Our Story
Company History
Built on Texas Values, Fueled by Experience
Bringing Integrity Back to the Elevator Industry
Central Texas Elevator was founded in 2009 with a straightforward mission: to bring honesty, real service, and clear communication back to an industry that had lost its way. At the time, our founder Ed Leighton, a second-generation elevator mechanic with decades of hands-on experience, had seen too many large companies put profits before people. Customers were often locked into long-term contracts and proprietary systems that inflated costs and limited their options.
We knew there had to be a better way.
Instead of selling flashy service packages, we focused on something more valuable: trust. We believed that building long-term relationships through transparency, fairness, and reliable service would set us apart, and we were right. That belief became the foundation of Central Texas Elevator.
What began as a small inspection operation run out of Ed’s dining room in Bastrop quickly grew. Between 2009 and 2011, we focused on detailed inspections and honest assessments. But as demand for a more dependable, full-service provider grew, so did we.
By 2011, we expanded our offerings to include maintenance, repairs, modernization, and custom lift solutions. Today, we proudly serve clients across the entire state of Texas, still driven by the same values we started with: honesty, quality, and a handshake you can trust approach to business.
A Business With a Heart for Community
We’re not just a business. We’re part of the communities we serve. Giving back is a core part of our values, and we proudly support nonprofits and local causes across Texas.
This spirit of giving reflects the same commitment that drives our service philosophy: treat people with respect, do the right thing, and contribute to the communities we work in.
- Rehabilitation programs for children with disabilities
- Wildlife conservation efforts
- Food banks and local pantries
- Family resource centers and religious organizations
- Animal shelters and rescue groups
A Legacy of Elevators
A Company That Grew With Its People
Our success didn’t happen overnight. It was the result of years of dedication, training, and a commitment to hiring the right people. We now have a team with more than 200 years of combined experience. These technicians aren’t just employees. They’re highly trained professionals who care about doing the job right.
We work with all types of clients, including universities, churches, apartment buildings, hospitals, government facilities, and private residences. No matter the building type or project size, we bring the same level of attention and care.
As our team grew, so did our service offerings. What started as a small inspection company now provides full elevator services throughout the state of Texas.
Statewide IUEC Reach, Local Service Values
As a signatory contractor with the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC), every technician on our team is licensed, trained, and held to the highest industry standards. What makes us unique is our statewide reach.
We are the only locally based, independent elevator company with the ability to operate across all four IUEC locals in Texas. Whether the job is in a major metro or a rural town, we have the network, credentials, and resources to respond without compromising service or quality. That flexibility gives our clients peace of mind—and statewide confidence.
A Legacy of Elevators
The Leighton Family Story
Elevators aren’t just a business for us. They’re a legacy.
Ed Leighton began his elevator career in 1980 in Philadelphia. He learned the trade from his father, Ed Leighton Sr., a Marine veteran and elevator mechanic who believed in hard work and doing things the right way.
Throughout his career, Ed gained experience working for some of the biggest names in the elevator industry. He worked across every major department, from construction and repairs to modernization and maintenance. He led large-scale projects in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., before moving to Austin in 2005.
After settling in Texas, Ed quickly realized that many property owners were being underserved. The elevator companies in the area didn’t offer transparent service. They weren’t responsive. And they rarely focused on what was best for the customer. That realization became the spark that led to the founding of Central Texas Elevator.
Over the years, our family’s involvement in the industry has only grown. Siblings, nieces, nephews, and Ed’s own children have joined the elevator trade, continuing a tradition that now spans multiple generations.
From a Bastrop Dining Room to Statewide Coverage
Our growth was never fueled by aggressive marketing or flashy branding. It was driven by referrals, word of mouth, and repeat business. Clients trusted us to do what we said we would do, without cutting corners, overcharging, or disappearing after the job was done.
While our service footprint has expanded, our core values have stayed the same. We remain a family-owned and women-owned business. The Leighton family is still involved in day-to-day operations, maintaining a hands-on approach to every job.
This growth hasn’t changed who we are. It’s just helped us do more of what we do best: deliver reliable elevator services built on trust.
Central Texas Elevator
What Hasn’t Changed: Family, Integrity, and Service
Since 2009, a lot has changed for Central Texas Elevator. Our team has grown. Our service area has expanded. New technologies have been adopted. But our commitment to doing the right thing has never wavered.
Every project still reflects the values we founded the company on: honest work, clear communication, and a deep respect for your time and investment. The Leighton family remains involved in every step of the process, and our entire team shares the same dedication to doing quality work that lasts.
Let’s Work Together
Whether you manage a healthcare facility, oversee a university campus, or operate a high-rise office building, we have the knowledge, experience, and statewide reach to deliver. We treat every job with the same care and pride as if it were for our own family, because that’s who we are.
Contact us today to learn more about our elevator services or to schedule a consultation with our team.