Meet Bleyle Elevator: Why They Focus on Older Elevators in Mid-Rise Buildings
- Serina Calhoun
- Aug 4
- 3 min read
In a region full of historic buildings and legacy equipment, not every elevator company is cut out for the job. But Bleyle Elevator, a fifth-generation family-owned business, was built for exactly this kind of work.
“We’ve been servicing the San Francisco Bay Area for over 100 years and five generations,” said Sophie Guntren, Bleyle’s owner. Their specialty? Keeping older elevators running safely, reliably, and efficiently—especially in low and mid-rise buildings that were built decades ago. While major elevator companies are focused on new installations in high-rises, long ago Bleyle carved out a niche working with the systems many others overlook.
Legacy Equipment Is Our Wheelhouse
“We don’t shy away from older systems. In fact, that’s where we thrive,” said Guntren.
Many of the elevators Bleyle services are 50 years or older – some were even fabricated by Sophie’s great-grandfather, who founded Independent Elevator, Bleyle’s predecessor. And yes, a few of those are still in operation.
Why stick with older equipment? Because it’s often less costly with less downtime to modernize, and more efficient to repair than the proprietary systems being installed today. New elevator systems frequently come with proprietary equipment and diagnostic tools that require specialized access codes—so when something goes wrong, building owners can find themselves locked into expensive service contracts with few options.
That’s not how Bleyle operates.
Skilled People. No Gimmicks.
At Bleyle, they value transparency, craftsmanship, and real expertise. Their team of certified mechanics know these older systems inside and out—no shortcuts, no guesswork. Whether it’s routine service, emergency repairs, or a full modernization, they get the job done right.
Modernization is a core part of their business. Instead of tearing out an entire elevator and dealing with costly seismic, electrical, and fire system upgrades required for a brand-new install, Bleyle Elevator Company can often extend the life of an existing elevator by upgrading key components—like the controller (the elevator’s “brain”), motor, and door equipment.
Having built relationships with experienced motor and machine shops for decades, Bleyle sources hard-to-find parts from specialty manufacturers when OEM parts are no longer available. That means less downtime and more control. “It’s a smarter, more cost-effective solution for many property owners,” Guntren.
Built for Mid-Rise Buildings—and the People Who Own Them
Bleyle has built relationships that span decades, and they’re proud to work with both individual owners and property management companies across the Bay Area.
“Our sweet spot is the mid-rise market—buildings between 3 and 12 stories, often managed by long-time owners or family property managers. We know these folks well. They want straight answers, dependable service, and a partner who’s going to treat their building like it matters,” said Guntren.
Training the Next Generation, In-House
Finding experienced and qualified elevator mechanics is challenging. The state licensing process (a 4-year commitment) is rigorous, and certifications don’t transfer easily across state lines. For example, a Certified California Conveyance Mechanic (CCCM) license does not permit work in nearby Oregon or Nevada. This limits expansion and makes quality local training even more important.
Bleyle Elevator uses the National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC) training program. This Certified Elevator Technician (CET) training and exam is a five-year commitment ensures that technicians adhere to the highest industry standards.
Successful completion of the CET program is what qualifies Bleyle’s technicians to hold the Certified Competent Conveyance Mechanic (CCCM) License.
Guntren’s father, Curtis Bleyle, holds the distinction of being one of the oldest licensed elevator mechanics in California—a testament to the experience and tradition that defines the company. He is also a well-known figure in the National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC), a group the Bleyle team continues to be proudly involved in. Curtis has been in the industry since 1962.
Bottom Line
The Bleyle Elevator team is not trying to be the biggest. “We’re focused on being the most dependable partner for buildings that need real solutions—not flashy sales packages or unnecessary replacements,” said Guntren.
If you own or manage a mid-rise building with older elevator equipment in the Bay Area, Bleyle Elevator is here to help you keep it running smoothly, safely, and affordably.
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