Kirby-Smith Machinery, Inc., a leading equipment distributor and Manitowoc Certified Elite Dealer, has hired Rickey Bailey as vice president of its crane division.
Bailey is responsible for the strategy and oversight of Kirby-Smith’s crane operations, replacing the recently retired Ben Graham who had led the company’s Crane Division for more than16 years.
Before joining Kirby-Smith, Bailey was manager of major accounts for Link-Belt Construction Equipment Company.
Bailey has over 20 years of crane industry experience, including management roles at the manufacturer, distributor, and user levels.
In addition to Link-Belt Construction Equipment, he has also worked for Link-Belt Mid-Atlantic and Bulldog Erectors, Inc.
Jeff Weller, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Kirby-Smith, said, “When choosing a successor for Ben, we needed someone with the right experience who would fit our culture, uphold our expectations for excellence, and be comfortable in Oklahoma. Rickey fits all those criteria."
Weller added that Bailey is a "known commodity" in the industry and has both a strong work ethic and customer-facing mentality. "I trust that he will take great care of our customers and am excited to welcome him to our family at Kirby-Smith,” said Weller.
Weller also praised the retired Graham for his role in building Kirby-Smith’s presence in the crane market. “Under Ben Graham’s leadership, our crane division has grown immensely and developed an industry-wide reputation for quality and customer service,” said Weller. "I am grateful for everything Ben has done to get us to this level, and wish him the best in his retirement.”
Bailey said that Kirby-Smith "will continue to work hard each day for opportunities to help our customers with their lifting needs.”
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