About Dwan Elevator Company

A Legacy of Accessibility, Innovation & Trusted Service in Southern California

For nearly a century, Dwan Elevator Company has been part of California’s vertical access history — evolving from one of the first residential elevator builders to a modern provider of mobility, safety, and accessibility solutions across Southern California.

In 2009, Robert F. Opperman retired, and the assets of ICOC were acquired by Tom Shield of T.L. Shield & Associates, Inc., where the company continued on as a division and its legacy carried forward. Today, that tradition lives on proudly under the name Dwan Elevator Company — honoring our roots while embracing modern technologies, elevated safety standards, and customer-first service.

From elevators to stair lifts, platform lifts to outdoor accessibility systems, and custom vertical transport solutions, we combine deep technical expertise, personalized service, and local insight to help homeowners and property owners move with confidence and comfort.

Our Story: Rooted in California, Built on Experience

The journey of Dwan Elevator Company began in 1931, when J.E. Dwan founded Dwan Elevator — one of the earliest residential elevator and stair lift companies in California. From the start, the focus was the same as it is today: helping people move safely, comfortably, and independently through their living spaces.

Over the decades that followed, the company grew and transformed. In 1949, Robert P. Opperman joined the company, and by 1961, his son Robert F. Opperman had purchased the business. Under their leadership, the organization became known as The Inclinator Company of California (ICOC) — a trusted name in Southern California vertical transportation.

ICOC’s installers helped bring mobility solutions to thousands of homes throughout the region, completing more than 8,000 residential elevator installations and serving clients ranging from families to notable properties across Los Angeles and beyond. During the late 1970s — the heyday of the residential elevator market — ICOC operated multiple installation crews and led the region with a remarkable 90% market presence.

In 2009, Robert F. Opperman retired, and the assets of ICOC were acquired by Tom Shield of T.L. Shield & Associates, Inc., where the company continued as a division. The legacy carried forward. Today, that tradition lives on proudly under the name Dwan Elevator Company — honoring our roots while embracing modern technologies, safety standards, and customer-first service.

What We Do: Accessibility With Integrity and Precision

At Dwan Elevator Company, we deliver customized vertical transportation and accessibility solutions to Southern California homeowners, designers, builders, and commercial property owners. Our services include:

Residential Elevator Installation & Maintenance

Stair Lift Sales, Installation & Service

Vertical Platform Lift Solutions

Outdoor Lift Installation & Repair

Dumbwaiter Installation & Support

Responsive Repair & Preventive Maintenance Plans

Every project is treated with the same care — whether servicing an existing elevator or installing a customized accessibility solution. We build systems that work smoothly, last longer, and elevate the comfort and safety of every user.

Why Dwan Elevator Company Stands Apart

Experience You Can Trust

With roots stretching back to the earliest days of residential elevators in California, our expertise runs deep. We understand the mechanics, materials, codes, and customer concerns that make vertical transportation projects successful — safe, reliable, and long-lasting.

Solutions Tailored to You

No two homes or buildings are identical, and neither are our solutions. We assess your space, consider your lifestyle or business needs, and recommend products that make sense for your structure, budget, and long-term goals.

Local Expertise, Regional Insight

We serve clients throughout Southern California, including metropolitan and coastal communities from Los Angeles to Orange County, San Diego, Ventura, and surrounding regions. We know local codes, permitting processes, and jobsite logistics — and we leverage that experience to give you the best possible outcome.

Commitment to Safety & Quality

Accessibility isn’t optional — it’s essential. That’s why every elevator, stair lift, platform lift, or outdoor accessibility system we install or service is engineered and maintained with safety as our top priority. We follow manufacturer standards, code requirements, and industry best practices so that your system operates reliably day after day.

Support That Continues Long After Installation

We believe great service doesn’t end when a project is complete. Dwan Elevator Company offers preventive maintenance and rapid response support to keep your systems performing — year after year.

Our Mission

To provide mobility solutions that enhance daily life, improve accessibility, and empower people to live and work independently — with confidence, comfort, and peace of mind. We do this by combining:

Technical expertise
Personalized service
Trusted brand partnerships
Clear communication
Local commitment to Southern California communities

A Team That Puts People First

At Dwan Elevator Company, our people are the heart of what we do. Our technicians, inspectors, service planners, and support staff are trained, experienced, and ready to help — with a shared dedication to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.

We know that elevator and lift solutions often impact people’s daily lives — especially those with mobility needs, aging in place goals, or accessibility challenges. That’s why we treat every client with respect, empathy, and professionalism.

Proudly Serving Southern California

From Los Angeles to Orange County, San Diego to Ventura and beyond, Dwan Elevator Company has built long-lasting relationships with clients throughout the region. Our services span:

Residential homes and estates
Multi-family buildings
Commercial properties
Healthcare facilities
Community centers
Schools and public spaces

No matter the space or scale, we bring the same commitment to quality and service that has defined the Dwan name for generations.

Ready to Help You Move Forward

Whether you’re considering an elevator installation, a stair lift upgrade, accessibility improvements, or need reliable maintenance and repair, Dwan Elevator Company is here to guide you every step of the way.

Dwan Elevator Company — Built on Tradition, Driven by Excellence.