The conversation in the 1980s was not yet urgent about accessibility and aging in place. However, that did not mean the need was not there. Richard Meunier saw the barriers in homes and commercial spaces and decided to do something about it. RAM Elevators + Lifts was born in his father’s garage and the story just goes up from there.
Since the first lift was built by Meunier in 1987, RAM has expanded to be a premier choice for residential and commercial lifts across North America. An eye for superior service, long-range planning, customization and exceptional creativity ensure this brand continues to rise.
Corey Smith, president & CEO, is largely responsible for the expansion of RAM.
Prior to RAM, Smith worked in remote hospitality as the CEO of a large remote camp and catering company.
“It was a good business but had ups and downs tied to the energy cycle,” says Smith. “We were just starting to expand into seniors care, as we were looking to diversity.”
That is when Smith ran into an interesting paradox. There is a clear and growing need for seniors care facilities, but most seniors prefer to age at home. Smith looked at the data and learned that for many, mental and physical outcomes are better for seniors when they can safely age at home with the proper supports.
“I was sharing my findings with my network and a fellow investor was the one that told me about RAM, this cool business that helps seniors age in place,” Smith continues. “I reached out to Richard and we hit it off. We asked him if RAM stood for reliable, accessible, mobility. He said no, it stood for Richard Andre Meunier, as he was an engineer and not a marketing guy!”
Smith convinced Meunier to sell the business but that took time.
“It took a year,” says Smith dryly. Yet, he was insistent for a reason.
“I knew that, on top of seniors wanting to stay in their homes, no matter how many seniors facilities we built, we could never keep up with the growing demand of an aging population. I told Richard, ‘Your business is going to explode in the coming years. Let me acquire RAM and go on this adventure with me!’
“Richard and his partner Sandy were the sole owners at that time; you can imagine they were spread quite thin. My pitch to Richard was, ‘I’m driven by growth. You have a great product. Let me spread the word and get more dealers around North America so you can focus on product innovation.’ He is an innovator that holds several patents and participated in creating the North American Elevator Code. My main condition was that he stayed on as the chief engineer and chief product co-ordinator. I expanded the business around him with new offices and a larger sales force.”
Smith and Meunier closed the deal in late 2019. Then along came COVID.
“Things were already in place for the company to be successful in helping seniors and those with mobility constraints, but COVID really did change things for RAM,” Smith admits. “People did not want to leave their homes, which affected those with limited mobility. Some were thinking about building above-garage suites for their parents. There were a lot of pre-COVID conversations around accessibility that turned into dominant conversations during the pandemic.”
One would be quite remiss, however, if they believed all the elevators and lifts created by RAM are utilitarian affairs. Quite the opposite. RAM is known for elevating functionality and for creating works of art.
Most recently, Meunier has applied for a patent for a modular wheelchair lift that can be reconfigured easily on site to suit the size and direction the customer needs. RAM has also designed an all-glass elevator to add to the architectural appeal of estate homes.
One of the most creative projects is a collaboration between RAM and Lauren Kyle of Kyle & Co. Design Studios. This meeting of the minds has produced two luxurious concept pieces. The Edison Crystal imagines a sophisticated businessperson’s suede covered elevator. It includes banquette seating and a classy whisky bar. Views of the skyline enchant the homeowner as they sip a drink while being lifted elegantly to their penthouse suite. On the other hand, The Rose Crystal is a French inspired design that complements a fashionista who enjoys champagne at all the best social events of the season. Minimalism does not take away from The Rose Crystal’s marble interior and framed, stunning, picture window.
“People see these two concepts on our website and ask if they can really have a bar in their elevator. The answer is not very easily,” says Smith dryly. “These concepts were developed to encourage people to think outside of what a residential elevator can be – and who it can be for.”
For example, RAM has installed an elevator in the home of a famous local hockey player. The elevator takes him and his teammates from the main floor to a basement gym where they can rehab injuries without having to fight the stairs. Why do such strapping young athletes need a lift? They don’t. What the homeowner had in mind is resale value. That elevator is fun for now but adds plenty of value and a new option for resale, opening up the home to an aging or low mobility buyer that wants a turnkey solution.
Smith explains further, “There are two sides to this business. Those that suddenly need a lift due to loss (accident, illness, etc.) and those that want a forever home that remains functional as they get older. Those that put in elevators and lifts now when the need is not apparent are helping themselves, or someone else, plan for the future. This is a growing concept – future proofing the home – and we are seeing more architects and designers get involved from the planning stages instead of leaving it for a renovation.
“At first, builders were intimidated by the shaft construction and electrical side of things but elevators are easier to integrate than you may think. It’s great to see more builders include this option from the get-go with their clients.”
People are surprised at how affordable it is to install. Smith adds, “Around $10,000 per floor is the general rule. That is cheaper than a kitchen reno and far more affordable than moving into long-term care.”
RAM’s innovations stylishly address issues of accessibility and mobility. The company aligns its philanthropy with the same goals. RAM supports Veterans Affairs and works closely with homeowner associations to help them better understand accessibility.
“Not just for elevators,” says Smith, “but also the width of doors, height of countertops, etc. We are involved in education and future-proofing homes for sudden need or for aging in place.”
He couldn’t be more thrilled to run his business, that sells across the continent, from Edmonton, Alberta.
“I continue to marvel that it’s in Edmonton where we are building all of this! Across North America, mandates are coming out for accessibility everywhere – homes, places of worship, schools, businesses, libraries. Right here in Edmonton, we are designing to solve a big world problem.”
“Don’t get me wrong,” he continues, “I come from oil and gas; I know how important that is for our province. However, the new Alberta Advantage is innovation. The province is attracting a lot of tech interest and this is growing a new industry. I love that for Alberta. I love that there is a flood of people coming into the province and choosing Edmonton. People are excited to come here because residential and commercial spaces are affordable.
“And let’s not overlook the shipping advantage! About 60 per cent of our goods are exported to the United States. When you think of the goods coming in, Edmonton is the end of the line for a lot of inbound freight, produce, equipment, etc. The amount of empty trucks heading out of Edmonton is a tremendous advantage for RAM because we have trucks that came here full and leave empty; we can bid on them for shipping.”
Smith is not finished praising Alberta or the capital city.
“The schools! We need talent in mechanical and control (programming) for our elevators. Both the University of Alberta and NAIT have been great for our business. We take advantage of our access to that and repay it by offering co-op terms. We enjoy the co-ops. The longer co-ops really help the students with practical education. We wind up hiring a lot of them.”
It is important for Smith to give back to the city and the province. As the Chair of the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation, he was part of the team that brought the iconic COVID era online 50/50 Oilers draw to life, which empowered the Foundation to change lives of both draw winners and charitable organizations in a faster, much more impactful way. He also sits on the board of the Business Council of Alberta to help advocate for making the province a better place for all.
“I can’t thank Richard enough for choosing to create RAM right after he graduated from university,” Smith says. “I’ve never even contemplated a name change. In fact, when I talk to dealers, they are pleased to know he is still in the business. I also thank our team, many of which have been with us for 15-25 years. We retain our staff while adding new team members. I value them all; those that took a chance on me when I acquired RAM and those that are newly joined and are excited about building a future with our company.”
As for building a future, RAM itself has big plans.
“We are working on a massive United States expansion to complement our solid Canadian footprint,” shares Smith. “Our business has a strong team and showroom in Vancouver and a growing presence in Ontario. However, the States is 10 times the market size of Canada and a lot of our growth is there. I can also see a future where we have a modular wheelchair lift base on the east side to quickly deliver and set up our product when the need stems from an accident or illness. Increasingly, we are instilling elevators in our clients’ second homes in Mexico and the Caribbean. An American base of operations would also empower us to ship directly there. We are looking at tripling our business in the next 3-5 years but will always continue to manufacture right here in Edmonton.”
Smith’s journey with RAM has been uplifting from day one, and he has never looked back. He concludes about why this business means so much to him, saying, “Seeing a client see his second floor for the first time in months after an accident… seeing him tear up because he could access both floors of his home and see the photos of his children on the second storey walls thanks to a RAM lift – that is when I get emotional and I know I am in the right business.”
Learn more at trustram.com.