James W. Fortune graduated from Pasadena City College with an AA Degree in Architecture and then from California State Polytechnic University with a B.S. Degree in Industrial Technology. After graduation, he served with Westinghouse Elevator Division in Los Angeles for three years as a Sales Engineer. From there he joined Lerch Bates & Associates in 1971 as a Staff Engineer. During his career with L.B.A. he held such titles as Project Manager, West Coast Manager, President & C.E.O. and finally, Chairman/Principal. After obtaining his MBA from the University of Denver in 1989 and more than thirty-three total years with Lerch Bates & Associates he retired in 2005. Last year, Fortune started Fortune Consultants, Ltd. (FCL) with a specialty in mega high‑rise and multi-use tower designs. With more than 36 years of experience in analyzing and designing the elevators for some of the World’s tallest buildings, he has written extensively on all aspects of elevator traffic systems, applications, and technological changes. He is considered by many in the Industry to be the World’s foremost elevator consultant, particularly in the design of the World’s tallest, mega high‑rise projects.

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