GUEST COLUMN
community becomes increasingly important. Ken McGraw, another longtime technician, sees value in that local team feel. “It’s rare to see a company grow while keeping that tight-knit feel,” he says. “But when you do, it gives you the confidence and connection to keep evolving.”
McGraw believes that having strong local
teams creates a foundation for technical excellence and trust. In his experience, the culture of support and camaraderie has helped him push his skills further.
“Seeing someone I trained grow into a lead tech – that’s the real reward.”
Work-life balance and career fulfilment Bruce Travis, a veteran with more than 30 years in the crane world, points to a key shift in how companies and technicians approach work-life balance. “Being able to work a 40-hour week and still
make a great impact is a real shift,” he says. “It allows you to bring your best to the job and still be present for your family.” For Travis, that balance has translated into
greater job satisfaction, stronger performance and a healthier outlook. It’s a far cry from the all- hours hustle that defined much of the industry’s earlier years. Technicians today can build careers that
don’t require choosing between home life and professional success. Thanks to more structured
schedules, improved planning tools and dedicated support systems, the crane industry is becoming more sustainable for the long haul.
Longevity through learning After 40 years in the industry, Jack Chapek has seen just about everything – but the transformation he’s most proud of is the industry’s commitment to safety. “The difference is night and day. And that emphasis has saved lives,” Chapek says. “Safety is no longer a formality – it’s a foundation.” He also emphasises the importance of accountability and self-awareness. “Own your mistakes. Every one of them is a chance to learn and improve. That mindset is what sustains a long and successful career.” Chapek’s decades-long tenure with Hoist & Crane Service Group is a powerful testament to what happens when a company invests in its people. The result? A workforce that doesn’t just perform – it leads, mentors and builds a legacy.
The human element behind the steel In an industry filled with massive machinery, cutting-edge systems and towering equipment, it’s easy to overlook the people behind the process. But it’s the technicians – the individuals pulling cable, configuring control panels, troubleshooting systems and ensuring every bolt
is torqued – that make the real difference. They are the ones carrying institutional knowledge, mentoring new hires and spotting the one loose pin that could save a life. Companies like Hoist & Crane Service Group understand that. That’s why their investment in training, mentorship, safety and culture isn’t just a business strategy – it’s a value system. It’s what keeps careers thriving and customers safe.
Lifting the industry, one technician at a time The overhead crane service industry isn’t just about lifting heavy loads – it’s about lifting people. Whether it’s a new technician starting out with questions and ambition, or a veteran passing down decades of insight, this industry is powered by human connection, not just horsepower. The stories of Hilton, Smith, Shaw, Reckaway, McGraw, Travis and Chapek offer more than a look at what’s changed in the field – they reveal what has always mattered: the integrity of the work, the strength of the team and the wisdom of those who came before. As the next generation steps into the trade,
they’ll inherit more than tools and manuals. They’ll inherit a culture shaped by those who believed in doing things the right way, every time. And with companies like Hoist & Crane Service Group continuing to lead the way in development, support and safety, the future of the industry looks brighter – and safer – than ever.
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