People

Brian was around nine years old when he went to his first derailment along with his father. When still a teenager, he purchased one of his dad’s cranes and took over an operational division of Isringhausen Emergency Railroad Services, where he responded to railroad emergencies for several years before co-founding Cranemasters in 1986.

In 1986, propelled by a shared entrepreneurial spirit with his brother and father, Brian moved to Richmond, VA and played a pivotal role in the establishment of Cranemasters, Inc.  The organization has become a beacon of responsiveness and innovation under Brian and Barry’s visionary leadership.

Over the lifespan of Cranemasters, Brian’s guidance has propelled the company to remarkable heights, emphasizing his commitment to excellence and a resolute “no shortcuts” philosophy. His unwavering dedication to quality permeates the company’s culture. With a seasoned and innovative team of railroaders and engineers at the helm, Cranemasters remains at the forefront of industry solutions. Under Brian’s leadership, Cranemasters has evolved from a single location to a network of twelve operating divisions that provide a comprehensive suite of services including derailment response, track construction and repair, railcar repair, load adjust and transfer solutions, and cutting-edge equipment manufacturing. The company services all Class I railroads, shortline and regional lines, and industries engaged in railroad transportation. Cranemasters is proud to bear the reputation as a trusted partner in the railroad sector.

Brian Isringhausen’s enduring commitment to excellence and his ability to foster innovation within Cranemasters have left an indelible mark on the industry.

Barry Isringhausen brings over thirty-five years of experience to the railroad industry. Fostered by growing up in the rail industry environment, Barry developed an unwavering passion for problem-solving, a driving force that continues to motivate and inspire him.

In 1986, fueled by a shared entrepreneurial spirit with his brother and father, Barry relocated to Richmond, VA and played a pivotal role in the establishment of Cranemasters, Inc. Since its inception, under the collective leadership of Barry and Brian, the company has charted a steady course of growth and innovation.

Cranemasters has flourished over the past three plus decades. The company’s success is rooted in a steadfast commitment to excellence, encapsulated in a “no shortcuts” philosophy that permeates throughout its talented and experienced employees. Barry’s dedication to meticulous design and problem-solving solutions for customers has solidified Cranemasters’ position as an industry leader. From a humble single location, Cranemasters has grown to twelve operating divisions. These divisions seamlessly provide a comprehensive range of services, encompassing derailment response, track construction and repair, railcar repair, load adjustment and transfer services, and cutting-edge equipment manufacturing. Cranemasters services all Class I railroads, shortline and regional lines as well as industries involved in the rail transportation industry. The company’s broad suite of services is a testament to its unwavering dedication to meeting the diverse needs of the railroad industry.

Tom has worked in the railroad services industry specializing in train derailments for over 44 years. His experience spans across several companies throughout North America where he developed a focus on bringing the highest value to his railroad clients. As a member of Cranemasters’ executive team, Tom now manages and directs Mechanical Operations and Sales, company-wide. He believes the company’s investments in research, development, and innovation result in creative lifting techniques that are more advanced and forward-thinking than any other in the industry. This delivers clients a better cost alternative than Cranemasters’ competitors because the company is committed to doing the job right, from start to finish.

Appointed Vice President of Track Operations in October 2018, Aaron Braithwaite brings a 19-year track record in the railroad industry, directing track maintenance and construction operations across the East Coast and Midwest. His broad experience with Class 1 railroads, short lines, transit agencies, and industrial customers has honed his understanding of diverse operational needs, enabling the development of versatile strategies.

Aaron excels in leading complex projects, fostering team collaboration, and driving operational improvements and safety advancements. His ability to build cohesive teams and work effectively with various stakeholders aligns operational goals with customer expectations. Known for strategic leadership, Aaron consistently enhances service efficiency and quality. His commitment to safety and excellence ensures reliable, timely service delivery in a precision-critical industry.

Aubrey joined the Cranemasters team in the winter of 2023 to help lead the manufacturing and engineering groups and later took on fleet maintenance. Prior to Cranemasters, Aubrey spent 30+ years in a variety of progressing leadership and executive roles in manufacturing and distribution all over North America. For him, the transition to Cranemasters was about working with a tightknit group of exceptional people focused on personal development and solving problems for our customers.

A Florida native with an Aerospace Engineering degree from Auburn University, he’s made Richmond his family’s home and is proud to be a part of the Cranemasters’ Family.

In May 2019, Stan came to Cranemasters as a Financial consultant, bringing a wide portfolio of financial reporting and analysis experience. In May 2020, Stan joined Cranemasters full-time as Senior Manager of Business Analysis and Reporting. In February 2023, Stan took on the role of Chief Finance Officer for Finance and Administrative Services.

Stan brings to Cranemasters 39 years of experience in financial management & strategic planning for domestic and international companies. Proven expertise in strategic planning, vendor management, budgeting, forecasting, integrations, mergers and acquisitions, profit improvement, cash planning and management. Skilled in organizing and training diverse cross functional teams to develop solutions and restructure / enhance company processes to exceed crucial company objectives. Expertise in reducing costs and generating revenue by effectively managing all aspects of financial and administrative services.

In 2018, Jeff joined Cranemasters to create an IT department from the ground up. He was intrigued with the chance to build a startup within a 30-year-old company and contribute to the realization of the enterprise’s goals. As CIO, Jeff has established an effective practice, with responsibility for the enterprise’s information technology and data activities. Jeff is proud to be part of Cranemasters’ executive team, serving and empowering both employees and customers.

Prior to Cranemasters, Jeff spent more than 25 years at multiple Fortune 50 companies and a non-profit, providing strategic and tactical leadership in technology, operations, and business.

Although currently a resident of Richmond, VA, he was born and raised in New York City. He has a master’s degree from NYU’s School of Engineering (Polytechnic Institute), and an undergraduate degree from City University of NY, Hunter College.

Neal Gifford joined Cranemasters as Vice President of Human Resources in 2021. He has over 25 years of Human Resources experience supporting Supply Chain and Logistics as well as corporate offices. As Vice President he oversees all aspects of the HR function, leading a team in the development and implementation of forward-thinking HR strategies. He is responsible for aligning HR initiatives with the company’s overall goals, driving workforce planning, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Neal plays a critical role in shaping the Cranemasters culture and enhancing employee satisfaction.

He believes that hiring, retaining, and developing people is critical to Cranemasters continued growth and success.