The Eastern
Difference
An Icon in Elevator Maintenance
An Icon in Elevator Maintenance
Eastern Elevator is a leading full-service contractor with over 90 years of elevator expertise. Our mission is to provide safe, reliable vertical transportation that enhances lives and building performance.
In the early days, Benjamin “Benny” Strauss owned Eastern Elevator Co., Inc. He initially had partners, but they eventually split up. One partner carried the name “Eastern” south to Miami with a branch in Havana, Cuba, while the other partner established “Eastern Elevator” in Pennsylvania. Benny remained in Brooklyn and focused on installing freight and passenger elevators along the waterfront, catering to the borough’s booming manufacturing industry.
In 1966, Benny sold the company to James “Jim” Letsch, an employee, and Sid Angrist, a mechanic from another Brooklyn firm called Koppell Elevator. Eastern Elevator Co., Inc. relocated to Koppell’s building at 213 Frost Street in Brooklyn. Jim and Sid possessed a wide range of skills, including mechanics, carpentry, electrical work, steelwork, plumbing, masonry, and drafting. They were well-versed in all aspects of the elevator industry and specialized in servicing industrial customers with large freight elevators.
Sid retires, and Jim’s son Steve took over Sid’s share of the business. Despite economic downturns in the 1980s, Eastern Elevator Co., Inc. continued to thrive by focusing on repair and maintenance work while the new installation market was slow. As the economy recovered, they capitalized on the need to upgrade aging elevators from the 1950s and 1960s.
In 1995, Mr. Letsch retired and sold his half of the business to Frank DiTommaso, and he remained the Director of the agency. With the decline of the industrial sector in New York, Eastern Elevator Co., Inc. shifted its focus to converting commercial elevators into passenger elevators. They embraced variable-frequency controls, which revolutionized the industry, replacing older single-speed AC and high-maintenance DC elevators.
Demand for their services continued to grow, and in 2007 Fred Rodriguez joined the team, bringing a high level of skill and expertise similar to Jim and Sid. They tackled modernization projects and new installations, transforming Brooklyn’s commercial buildings into residential and mixed-use spaces. Eastern Elevator Co., Inc. built a strong reputation for quick response times, often reaching shutdowns within an hour, which solidified their relationships with customers.
In 2022, Eastern Elevator embarked on a new chapter when it was acquired by Alter Weinberger. Under the continued leadership of Fred Rodriguez as Director, the company remains steadfast in the core principles and values that have defined its legacy since 1931.
Eastern Elevator’s rich history and unwavering commitment to quality service have earned it a well-deserved reputation as a leader in the industry. By choosing Eastern Elevator, you become part of this storied tradition. Contact us today for a service quote and experience the Eastern difference: safety, reliability, and integrity.
At Eastern Elevator, we are committed to surpassing your expectations by delivering exceptional service and innovative solutions. We strive to be at the forefront of elevator and escalator technology, prioritizing sustainability, safety, and customer satisfaction.
We are at the forefront of elevator and escalator technology, prioritizing sustainability, safety, and customer satisfaction.
We proudly serve the New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and South Florida areas. No matter where you are located within these regions, we are ready to assist you with your elevator and escalator needs.
From routine maintenance to modernization projects, we ensure compliance, safety, and minimal downtime. Our team of experts is dedicated to keeping your equipment in optimal condition and delivering the latest advancements in elevator and escalator technology.
Take advantage of our competitive pricing to maximize your investment. We understand how important cost-effectiveness is without compromising quality or service.
Elevator and escalator issues can occur at any time. That’s why our team of experts is available around the clock to provide peace of mind and ensure your equipment runs smoothly. Count on us to be there when you need us most.
Our extensive network of professionals keeps your elevators operating safely and efficiently. With access to a wide range of industry experts, we can address any challenges or requirements that may arise.
Our technicians bring unparalleled expertise and dedication to every project, ensuring safe and efficient vertical-transportation solutions. With years of hands-on field experience, they are committed to delivering exceptional service and innovative solutions that meet our clients' unique needs. We strive to uphold the highest standards of quality and reliability, fostering trust and satisfaction in all our endeavors.
Our technicians exemplify professionalism and dedication by consistently delivering exceptional service, adhering to the highest safety standards, and embracing innovative solutions.
Our team is dedicated to delivering unparalleled quality in every project. We are committed to ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of elevator systems while providing exceptional service to our clients.
Our technicians are committed to upholding the highest standards of safety and accountability. We prioritize rigorous adherence to established safety protocols to protect the well-being of our clients and ensure the integrity of our services.
Close Founder & CEO, Eastern Elevator
Alter Weinberger is the Founder and CEO of Eastern Elevator, a company he built from the ground up through strong real estate connections, sharp business instincts, and an ability to spot talent that others overlook. Under his leadership, Eastern Elevator has grown into a multi-state operation, completing multiple strategic acquisitions along the way. Alter leads with a hands-on approach, staying deeply involved in the business while continuously pushing the company to new heights. His vision and drive are the engine behind everything Eastern Elevator has become.
Close Director, Eastern Elevator
Fred Rodriguez is the Director of Eastern Elevator and one of the most experienced professionals in the elevator industry. With over 30 years of field experience, Fred built his expertise from the ground up — developing an instinctive ability to troubleshoot even the most complex elevator systems quickly and effectively. His technical knowledge and steady leadership have been instrumental in shaping the company’s standards and its reputation for delivering reliable, high-quality service.
Close Field Supervisor, Eastern Elevator
Yehuda Dembitzer serves as Field Supervisor at Eastern Elevator, where he oversees day-to-day field operations with a steady hand and deep technical knowledge. An experienced troubleshooter, Yehuda handles complex issues in the field with confidence and precision. Beyond his technical abilities, Yehuda is a natural leader who has built a team culture rooted in accountability and pride — ensuring that every job reflects the standard Eastern Elevator is known for.
Close Joel Matyas is the Sales Director for Eastern Elevator. He demonstrates exceptional expertise and a deep understanding of elevators. With extensive sales experience, Joel has established himself as a trusted advisor in the field. Known for his personable nature and approachability, he is the go-to person for individuals seeking expert advice on all matters related to elevators.
Joel’s reliable, comprehensive knowledge, coupled with his exceptional interpersonal skills, makes him a valuable resource for both clients and colleagues. His commitment to top-notch service and his dedication to staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends make him an invaluable asset to Eastern Elevator.
Close Michelle Frias leads Eastern’s Violation and Compliance Department. With extensive experience and deep expertise, she has established herself as a trusted authority on permit and violation issues. Her systematic, strategic approach and keen attention to detail drive her to the forefront of the industry.
Michelle’s deep understanding of regulatory requirements enables her to navigate the complex landscape of compliance programs, manage and streamline them, and maximize operational efficiency for Eastern. Her dedication and pursuit of excellence make her an invaluable asset to the team, consistently driving success and fostering a culture of compliance throughout the organization.
Close Juliana Collado serves as the Office Administrator at Eastern Elevator. With extensive expertise in dispatch operations, parts coordination, and job scheduling within the elevator industry, she plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficient and timely repair of elevators. Her personable approach and in-depth knowledge of elevator systems enable her to swiftly address issues and minimize downtime. Juliana’s professionalism and meticulous attention to detail make her an invaluable asset in maintaining smooth operations. With her unwavering commitment to excellence, she consistently exceeds expectations and contributes significantly to the overall success of Eastern Elevator.
At Eastern Elevator, we leverage various systems and tools to enhance our technological transparency and service. Our approach includes project management tools, a CRM system, and a robust field service app (FSM). These tools streamline our operations, improve communication, and provide exceptional service to our clients. With project management tools, we efficiently manage and track our projects, ensuring timely delivery and effective resource allocation.
Our CRM system maintains strong client relationships by centralizing customer data, enabling personalized interactions, and ensuring efficient customer support. Additionally, our FSM app empowers our field service technicians with real-time information, enabling prompt and accurate service.
By leveraging these systems, we set ourselves apart in the industry, ensuring technology-driven transparency and exceptional service for our clients.
Our use of technology improves the efficiency, safety, data management, communication, and customer service to our customers, ultimately leading to a better experience for both the technician and the customer.
By implementing a Field Service Management (FSM) system, Eastern Elevator can streamline their service operations. This system enables efficient scheduling, dispatching, and tracking of technicians, resulting in quicker response times and reduced downtime for customers.
Utilizing project management tools benefits us by providing a structured approach to planning, executing, and monitoring our projects. These tools allow for better resource allocation, task management, and progress tracking, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget.
By leveraging FSM, project management tools, and CRM systems, Eastern Elevator gains a competitive edge in the industry. These systems enable us to deliver superior service, manage projects effectively, and provide personalized customer experiences. This positions Eastern Elevator as a trusted and reliable partner, attracting new customers and retaining existing ones.
Implementing these systems provides us with valuable data and insights. FSM, project management tools, and CRM systems generate reports and analytics that can be used to identify trends, optimize processes, and make informed business decisions. This data-driven approach leads to improved operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Our Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system helps us effectively manage our customer interactions and relationships. By centralizing customer data, the company can track customer inquiries, service history, and preferences, enabling personalized and targeted communication. This leads to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.