We're still small. Still proud. Still working like it's day one.
Our union shop is staffed by highly trained IUEC members, ensuring every project meets the highest standards of craftsmanship, safety, and compliance.
I.U.E.C. Local 8
From modern passenger lifts to century-old freight systems, we keep elevators safe, smooth, and compliant with monthly maintenance.
We provide 24/7service answering calls at 3 AM and arriving on-site before sunrise. When an elevator breaks down, our team acts quickly to get it running again.
We upgrade controls, safety features, and drive systems to improve reliability and efficiency, ensuring every elevator meets modern standards without unnecessary overhauls. We also restore historic elevators, preserving their unique charm while blending in today's safety and performance improvements.
While some shops focus only on high-tech systems, we specialize in the classics, the elevators with moving parts and character. At the same time, we're fully equipped to handle modern solid-state systems with the same expertise.
A career in the elevator trade was launched in St. Louis Missouri.
Lester Appel, founder and President of Apple Elevator Co., left Otis Elevator during the 1983 strike and started Apple in Oakland, initially operating out of his home. He brought over 10 years of experience at major elevator companies and a commitment to craftsmanship, care, and honesty.
Apple Elevator moved out of his garage and into the first purchased shop, marking the company's first step toward growth. From its founding, Apple Elevator has been a union company, affliated with the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC), providing skilled labor trained through the same education programs as virtually all major elevator companies in the Bay Area.
Joseph Appel, Lester's son, joined the business, bringing fresh perspective and energy. He was named Vice President, continuing the craftsmanship, care, and honesty Apple Elevator was built on, with hopes of one day taking over management.
Lester has over 50 years of elevator experience. Apple Elevator remains a family company, committed to excellence, skilled labor, and the next generation carrying the business forward. Our team member’s average over 25 years of experience, and many of our customers have trusted us for more than 25 years.
