VDA Strengthens Southern Presence with Addition of CEI
East Hanover, NJ — VDA, a leading provider of elevator and escalator consulting and inspection services, announces the acquisition of Certified Elevator Inspections, Inc. (CEI), a prominent Florida-based vertical transportation inspection company. The acquisition builds on VDA’s growing presence in the state, following the addition of Suncoast in the summer of 2025.
Founded by Larry O’Berry, CEI has built its reputation on quality service, responsiveness, and strong relationships throughout the Florida market.
The addition of CEI fills a key gap in VDA’s Florida coverage and reinforces the company’s continued investment in the region. For customers, the move pairs CEI with the broader resources of the VDA organization.
“CEI strengthens VDA’s position in Florida,” said Jared Broach, VDA’s Regional Director of Inspections. “This acquisition complements last year’s addition of Suncoast Inspection to the VDA family, and it’s another step in our continued investment in the Florida market. Adding the CEI team brings the same level of quality and service that our Florida customers have come to expect.”
As part of VDA, CEI customers will continue to receive the same knowledgeable and responsive service they have come to rely on, now backed by VDA’s national resources and expanding inspection platform.
“Joining the VDA family is an exciting step for our team,” said Larry O’Berry, owner of CEI. “It expands what we’re able to offer our customers. We now have access to resources and services we didn’t have before, including consulting, new design, and elevator modernization. I’m looking forward to continuing to take care of our customers with that same level of commitment, now with the added depth and expertise that VDA brings.”
This announcement follows VDA’s continued investment in its national inspection capabilities and reinforces the company’s commitment to building a stronger, more connected platform for customers across the country.
VDA is actively seeking acquisition opportunities with like-minded firms. Companies interested in joining the VDA family are encouraged to contact, Ryan Kurtzman, VDA’s M&A team leader at vdassoc.com/join-vda.
About VDA | vdassoc.com
VDA, Inc. is a leading elevator and escalator consulting and inspection firm in the US, Canada, and the UK, offering comprehensive services in vertical transportation systems since 1980. With offices across the United States and over 650 professionals, VDA has built a reputation for excellence through its technical expertise, innovation, and unwavering focus on client success. The firm provides vertical transportation services across all phases of a building’s life cycle, including design, inspections, modernizations, and maintenance evaluations. VDA’s mission is to provide excellence in vertical transportation consulting and inspection services, leveraging the collective expertise of our people while advocating for our clients to achieve the safest and most efficient solutions possible.