Women In Crane
urges the industry to have more information on human resources-related issues that might be specific to a woman-owned business.
“ Discussion panels or roundtables of women-owned businesses might be helpful for women to discuss their specific issues in a more relaxed atmosphere, where attendees could ask questions and have an information discussion,” she explained.
Even so, for those looking to join the industry, Cheryl believes,“ It’ s a great industry to work in. There are many aspects of the industry that could be interesting to a young woman. I would suggest that a young woman intern with a crane company to see all of the various aspects of the industry.”
Tonya Fry
Tonya Fry, vice president of HFA and 2024 Allied Industries Group chairperson, began working with HFA in 2004 with a background in investments and banking, but no prior equipment finance experience other than answering phones in a summer high school job with HFA.
“ The biggest hurdle for me early on was to not take things personally,” Tonya noted.“ Being that I was young and a woman in the industry, there were many customers who only wanted to speak to Harry. They felt that he was more knowledgeable. Over time, I was able to prove myself to many clients and they were comfortable working with me.”
Tonya’ s experience also highlights the importance of mentorship, community and leadership for women in the field today.
“ I came into the industry about eight years after Cheryl, and I give credit to those few who started in the industry because they paved the way for women in our industry today,” she recalled.“ Cheryl was a great role model for me. Today, there are many women owners in the industry. It’ s been very exciting for us to experience these changes and see women thriving in the work.”
Though there has been great strides for women in the industry, Tonya still believes there could be more done for career outreach to women.
“ It is not an industry that women are immediately drawn to,” she explained.“ Reach out to women early in their career, such as in high school, trade school and college, and educate them on the job opportunities in the industry.”
Jo Roberts
Jo Roberts, a member of SC & RA and owner of LUBE-A-BOOM, a lubrication provider to the lift, mining, farming and marine industries, has been in the lifting industry for 22 years.
Roberts began her career in the oil and gas industry when she met Harley Wilson, the founder of LUBE-A-BOOM and a Grove engineer, who became Roberts’ mentor.
To Roberts,“ mentorship is very important. Find someone who is willing to help you and guide you along.”
Clear, structured and paid apprenticeship pathways can also help advance careers in the industry, according to Roberts, along with outreach through trade schools and community colleges and entry roles that include real training.
She also suggests a redesign of PPE, so there is gear that will actually fit women’ s bodies.“ Ill-fitting gear is a safety issue, not a comfort issue.”
Roberts believes that the crane and rigging industry can also benefit from having more women in leadership positions.“ Diversity wins! It brings practical advantages to an industry that deals with safety issues, talent shortages and complex projects.”
Amy Niese
Amy Niese’ s career with Nelson Manufacturing, a manufacturer of custom trailers, boom dollies and boom launch trailers for the crane, rigging, heavy haul, construction and aerospace industries, began in 2012, when she joined the company as an owner with her husband, Tony. As the treasurer for Nelson Manufacturing, she has also held roles focusing on human resources, accounting and purchasing.
“ I was drawn to the industry as everyone is close-knit,” Niese said.“ I attended several trade shows with Tony and was impressed at the networking that took place, the friendships that were developed and the professionalism of the industry.”
In the beginning, she had to develop a new network, including colleagues, suppliers and industry connections.
“ My previous work experience was in the tire industry,” she noted.“ As you can imagine, the crane industry is vastly different! Our employees were great as they taught me about our product line, our supplier base and the crane industry.”
“ We all learn from our personal experience and the mentorship of others within the organization,” Niese continued when asked about the benefit of women in operational and leadership roles.“ The more experience we have in multiple facets of an organization— as operators, technicians, office roles, business leaders, etc.— the
Photo courtesy of SC & RA.
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March 2026 • www. cranehotline. com