Our Team

Ryan R. Alvarez is a dynamic CEO and Founder with a deep passion for elevating home safety and accessibility. With over 14 years of leadership in the elevator and lift industry, he has built a trusted name known for unwavering commitment to quality. Ryan’s approach is driven by a dedication to service, where building strong relationships and delivering exceptional results are at the forefront. He thrives on creating environments where his teams excel and where customers feel secure and valued.

Guided by his commitment to the community, with safety and accessibility as top priorities, Ryan is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in his customers’ homes. His work goes beyond business. It’s about enhancing quality of life by ensuring that homes and spaces are safe, accessible, and welcoming for everyone.

Peter Kruse serves as Chief Operating Officer and a member of our Board of Directors at StarLift. He brings 15 years of proven experience in business management, operational excellence, and customer service leadership. His expertise spans team development, process optimization, logistics coordination, shipping management, and inventory control. This comprehensive operational background enables him to build and maintain systems that drive efficiency and support sustainable growth.

Peter oversees all facets of company operations, from administrative functions to field installation, ensuring consistent service quality and operational effectiveness. As an Eagle Scout, he brings strong values and proven leadership to his role. Peter is deeply committed to serving seniors and clients with disabilities, recognizing that accessibility solutions profoundly impact quality of life and independence.

His professional experience and international travel have cultivated an appreciation for diverse perspectives and cultures. He maintains professional relationships worldwide and is fluent in Spanish, enabling StarLift to better serve our bilingual clients.

StarLift founder Ryan Alvarez has worked alongside Peter for over a decade across multiple business ventures. Peter’s analytical approach to complex systems, dedication to operational excellence, and commitment to treating customers and employees with respect make him an invaluable asset to our leadership team.

Meet Lisa and Kevin, our newest team members. Lisa is our Client Services Coordinator, and her husband Kevin volunteers his time to support our mission.

Lisa retired last year after more than 28 years with the State of Minnesota. After years of public service, Lisa wanted to continue helping and giving back. She recognized the community’s need for safe, accessible homes, and her work enables her to assist those who need it most.

Kevin is passionate about helping others and is a strong advocate for accessibility and home safety. He enjoys helping people stay in their homes safely, which is why he volunteers his time.

They are both very compassionate and caring people who want to give back to the community. Together, they work to help families maintain their independence and quality of life at home.

James Neuenfeldt is a key member of our operations team, overseeing dispatch, scheduling, and client communications at StarLift. He manages the critical touchpoints of our customer experience, from initial inquiries and estimates to scheduling installations and providing ongoing technical support. His role ensures seamless coordination between our clients and field teams, maintaining the high standard of service our customers expect.

James brings valuable experience from furniture sales and business management, where he developed strong skills in client relations, problem-solving, and operational coordination. His background in furniture systems translates naturally to our stairlift systems and lift chairs, giving him technical insight that enhances his ability to guide clients through product selection and answer detailed questions about functionality and features.

Known for his professionalism and attention to detail, James handles every client interaction with care and precision. He understands that for many of our clients, seeking accessibility solutions is an important decision, and he approaches each conversation with patience and understanding. His ability to navigate complex scheduling demands while maintaining clear communication has made him an essential part of our team’s success.

Joe Wyant serves as Lead Technician and Installation Specialist at StarLift, bringing specialized expertise in vertical transportation systems. As a licensed elevator constructor, Joe has built his career working with stairlifts, residential elevators, vertical platform lifts, and accessibility equipment across a wide range of residential and commercial applications.

Joe oversees all field operations throughout Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Iowa, managing installations, service calls, maintenance programs, and technical troubleshooting. His comprehensive understanding of mechanical systems, electrical components, and building codes ensures that every installation meets the highest standards of safety, functionality, and reliability. He approaches each project with meticulous attention to detail, recognizing that proper installation is critical to long-term performance and client safety.

With five years of focused experience in the accessibility industry, Joe has developed a strong technical foundation and problem-solving approach. This knowledge allows him to quickly diagnose issues, develop practical solutions, and maintain best practices across all installations. His expertise spans multiple manufacturers and system types, giving StarLift the versatility to serve diverse client needs with confidence.

Joe’s professionalism extends beyond technical skill. He understands that installing accessibility equipment often involves working in clients’ homes during significant life transitions. He treats every home with respect, communicates clearly about project timelines and expectations, and ensures that clients feel comfortable and informed throughout the process. His commitment to quality workmanship and exceptional customer care has made him an invaluable leader in our field operations.