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When Charles Lerch created the first independent elevator consulting firm 75 years ago, he didn’t anticipate 2,717 ft.-high towers in Dubai or traveling at 10m/s. But he recognized a need within his client base as an elevator mechanic and set out to meet that need – beginning the client-first mindset we carry on today. Dynamic changes in building technology and construction followed, especially as the demands on a building’s ability to easily and efficiently flow around its users increased. Our deep roots as trusted technical experts with an entrepreneurial spirit and a knack for fast problem-solving were established, and we grew right alongside the building industry.
Today, the legacy of Charles Lerch and his successor, Quent Bates, lives on as the most trusted brand for building insight: Lerch Bates. Our offices and capabilities around the world bring industry-leading expertise and technology to a far wider range of challenges, but our commitment to client service remains the same.
Charles W. Lerch starts an elevator maintenance and repair business in Chicago, C.W. Lerch Co. He adds elevator consulting in response to client requests, establishing the first-ever elevator consultancy in the U.S.
V. Quentin Bates joins C. W. Lerch Co. and both men commit to full time elevator consulting. They move the new firm to Denver.
The company is incorporated as Lerch Bates & Associates.
Mr. Bates establishes an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
Lerch Bates acquires Citadel and adds facade access to its technical offerings, and acquires a hospital specialization group to support its Building Logistics practice.
Lerch Bates officially becomes 100% employee-owned via its ESOP.
Lerch Bates acquires a testing and inspections firm in NYC to meet the specialized needs of clients within the NYC jurisdiction and Dewar Partnership in the U.K., further expanding its international operations.
Lerch Bates acquires Pie Consulting & Engineering, expanding its Building Logistics and Vertical Transportation focus into Enclosures & Structures and Forensics.
Three smaller companies are added to the Lerch Bates brand, further expanding coverage in the Americas with expertise in five specialty areas.
Lerch Bates celebrates 75 years of technical excellence and launches new multidisciplinary focus to clients.
Lerch Bates adds new services for pedestrian circulation, allowing clients to see the flow of people through their building from sidewalk to seat.
Lerch Bates will continue its dedication to its clients with trusted technical expertise and an ownership mindset delivered by 400+ employee-owners around the world.
