Ascent Elevators

𝘌𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘍𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘴: 𝘎𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘈𝘳𝘤𝘩 ➤ Did you know the famous Gateway Arch doesn't actually use a traditional elevator to reach the top? Here are a few fun facts about tallest monument in the U.S., right in our Midwest territory's back yard:

• The Arch is exactly as wide as it is tall: 630 feet
• The tram system was custom-designed specifically for the Arch by Dick Bowser
• Each tram contains 8 rotating capsules, part elevator and part Ferris wheel
• The first public tram ride took place in 1967
• Visitors enjoy panoramic views through 32 observation windows at the top

The ride consists of tiny 5-person capsules that rotate as they climb, keeping passengers level throughout the 4-minute journey to the top. There is still nothing quite like it anywhere else in the world. Sometimes the most fascinating elevators are the ones that don't travel straight up!

The Ascent Elevators team had the privilege of attending the Elevator U Conference last week, an industry-leading event that brings together professionals dedicated to advancing vertical transportation through education, collaboration, and innovation. Elevator U serves as a valuable forum for sharing knowledge, strengthening partnerships, and promoting excellence across the elevator industry.

From educational sessions and facility tours to networking with industry leaders, consultants, contractors, manufacturers, and university representatives, the conference provided incredible opportunities to learn, connect, and exchange ideas. We were proud to participate alongside so many professionals who share our commitment to safety, reliability, and elevating industry standards.

A special thank you to the Elevator U organizers, presenters, sponsors, and attendees for creating such a valuable experience. Events like these reinforce why continuous learning and collaboration are so important to the future of our industry.

Pictured L-R: John Koshak - Elevator Safety Solutions, LLC, T Bruce MacKinnon - Elevator World, Matthew Pike - University of Texas andKirk Pohl, Ascent Director of Operations

Last week, the Ascent Elevators leadership team gathered in St. Louis for our quarterly priority meeting. But before we could conduct business, we had to relax and enjoy ourselves atop The St. Louis Wheel!

We're proud of more than the work we do ➤ we're proud of the people who make it possible every day. While we know how to get the job done, we also know it's important who you're getting the job done with. We're always grateful to our incredible team and excited for the new heights the next few months will bring!

Meet the team that elevates Ascent ➤ Zach Shope

𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭
• Financial Controller, Mid-Atlantic
• Experience: 7 years
• BA, Penn State; MBA, Wilmington University

𝘍𝘶𝘯 𝘍𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘴
• Hobbies: Reading about subjects like personal finance and stock market investing. Seeking out good restaurants. Traveling or even staying in with family.
• Sports: Football, basketball and soccer or even a new sport.
• Summer plans: Delaware beach for a few weekends.

➤ Zach has experience with accounting policies, reporting, budgeting, forecasting, process improvement and KPI's and metrics of the business to support ownership in decision making. He's excited to be a part of Ascent Elevators to use my knowledge and experience to provide value to the company and its growth.

Team Ascent had a great time representing at the 2026 IREM St. Louis Golf Classic at Forest Park Golf Course last Thursday. The outing brought together industry professionals, partners, and customers for a day of golf, networking, and community support — all benefiting KidSmart, whose mission is to empower children in need to succeed in school by providing free essential tools for learning.

Pictured L-R: Kirk, Christine, Eric, and Randy with Moonrise Hotel. Thank you to everyone who helped make the event such a success ➤ we’re proud to support organizations making a meaningful impact throughout our Midwest communities.

Today, we pause to remember the meaning of Memorial Day. As the American flag flies high above our job sites, we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in our nation's armed forces. Their courage and selflessness laid the foundation for the freedoms we are privileged to build upon every day.

➤ Wishing everyone had a relaxing and reflective Memorial Day weekend.

Meet the team that elevates Ascent ➤ Eric Nell

𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭
• Account Executive, Midwest
• Expertise: 16 years

𝘍𝘶𝘯 𝘍𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘴
• Family: Proud Dad of 2-year-old son, Harrison (Sonny) and husband to my beautiful bride Maggie (7 years married)
• Foodie: BBQ geek and foodie. 3 years as a server/catering manager in a fine dining restaurant. Be nice to waitstaff!
• Travel: Thailand and New Zealand, favorite places ever visited
• Hobbies: Camping, hiking, golf, and watching sports (hockey, basketball, and football are favorites). Played hockey from a young age and was a starting defenseman for Alton High School long ago (Go Redbirds!)
• These days, I love spending time with my wife and son as we grow our family and enjoy time in nature

𝘙𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘙𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘳 𝘚𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘦 ➤ Last Saturday, the Ascent Elevators team gathered at Officer Blake Snyder Memorial Park for an afternoon of food, fun and fellowship at our annual company picnic. Employees, families and friends came together to enjoy great BBQ, games, laughter and time spent outside the office celebrating the people who make our Midwest team so special.

Even with a little rain rolling through, we made the most of the day together. Events like these are a great reminder that the strength of Ascent Elevators comes from the relationships we build, not only as coworkers, but as a company family.

A big thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the day such a success. We’re proud of our Midwest team and grateful for the opportunity to create memories together outside of work.

Kirk, Dustin, Christine and Eric at the Industry Expo yesterday at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. ➤ We appreciate everyone who visited our booth, entered the raffles, and spent time with our team. We’re always grateful for the opportunity to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones!

Special thanks to BOMA St. Louis, IREM St. Louis and International Facility Management Association (IFMA) for hosting!

𝘚𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 ➤ for our modernization team maintaining performance, efficiency, safety and reliability for our partners!

As equipment ages, it often requires more frequent repairs and can pose safety risks. Upgrading your system improves performance, enhances energy efficiency, and aligns with current safety standards. It also refreshes the look and feel of the elevator interior, making it more comfortable and reliable. These updates reduce long-term maintenance needs, extend equipment lifespan, and support the overall value and functionality of your property.