About Powerlift Dumbwaiters Inc. and the History of Dumbwaiters

About Powerlift Dumbwaiters Inc. and the History of Dumbwaiters

powerlift dumbwaiter in a kitchen neatly tucked below the pans

Vision Statement

We make a positive difference in the lives of our employees, our customers, and our community. We choose every day to be better than we were yesterday in the work we perform, the value we deliver, and the relationships we grow.

Mission Statement

As a trusted partner, we drive our product design and creation by collaborating with our customers to build superior inventions that increase safety, mobility, and function worldwide for residential and commercial customers.

Mission Statement

Powerlift Dumbwaiters, Inc. provides ease and safe movement of goods within residential, commercial and industrial applications. We want to consistently meet or exceed our clients’ expectations by providing a quality product at a good price point with the safest standards; unparalleled in our industry. Our goal is encompassing with emphasis toward detail, undivided attention to each client, and professionalism resulting in a pleasant experience each time.

Core Values

Here at Powerlift, we strive to exhibit these values in our interactions with each person in our company and with our customers:

RESPECT
INTEGRITY
DEDICATION

Caring, Considerate, Helpful

Courteous, Patient, Professional

Consistent, Sincere, Trustworthy

Our Story

The Beginning

John Reite, a first-generation son of Norwegian immigrants, was gifted impressive skills as a carpenter. In the late 50’s, while living in the mountains of Santa Cruz, he made his living by selling his hand-made garage doors for his sole proprietorship, Santa Cruz Overhead Door.

With a reputation for craftsmanship, John was approached to design and build a prototype of a residential elevator car for the Waupaca Elevator Co. Around the same time, one of his close family members suddenly died while carrying items up a flight of stairs. This heart-wrenching tragedy made John realize that he could combine current dumbwaiter designs with his knowledge of how to streamline building and installing these devices to make dumbwaiters more accessible and create a better and easier way for individuals to safely transport goods up and down stairs in any environment completely hands free. Thus, Powerlift Dumbwaiters, Inc was born.

Our Story

The Beginning

John Reite, a first-generation son of Norwegian immigrants, was gifted impressive skills as a carpenter. In the late 50’s, while living in the mountains of Santa Cruz, he made his living by selling his hand-made garage doors for his sole proprietorship, Santa Cruz Overhead Door.

With a reputation for craftsmanship, John was approached to design and build a prototype of a residential elevator car for the Waupaca Elevator Co. Around the same time, one of his close family members suddenly died while carrying items up a flight of stairs. This heart-wrenching tragedy made John realize that he could combine current dumbwaiter designs with his knowledge of how to streamline building and installing these devices to make dumbwaiters more accessible and create a better and easier way for individuals to safely transport goods up and down stairs in any environment completely hands free. Thus, Powerlift Dumbwaiters, Inc was born.

The First Dumbwaiters

The original Powerlift Dumbwaiters were made of wood on the family’s property in Northern California. After many rounds of improvements, the original dumbwaiter designs durability, load capacity, ease of installation and overall performance increased.

The First Dumbwaiters

The original Powerlift Dumbwaiters were made of wood on the family’s property in Northern California. After many rounds of improvements, the original dumbwaiter designs durability, load capacity, ease of installation and overall performance increased.

Powerlift Dumbwaiters Inc. in the 2020’s

John often said, “The good Lord gives you ideas, and you just do it. Our design keeps the installation easy; anybody can put one together.” After four decades, John’s work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit still shine through in his sons’ leadership as they continue to grow the company. To date, over 4,000 units have been purchased by homeowners and companies such as, American Licorice, Boeing, Disney (in both America and China), Ford Motor Co., Kimberly Clark, Maker’s Mark, and Winchester.

The fact that Powerlift Dumbwaiters can be found on almost every continent and in approximately 40 countries around the world is a testament to the Powerlift Dumbwaiters, Inc. motto, “The smart way to buy a dumbwaiter!”

The company headquarters is located in Georgetown, CA between Lake Tahoe and Sacramento Valley. Want to tour our facilities? Contact us to schedule a visit and enjoy the scenic route along the way.

Powerlift Dumbwaiters Inc. in the 2020’s

John often said, “The good Lord gives you ideas, and you just do it. Our design keeps the installation easy; anybody can put one together.” After four decades, John’s work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit still shine through in his sons’ leadership as they continue to grow the company. To date, over 4,000 units have been purchased by homeowners and companies such as, American Licorice, Boeing, Disney (in both America and China), Ford Motor Co., Kimberly Clark, Maker’s Mark, and Winchester.

The fact that Powerlift Dumbwaiters can be found on almost every continent and in approximately 40 countries around the world is a testament to the Powerlift Dumbwaiters, Inc. motto, “The smart way to buy a dumbwaiter!”

The company headquarters is located in Georgetown, CA between Lake Tahoe and Sacramento Valley. Want to tour our facilities? Contact us to schedule a visit and enjoy the scenic route along the way.

The History of Dumbwaiters

History shows use of dumbwaiters all the way back to Ancient Greece. They were developed with a series of winches and pulleys handled by strong men to move animals and gladiator fighters in the Colosseum. It was noted that the weight would be so heavy it would require 100’s of men to operate the lifts. Over time these hoists were transformed into elevators to move people.

The History of Dumbwaiters

History shows use of dumbwaiters all the way back to Ancient Greece. They were developed with a series of winches and pulleys handled by strong men to move animals and gladiator fighters in the Colosseum. It was noted that the weight would be so heavy it would require 100’s of men to operate the lifts. Over time these hoists were transformed into elevators to move people.

Dumbwaiters in the 18th Century

These household helpers became popular when Thomas Jefferson brought many innovations from France back to the United States in the 18th century. One being a dumbwaiter for dinner parties that looked more like a portable serving stand that would go from the kitchen to the dining area to eliminate servants.

This became a model of use during his presidency at the White House while discussing sensitive issues during meals regarding matters of national security. Thomas also had a lifting mechanism from the cellar to the dining area to fetch fresh bottles of wine.

Dumbwaiters in the 18th Century

These household helpers became popular when Thomas Jefferson brought many innovations from France back to the United States in the 18th century. One being a dumbwaiter for dinner parties that looked more like a portable serving stand that would go from the kitchen to the dining area to eliminate servants.

This became a model of use during his presidency at the White House while discussing sensitive issues during meals regarding matters of national security. Thomas also had a lifting mechanism from the cellar to the dining area to fetch fresh bottles of wine.

Dumbwaiters in the 19th Century

Popularity rose with the use of dumbwaiters in the 19th century after George W. Cannon filed the first patent operated by pulleys and weights. The design had a counterbalance weight to help it move vertically.

 

Dumbwaiters in the 19th Century

Popularity rose with the use of dumbwaiters in the 19th century after George W. Cannon filed the first patent operated by pulleys and weights. The design had a counterbalance weight to help it move vertically.

 

Dumbwaiters Today
Fast-forward to the 21st century, a dumbwaiter operates on a standard 120-volt in homes and 220-volt in a more industrial setting. Installation of a Powerlift Dumbwaiter is simple thanks to our patented system and eye for design. Whether you’re starting with new construction or adding into an existing structure, our Powerlift Dumbwaiter machines make it easy on our clients from start to finish.

We provide a whole new level of safety, an extensive questionnaire to make sure all your needs are met to fit appropriately and make life easier for all to enjoy. Click on the accommodations that suit your interests to learn more.

Dumbwaiters Today
Fast-forward to the 21st century, a dumbwaiter operates on a standard 120-volt in homes and 220-volt in a more industrial setting. Installation of a Powerlift Dumbwaiter is simple thanks to our patented system and eye for design. Whether you’re starting with new construction or adding into an existing structure, our Powerlift Dumbwaiter machines make it easy on our clients from start to finish.

We provide a whole new level of safety, an extensive questionnaire to make sure all your needs are met to fit appropriately and make life easier for all to enjoy. Click on the accommodations that suit your interests to learn more.

To learn more about each type of Dumbwaiter, select an option below.