Dennis Smith stands beside the van for his business, Express Elevator Co. Mr. Smith started the business earlier this year to service elevators in the region.

For Dennis Smith, business is going up. And down.

Mr. Smith opened Express Elevator Co. earlier this year, putting his 23 years of experience to work. As an independent business, Mr. Smith said he can offer personal service at an affordable rate.

“I just felt it was time to give customers a little more than what they were getting from the big companies,” he said.

Mr. Smith became interested in the elevator business from his father. He started working in Texas in the 1980s during the construction boom. He moved to St. Joseph in 1986, working for ThyssenKrupp Elevator Co.

This spring, he and his wife, Janice, decided to start their own venture servicing elevators for local businesses.

“We basically keep elevators in good running condition,” Mr. Smith said.

That includes services such as monthly oiling and cleaning, as well as the state-mandated yearly inspection. It may seem like a specialized industry, but Mr. Smith said demand is strong. He noted there are 200 elevators in St. Joseph.

“There are probably more than people realize,” Mr. Smith said.

He also travels a wide service territory, from North Kansas City, east to Macon, Mo., and west to Marysville, Kan.

Express Elevator offers 24-hour service. The phone number is 387-1612.