for Elevator People
Smart Elevator Tech was founded to bring practical, code-driven solutions to the elevator industry—improving safety, efficiency, and installation challenges in both modernization and new construction.
Founder Richard C. Blaska began his career in the elevator industry in 1984, holding leadership roles across sales, modernization, construction, and operations with U.S. Elevator Corp. (later ThyssenKrupp Elevator, now TK Elevator). After years of solving real-world field challenges, he founded Smart Elevator Tech in 1999.
This experience led to the development of innovative products, including the patented Retracta Ladder®, designed to meet evolving building and safety code requirements.
Margaret P. Lourenço joined the company in 2015 and led the business beginning in 2016. With a background in executive leadership at Levi Strauss & Co., she brought expertise in operations, supply chain, and strategy. Through her industry education efforts and deep knowledge of code requirements, she became widely recognized as "The Ladder Lady."
Smart Elevator Tech built a strong reputation for innovation, responsiveness, and U.S.-based manufacturing, proudly producing its products in Wisconsin.
