Meet One of the Last Elevator Operators in Los Angeles | Short Film Showcase
[Music] I love classic movies. H. Bard, Gregory Peck, all those old-timers. In other words, my prime time was the '50s. [Music] My mother used to take us to the shopping malls and the big stores. I saw these old-timers doing the elevators. I observed them checking on them, how they drive it, and that's how I learned. I picked up the [Music] vibes.
My name is Ruben Paro, and I'm an elevator operator professional. My first day was August 14, 1976. 40 years seniority inside this building. [Music] Hello, ready? Here we go. [Music] M second floor, Ace Gallery. Ace is the [Music] place, and you notice how I level it straight on the [laughter] money. Professional, how’s your day? Huh, up and down?
Yeah, I was born to go up and down. I learned the hard punches of life real quickly. I became a paperboy at 9 years old. I started with nickels, dimes, and quarters, and I woke myself [Music] up. I'm the oldest of the family, and I was put on the streets to work. It was something that I had to do because they needed my help. You're not going to question your parents.
I'm very proud of my brother and my two sisters. They graduated college, and now they got the education that I did not have. I did not mind making the sacrifice. When it's your flesh and blood, you do anything. Sunday I'm off, and I take my family to restaurants in a new area. You have to look forward to something. I recommend that positive thinking, positive everything—a chance of living a little bit [Music] longer.
Hi, ready? Okay, okay. There were so many people, and yet none of us have the same situation. Isn't that very powerful? I mean, everybody has a story. I'm watching life, serving the public, going up and [laughter] down. I don't feel bored. I'm here because I want [Music] to. As long as the elevator runs, I guarantee you that you will have me. I will be your number one to drive it. I'm right here on the first floor. The doors are [Music] open. I'm ready for [Music] more. Don't.