Our Story

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Created in 1969, Consolidated Elevator was the brainchild of Charles Wallis, George Kukalar and Dale Jenson. All were equal partners and hopes were high. 

The Right Skills Combination

Everyone's skills blended perfectly! Charles and George were the technical wizards. Charles served as the building technician for the Herald Examiner, then a leading Los Angeles newspaper, while George was a highly experienced elevator mechanic whose route included the Examiner.

Dale, a family friend, was a successful entrepreneur who provided the sales and business savvy.

After some early struggles, the trio eventually gained traction and spirits rose. Tragically, though, George passed away in 1971. Then, in 1975, Charles bought out Dale, thus becoming the sole owner.

Company Growth

The next generation helped propel the company’s growth. During the summer of 1974, Charles’ son, Thomas Wallis, pitched in to help out the family business. When classes resumed in the Fall, he worked there after school and on weekends. This bottom-up experience gave him a strong foundation when he started work full time in 1977. 

Later in the decade, Consolidated became even more consolidated as a family business with the addition of Charles’ wife who ran the office, as well as assorted uncles and cousins who worked in the field. For the balance of the century, nearly every employee at Consolidated was either family or friends so close they felt like family. 

No wonder, then, that due to a series of untimely passing in this tight-knit company, including patriarch Charles, everyone felt devastated. Their zest for the business had evaporated. It was decided that the Consolidated should be mothballed, at least for the time being. 

Rebirth and Resurgence

2016 brought a long-awaited rebirth and resurgence. With the economy rebounding, Thomas Wallis, now a seasoned Modernization Foreman, brought his son Tommy, an accomplished Trouble Shooter Mechanic, into Consolidated.

They were soon joined by entrepreneur and family friend David Sandoval who helped officially relaunch the Family Business on January 1, 2017.

Present Times

Today, just as before, Consolidated’s vision is clear: to deliver unsurpassed service to our customers, coupled with affordable rates, all within a friendly, family atmosphere. With their world set right once again, and with the company thriving, Thomas and son Tommy are fixed on the future–to pass Consolidated on to the generations to come!