Uplifting in both product and purpose, KC Lift & Elevator is a locally owned and operated full-service dealer of accessibility products with a heartfelt commitment to customer service. As specialists in the growing sector of products that include home elevators and lifts (stairs, ceilings, wheelchairs), owners Bill and Maria Koch of Leawood believe their clients deserve personal attention from experts who are active community members who truly care about the needs of others.
Meet Anna Sarol of Olathe. Anna’s impactful story of her horrific gymnastic accident five years ago that left her paralyzed from the waist down has been inspiring others across the globe. Here at home, Anna has been a daily champion whose triumphant spirit soars despite her ambulatory challenges that caused her path to intersect with the Koch’s mission.
“It was our honor and pleasure to design and install a custom stairlift for Anna,” Maria says. “The stairlift for their curved staircase looks nice in their home and makes it safe for Anna to get to the basement and back to the main level.”
Founded in 2007, KC Lift & Elevator began when Bill noticed the need for quality, affordable accessibility equipment, a business he knew firsthand as vice president of sales for a local manufacturer.
“We both loved the idea of helping those in our own community stay safely in their own homes,” Maria says. “We’ve been honored to get to know our clients and help them live an improved quality of life. Every client is important to us and reminds us why we are in this business.”
The Kochs have real-world experience with their products as they watched their own parents age. After Maria’s father passed, they invited her mom to live with them. Over time, it became difficult for her to climb their stairs, so they installed a stairlift to maintain her independence. Bill’s father also used a scooter and wheelchair aided by a vertical platform lift through the garage that more easily allowed him to enjoy outings with friends and dining out.
Maria says lifts are also needed by young people and their parents. “We serve many families with children using wheelchairs. As children grow and get heavier, parents need to be extremely cautious not to hurt themselves while transferring them to the wheelchair, bed or bath. We install overhead lift systems (ceiling lifts) that use a hoist sling on a trolley to pick up a loved one and effortlessly transfer them.”
Maria adds that multi-generational living is causing an increased demand for their products. “One of the biggest sacrifices this last year was avoiding seeing grandparents in facilities, so more families are moving their loved ones under the same roof—installing stairlifts and elevators should they someday need to transport a wheelchair.”
Aided by low-interest rates, families are building forever homes that often include an elevator. “Even before the pandemic we were seeing more elevators in new home builds and remodels. Like every modern convenience, once people start seeing its value, it becomes more mainstream. Also, accessibility products are looking less like medical equipment these days and more contemporary.”
Members of NARI and the Home Builders Association of Greater KC, the staff at KC Lift & Elevator are trained professionals. Visit their fully staffed working showroom at 14719 W. 114th Terr. in Lenexa (Mon.– Fri., 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.) where several product models are on display. Installation/repairs performed by qualified service technicians with efficient response times and emergency after-hours service. Free in-home consultations available. See funding options, product descriptions, testimonials and more at www.kclift.com.
Did you know:
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Over 90% of people want to stay in their homes, and statistics show they usually thrive there. The price of an installed stairlift is generally the equivalent of a few weeks in a senior facility, with a traditional elevator costing less than six months there.
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Stairlifts only require a 3-foot clearance, do NOT attach to the wall, and are easy to install and remove without repairs. Both stairlifts and platform lifts can be recycled with cash-back or trade-ins if needs change.
“KC Lift & Elevator gave me the independence I need to access my entire house! After a quick install, they communicated the information to be aware of with my new lift. Since working with them, I have continuously felt supported and know that I can contact them at any time!”— Anna Sarol, Olathe, Ks.