A+ Elevators Provides Service & Ingenuity
By Victoria Plasse
“We want the elevator to be a feature of the home, a piece that can be shown off with pride, not a piece of mechanical equipment you hide behind closed doors.”
–Chris Harris, Owner, A+ Elevators
Serving the Northern Rockies and beyond, A+ Elevators is the principal manufacturer of high-end custom home elevators as well as a provider of low-rise commercial elevators, wheelchair lifts, dumbwaiters, freight lifts, and accessibility equipment. Chris Harris, the owner of A+ Elevators, was destined to build the number-one elevator business. How he got there was a kismet opportunity that came his way via his sheer work ethic.
“At the age of 18, I was helping my late father work at his auto repair shop. His shop was located next door to an elevator company at the time. As I was working late on a Saturday night, a gentleman walked through the front door. He immediately offered me a job, stating that he could tell I was a hard worker, working and making money on a Saturday night rather than out partying with my friends. The pay wasn’t any more than I was currently making, but the offer to send me through electronics engineering school was what sealed the deal. I started a few weeks later, worked for them for 10 years until they were forced to close their doors due to the recession in 2010. Shortly after that, I opened A+ and have been growing ever since,” shares Harris.
A+ Elevators’ corporate headquarters is located in Salt Lake City, Utah, and the company also employs local staff members who serve the Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Nevada markets.
“Once utilitarian devices within the home, residential elevators by A+ are no longer that. A+ custom builds every elevator we install to complement the home, by integrating each home’s decor and design as a seamless transition into the elevator. We want the elevator to be a feature of the home, a piece that can be shown off with pride, not a piece of mechanical equipment you hide behind closed doors,” Harris explains.
There are many reasons to consider incorporating an elevator into the architecture of your home and lifestyle. A+ offers many models of elevators, from contractor-grade to one-off custom builds. There’s no denying that luxury is a driving desire behind having an elevator feature. Harris says, “We cater to every level of clientele, but our specialty is showcased with the multi-million and multi-billion-dollar net worth clients. They are accustomed to luxury. At home, in their automobiles, when they travel, lavishness surrounds them. They should feel no different when they step into their mode of transportation within their homes. The elevator is deluxe top to bottom, from the wood species and accessories used inside the elevator to the electrical and mechanical systems behind the scene.Every aspect of the elevator is designed to provide the most premium ride quality and experience our clients deserve.”
“We invite you to visit our design center and tour our manufacturing plant, where you can ride each elevator and experience the advantages for yourself.”
–Chris Harris, Owner, A+ Elevators
Depending on application and construction restrictions, A+ will recommend one product over another for their clients, engineers, and architects. All elevator systems offer various advantages over others. As Harris explains, before you start researching what you think an elevator should be, “Discuss this with one of our sales professionals to learn more. We also invite you to visit our design center and tour our manufacturing plant, where you can ride each elevator and experience the advantages for yourself.”
A+ Elevators has many customization options for several types of lifts to match their clients’ needs or aesthetics, including custom steel and glass elevators in private airplane hangars, all mirror (walls and ceiling) elevators, chalkboard walls so riders can express their artistic abilities, reclaimed barnwood, leather floors, and even an elevator made of wire mesh, glass, and hardwood to replicate an old oil derrick.
In addition to the highest-quality products, what separates A+ from others is the customer service. According to Harris, the name A+ was not a name he just came up with on a whim. “Just like in our elementary school days when we received an A+ grade on an assignment, we operate as if we were receiving an academic grade in school. We accept nothing less than an A+ grade. If a client feels we have under-performed, we will make every effort, regardless of cost, to obtain an A+,” he says. “Exceptional customer service is the foundation of success at A+. By maintaining and providing first-class customer service, valuable and strong working relationships are developed. We strive to retain our customers through consistency and reliability as we depend on them for the continued growth of our business.”
Typically, elevator manufacturers require maintenance on their elevators every six months. If usage is higher than normal, quarterly maintenance may be required. If usage is less than normal, yearly could be acceptable. Harris advises, “I will always recommend bi-yearly (every six months), because regular maintenance, cleaning, inspections, and adjustments are imperative for equipment reliability and safety of passengers. This is applicable even if the elevator isn’t physically being used, as the electrical and mechanical systems are still working 24 hours a day.”
ELEVATE YOUR IMAGE™. There’s no question an elevator will elevate your life. A+ Elevators rises up to meet the lifestyle.
