Lerch Bates Building Insight
60 Years of Building Insight
Our history reflects the entrepreneurial spirit and the vision of our founders – Charles Lerch and Quentin Bates, as well as their interest in contributing to the dynamic changes in building technology and construction through the past 60 years.
In 1947, our founder, Charles Lerch left Otis Elevator Co. to strike out on his own doing maintenance and repairs as C. W. Lerch Co. in Chicago. Always focused on client needs, he added elevator consulting as a side business in response to client requests.
Quentin Bates knew the reputation of Charles Lerch and actively sought an opportunity to work together. Quentin Bates left Haughton Elevators in 1964 to join Lerch and both men committed to full time elevator consulting. The firm moved to its present headquarters in Denver, Colorado – the same year. In 1974 the company was incorporated as Lerch Bates & Associates. By the 80’s building boom, Lerch Bates had 15 offices throughout North America. In 1984 the Healthcare group was added, now known as the Materials Management Materials Handling Group. In 1985 Lerch Bates Limited in London was formed.
As they say – the rest is history. Or more accurately, we are still creating our history. With 60 years of dedication and innovation, Lerch Bates continues to respond to customer needs. Since our founding in 1947 as the first independent elevator consulting firm in the US, we have added offices and capabilities around the world, bringing industry leading expertise and technology to our work with clients on diverse and challenging projects. The influence of Lerch Bates as innovators of design concepts is seen as many of our “firsts” have become industry standards. Our contributions can be recognized in many of the world’s tallest buildings.
What hasn’t changed is the importance of the individuals who had the vision to start the company and those who continue to build upon that vision today. In 1994 Lerch Bates became an employee owned consulting firm. Much like the early days, each employee/owner takes an entrepreneurs’ interest in providing the service, quality and ingenuity our clients expect and deserve. Today we have the ideal balance of many long term and loyal employees providing their expertise, along with those who chose to start their careers with Lerch Bates. Employees join the firm – and stay – because the early values established by Charlie and Quent remain essential parts of our company today.