klondike Rd SW, Ste A211 Conyers, Georgia 30094 770.760.9660 1.800.900.6232 info@naec.org
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Raymond “Ray” Gielarowski began his career in the elevator industry in 1955 when he joined the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) Local #6 in Pittsburgh, PA. With his unparalleled technical skills, relentless work ethic, and unwavering commitment to customer service, Ray quickly built a reputation as one of the finest elevator mechanics in the region. His ability to troubleshoot complex mechanical issues and foster lasting client relationships laid the foundation for what would become one of the region’s most respected elevator companies. THE BIRTH OF A BUSINESS In 1975, Ray took a bold step to leave a major elevator company to start his own. Armed with nothing but a truck, a set of tools, a loyal apprentice, and a wealth of confidence, Ray founded Industrial Commercial Elevator (ICE). His guiding principle was simple: always prioritize customer satisfaction. This approach resonated with clients, and his loyal customer base quickly followed him. Ray’s philosophy formed the cornerstone of a company that has continued to grow and thrive for five decades. As ICE celebrates its 50th anniversary in May 2025, Ray’s original motto—“Geared to Serve Your Needs”—remains as relevant today as it was when he first coined it. It is a testament to the core values that still drive the company: technical excellence, unmatched customer service, and a steadfast commitment to quality. A FAMILY TRADITION: THE NEXT GENERATION Ray’s sons, JR and Steve Gielarowski, grew up immersed in the elevator industry and joined the IUEC in 1979 and 1980, respectively. JR entered the field directly out of high school, working tirelessly to gain extensive hands-on experience. Always eager to learn, JR accumulated a wealth of knowledge on a wide array of elevator and escalator systems. JR continues to work closely with mechanics and apprentices, sharing his knowledge and ensuring that ICE maintains its high standards of service and reliability. With a reputation as one of the foremost experts in the business, JR can solve any elevator and escalator issue he encounters. JR’s ability to solve customers’ problems quickly and efficiently has made him a respected figure in the industry. Steve pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering at WVU from 1977 to 1980, later earning a Bachelor of Science in Business from Robert Morris University in 1992. Steve spent years working in the field as an apprentice then mechanic before transitioning to the business side of ICE. His blend of technical skills and business acumen enabled ICE to expand beyond maintenance and repair into modernization and new construction, and his leadership has been instrumental in ICE’s continued growth and stability. Steve’s industry expertise led to his appointment to the Elevator Safety Board of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry in 2019. A QEI-certified elevator inspector since 2000, Steve also served on the board of the National Association of Elevator continued on next page…