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With the crane and rigging industry continuing to face a labor shortage, companies have an opportunity to tap into a highly skilled and mission-driven workforce — America’s veterans. National Hire a Veteran Day, observed annually on July 25, offers the perfect opportunity to recognize veterans' contributions and highlight the programs helping them transition successfully into civilian careers.
In addition to the ongoing labor shortage, the crane and rigging industry is also experiencing a generational skills gap, with many seasoned operators approaching retirement and fewer young workers entering the field. According to industry reports, nearly 40% of the construction workforce is over the age of 45, signaling an urgent need for talent pipelines that bring in both experience and reliability. Veterans, who are often trained in logistics, heavy equipment operation and safety protocols during their military service, are uniquely positioned to step into these roles. By actively recruiting veterans, companies can address both immediate labor needs and long-term workforce sustainability.
Sterling Crane USA is one company committed to honoring and hiring veterans across its operations.
Justin Hartman, Director of Maintenance at Sterling Crane USA, brings a wealth of experience shaped by his military and civilian careers. He served six years in the U.S. Navy’s engineering department aboard an amphibious assault ship, where he honed his mechanical expertise and leadership. After transitioning out of the military, a veteran-focused recruiting firm connected him with one of the world’s largest chemical and industrial gas companies. Over the next 16 years, he managed maintenance operations for eight facilities across the Houston region, where he developed a strong working relationship with Sterling Crane.
Now part of the Sterling Crane team himself, Hartman is proud to contribute to an organization that shares his passion for excellence, safety and teamwork. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and their two sons, who keep the family busy with baseball, basketball and football.
Another veteran bringing valuable experience to the team is Randy Walker, a crane operator based in Midland, Texas. After serving four years in the U.S. Army — stationed in Heidelberg, Germany, and Fort Hood, Texas — Walker transitioned into the crane and rigging industry, spending six years as a rigger before becoming a crane operator. With nearly a decade of hands-on experience under his belt, he joined Sterling Crane, where he now celebrates his eighth year with the company. Walker’s military discipline, technical skill and steady mindset have made him a valued member of the Sterling team. Outside of work, he enjoys quality time with his wife, Stefanie, and their son, Mateo, whether they're traveling, fishing, grilling or cheering Mateo on in jiu-jitsu and baseball.
Programs like mVET (Marmon Veterans) — an initiative from Marmon Crane Services, Inc. — provide veterans at Sterling and its sister companies a space to connect, share experiences and build community within the organization. mVET empowers Veterans, military family members and allies by raising awareness of their unique challenges, providing resources to overcome them and fostering personal and professional growth through education and networking. These kinds of internal support networks are key to helping veterans feel recognized and valued long after their military service ends.
Sterling Crane USA encourages others in the industry to prioritize veteran hiring, not only out of appreciation for their service, but because veterans consistently prove to be outstanding contributors in the workplace. Organizations such as the Department of Veterans Affairs & Hire Heroes USA offer valuable resources to help employers connect with this talent pool.
If you’re not already convinced, here are five compelling reasons veterans excel in the crane and rigging industry:
On National Hire a Veteran Day and throughout the year, Sterling Crane USA remains proud to support the men and women who have served — and even prouder to have them on the team, lifting the industry to new heights.
