Emerald Kuhns: Be Safe Out There!

Intro:
Emerald Kuhns, Executive Director of NAESA International. Emerald joined NAESA after working in sales leadership and she has never looked back. After 8 years administering the QEI certification program, Emerald was promoted to Assistant Executive Director and in 2023, she became the Executive Director. Emerald loves the fact that the elevator industry is one big family. She is passionate about safety and wants each and every person to be safe and return home at the end of the day

Outline:
Emerald Kuhns' Introduction and Background
Emerald Kuhns emphasizes the importance of safety in the elevator industry.
Matthew Allred introduces Emerald Kuhns, Executive Director of NAESA International, and her journey in the industry.
Emerald shares her initial entry into the elevator industry through a job position recommended by a friend.
She describes her progression from handling QEI certification applications to becoming the Executive Director.
NAESA's History and Mission
Emerald explains the origins of NAESA in Arizona and its growth over the years.
The initial motivation behind NAESA was to provide a formal structure for elevator inspectors.
NAESA's primary mission is to certify and educate elevator inspectors, ensuring safety in the industry.
They conduct approximately 75 classes annually throughout the United States and Canada.
Challenges and Certification Process
Emerald discusses the varying inspection requirements across different states and jurisdictions.
She highlights the importance of annual inspections and the need for inspectors to have a year of documented experience before certification.
NAESA has launched a new inspector training program for individuals with no prior knowledge of the industry.
The program includes a mentorship component to ensure practical training and certification.
Emerald's Role and Industry Challenges
Emerald expresses her desire to interact with all 3000 inspectors to ensure their well-being and safety.
She mentions the global presence of NAESA, with inspectors in the United States, Canada, Korea, Guam, and the Bahamas.
The industry faces a shortage of inspectors, particularly with the retirement of baby boomers.
NAESA's new program aims to address this shortage by training and certifying more inspectors.
Gender Dynamics and Industry Support
Emerald discusses the challenges of being a female in a male-dominated industry but notes improvements over time.
She highlights the support and camaraderie within the industry, particularly through groups like Women in the Motion.
Emerald appreciates the welcoming and supportive nature of the industry, despite the occasional challenges.
She emphasizes the importance of safety and the need for inspectors to return home safely after each day.
Emerald's Career and Future Plans
Emerald expresses her commitment to the elevator industry and her intention to retire from it.
She values the safety aspect of the industry and the daily functions that she has learned over the years.
Emerald plans to enjoy her retirement and has no intention of returning to sales or sales leadership.
She advises stakeholders to prioritize safety and be cautious in their daily work to prevent accidents.