About Reliable Elevator Company
Independent, owner-focused elevator service across Virginia and Northern North Carolina—safety-first, code-driven, and built on trust.
Our Story
What Makes Us Different
Reliable Elevator Company is built on a relationship-driven approach that recognizes one simple truth: no two customers have the same needs. While some buildings are in a position to fully modernize their equipment, others require dependable, safe elevator functionality without the burden of unnecessary upgrades. We meet our clients where they are—and provide solutions that make sense for their building, budget, and long-term goals.
What sets us apart is our objective, assessment-first mindset. Before we execute any maintenance contract, we conduct a comprehensive initial evaluation of the elevator system. This allows us to understand the true condition of the equipment, identify risk areas, and develop a service strategy tailored to the specific needs of your building—not a one-size-fits-all plan.
Our philosophy is simple: maximize reliability, not short-term profit. We are not focused on selling the largest scope as quickly as possible. Instead, our goal is to minimize downtime, extend equipment life, and maintain consistent, safe operation. We believe this approach creates better outcomes for our customers and forms the foundation for long-term partnerships built on trust and performance.
By prioritizing clear communication, proactive maintenance, and practical solutions, Reliable Elevator Company delivers service that is both technically sound and customer-focused. We believe sustaining long-term relationships will always matter more than maximizing profits.
Meet Our Team
Coming Soon
Michael Watkins
Founding Partner
Michael brings over 20 years of hands-on experience in the elevator industry and is a second-generation elevator professional, continuing a family legacy rooted in the trade. His career has been built from the ground up across every major sector—from field service and repairs to modernization and long-term maintenance planning. He has spent decades in machine rooms, hoistways, and control cabinets, solving real problems where reliability and safety matter most. He also brings four years of office and administrative experience, giving him a rare perspective that bridges technical execution with project management, customer communication, and operational efficiency. He understands not only how elevators work, but how projects should be planned, priced, scheduled, and supported. Michael is known throughout the industry as relationship-driven: trust, transparency, and accountability are the foundation of every partnership. His approach is simple—do the work right, communicate clearly, and stand behind every job. That mindset is the backbone of Reliable Elevator Company. After decades in the industry, Michael co-founded Reliable Elevator Company to offer clients a modern, dependable, and customer-focused alternative—rooted in experience, safety, and integrity. Whether it’s routine service, complex repairs, or refurbishment, his goal is the same: deliver elevator service you can trust.
Coming Soon
Corey Channell
Founding Partner
Corey brings over 20 years of experience in the elevator industry, with a career spanning every major sector of the trade. His background includes extensive modernization work, complex troubleshooting, and hands-on field leadership—making him a trusted technical authority on even the most challenging elevator systems. As a leading field technician and troubleshooter, he is known for diagnosing problems quickly, developing practical solutions, and seeing projects through to completion with precision and professionalism. His modernization experience gives him critical insight into upgrading aging equipment while maintaining safety, reliability, and code compliance. Corey is deeply loyal and relationship-driven, with a strong emphasis on trust, accountability, and long-term partnerships with customers, coworkers, and industry professionals. He believes quality elevator service is built on technical skill, integrity, and follow-through. He also brings a valuable union perspective to Reliable Elevator Company as Recording Secretary for IUEC Local 52—with firsthand knowledge of labor standards, safety expectations, and workforce advocacy. That balanced viewpoint strengthens our commitment to fair practices, safety-first operations, and professional excellence. As co-founder, Corey helps lead the organization with experience, dedication, and a hands-on mindset, ensuring every project reflects the values the company was built on: safety, reliability, and trust.
Trusted & Certified
Why Choose Us
Independent, safety-first service with clear communication and dependable follow-through.
Independent & Owner-Focused
As an independent company, we are not tied to any manufacturer or proprietary system. Our recommendations are based solely on what is best for your equipment, your building, and your budget—not on selling specific brands.
Safety-First, Code-Driven Service
Every service call is performed with strict attention to safety and code compliance. This approach reduces downtime, minimizes risk, and prevents repeat issues.
Fast, Reliable Response
Elevator issues demand immediate attention. We provide prompt response times, clear communication throughout the process, and dependable follow-through to ensure your issues are resolved completely.
Clear Communication & Transparency
We provide clear, detailed service reports, honest repair recommendations, and straightforward pricing—no hidden fees or surprises. You'll always know exactly what work is being done and why it matters.
