Crane Talk

Douglas G. Greathouse II spent years working in law enforcement, hoisting and rigging, safety, and ministry. Beneath the accomplishments, he says he was chasing recognition and adrenaline to fill an emptiness that achievement could never satisfy. That began to change when he approached the Gospels as a detective examining independent witness statements.In this very special episode of Crane Talk, Doug joins Ron Thompson for a conversation about his journey from skepticism to faith, the prayer that changed his life, and the late-night inspiration that led him to write Christian songs and the devotional When God Wakes You. Doug also discusses the difference between religion and a relationship with God, why silence matters, and what he hopes listeners take away from his music.Listen to the full conversation, then find Douglas G. Greathouse II on Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Deezer, and YouTube.About the ShowCrane talk is a podcast hosted by Ron Thompson and Gene Greiner, 2 highly successful insurance producers in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. About Ron:Ron has been specializing in the heavy iron insurance world as a broker since 1992. In the complex world of heavy iron risk exposure, Ron’s expertise is in contractual risk transfer, contract review, fleet safety management where “rubber meets the road” and keeping clients updated on legislative issues that effect the crane & rigging industry and maximizing profit for his clientele.Connect with Ron: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-thompson-ba0a805a/About Gene:Gene Greiner is Vice President of commercial insurance for CoVerica with 15 years of focus on heavy construction risk. Based in Dallas, TX, he is deeply embedded in serving this industry’s risk transfer needs and, enjoys active advocacy though the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association and the Texas Crane Owners Association.  Connect with Gene: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gene-greiner-b08a0617/New episodes drop each month. Please drop us a line if you have a question or suggestion; you can reach us at [email protected]. Finally, if you like the podcast, we encourage you to subscribe and leave us a review.

“A good safety culture starts with leadership willing to look in the mirror.”In this episode of Crane Talk, the crew sits down with Billy Woolf, acting Safety Director for Davis Crane Service, to discuss the realities of managing safety, liability, litigation, and accountability inside one of the country’s largest crane and rigging operations.Billy shares how his background working directly in the field helped shape his approach to safety leadership and why employee trust matters just as much as written policies. The conversation explores how Davis Crane built stronger accountability systems across multiple locations while maintaining buy-in from ownership, management, and field personnel.Ron, Gene, and Billy also discuss their experiences meeting with lawmakers in Washington D.C. to advocate for tort reform and explain how rising litigation costs impact equipment investment, insurance premiums, and the future of the industry.If you work in cranes, rigging, trucking, construction, insurance, or industrial safety, this episode provides an inside look at the operational and legal challenges shaping the industry today.Connect with Billy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-woolf-4b7832286About the ShowCrane talk is a podcast hosted by Ron Thompson and Gene Greiner, 2 highly successful insurance producers in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. About Ron:Ron has been specializing in the heavy iron insurance world as a broker since 1992. In the complex world of heavy iron risk exposure, Ron’s expertise is in contractual risk transfer, contract review, fleet safety management where “rubber meets the road” and keeping clients updated on legislative issues that effect the crane & rigging industry and maximizing profit for his clientele.Connect with Ron: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-thompson-ba0a805a/About Gene:Gene Greiner is Vice President of commercial insurance for CoVerica with 15 years of focus on heavy construction risk. Based in Dallas, TX, he is deeply embedded in serving this industry’s risk transfer needs and, enjoys active advocacy though the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association and the Texas Crane Owners Association.  Connect with Gene: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gene-greiner-b08a0617/New episodes drop each month. Please drop us a line if you have a question or suggestion; you can reach us at [email protected]. Finally, if you like the podcast, we encourage you to subscribe and leave us a review.

In this episode of Crane Talk, Isaac Smith is joined by Ron Thompson and Jean Greiner to break down what Ron heard during his trip to Capitol Hill with trucking and crane industry representatives. The conversation covers the real business pressure facing crane, rigging, and trucking companies, from rising insurance costs to the growing impact of litigation on family-owned operations.The hosts dig into several major issues affecting the industry: third-party litigation funding, staged accidents, forum shopping, nuclear verdicts, and the challenge of getting meaningful tort reform passed. Ron also shares examples from his meetings in Washington, including discussions around federal penalties for staged highway accidents and the need for more transparency in litigation funding.The episode also touches on tariffs affecting crane equipment from Japan and the EU, why those costs are difficult to absorb mid-project, and how they could affect infrastructure work, data centers, and equipment purchasing decisions.About the ShowCrane talk is a podcast hosted by Ron Thompson and Gene Greiner, 2 highly successful insurance producers in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. About Ron:Ron has been specializing in the heavy iron insurance world as a broker since 1992. In the complex world of heavy iron risk exposure, Ron’s expertise is in contractual risk transfer, contract review, fleet safety management where “rubber meets the road” and keeping clients updated on legislative issues that effect the crane & rigging industry and maximizing profit for his clientele.Connect with Ron: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-thompson-ba0a805a/About Gene:Gene Greiner is Vice President of commercial insurance for CoVerica with 15 years of focus on heavy construction risk. Based in Dallas, TX, he is deeply embedded in serving this industry’s risk transfer needs and, enjoys active advocacy though the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association and the Texas Crane Owners Association.  Connect with Gene: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gene-greiner-b08a0617/New episodes drop each month. Please drop us a line if you have a question or suggestion; you can reach us at [email protected]. Finally, if you like the podcast, we encourage you to subscribe and leave us a review.

In this episode of Crane Talk, the team is joined by OSHA defense attorney Michael Rubin to unpack what really happens after a serious crane accident. From the moment the phone rings on a Saturday night to navigating inspections, interviews, and citations, Rubin explains when to involve legal counsel and why early strategy changes outcomes.The conversation dives deep into OSHA enforcement practices, citation stacking, inflation-adjusted penalties, and the long-term business consequences of public fines. The group also explores Fourth Amendment protections during inspections, how multi-employer jobsites complicate responsibility, and why blindly paying citations can cost far more than fighting strategically.If you operate cranes, manage heavy iron, or oversee safety in construction, this episode is essential listening.Disclaimer:This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by watching the video, viewers should consult a licensed attorney for personalized legal guidanceAbout the ShowCrane talk is a podcast hosted by Ron Thompson and Gene Greiner, 2 highly successful insurance producers in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. About Ron:Ron has been specializing in the heavy iron insurance world as a broker since 1992. In the complex world of heavy iron risk exposure, Ron’s expertise is in contractual risk transfer, contract review, fleet safety management where “rubber meets the road” and keeping clients updated on legislative issues that effect the crane & rigging industry and maximizing profit for his clientele.Connect with Ron: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-thompson-ba0a805a/About Gene:Gene Greiner is Vice President of commercial insurance for CoVerica with 15 years of focus on heavy construction risk. Based in Dallas, TX, he is deeply embedded in serving this industry’s risk transfer needs and, enjoys active advocacy though the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association and the Texas Crane Owners Association.  Connect with Gene: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gene-greiner-b08a0617/New episodes drop each month. Please drop us a line if you have a question or suggestion; you can reach us at [email protected]. Finally, if you like the podcast, we encourage you to subscribe and leave us a review.

In this episode of Crane Talk, the team sits down with Chris Thomas, CEO of Artes, a London-based MGA specializing in bespoke insurance programs for cranes, rigging, and heavy equipment. Chris walks Ron and Gene through the realities of crane and rigging insurance, from underwriting complexity to claims discipline and subrogation. He explains why many insurance programs fail after just a few years and why sustainable success requires experienced partners, accurate data, and a willingness to stay committed through both profitable and loss-heavy cycles.The conversation also explores broader industry challenges, including litigation exposure, nuclear verdicts, and the importance of educating capacity providers. Chris closes by reflecting on leadership, philanthropy, and building an insurance business designed to endure—not chase short-term premium.Connect with Artes:Website: www.artes-specialty.comChris: [email protected]: [email protected] the ShowCrane talk is a podcast hosted by Ron Thompson and Gene Greiner, 2 highly successful insurance producers in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. About Ron:Ron has been specializing in the heavy iron insurance world as a broker since 1992. In the complex world of heavy iron risk exposure, Ron’s expertise is in contractual risk transfer, contract review, fleet safety management where “rubber meets the road” and keeping clients updated on legislative issues that effect the crane & rigging industry and maximizing profit for his clientele.Connect with Ron: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-thompson-ba0a805a/About Gene:Gene Greiner is Vice President of commercial insurance for CoVerica with 15 years of focus on heavy construction risk. Based in Dallas, TX, he is deeply embedded in serving this industry’s risk transfer needs and, enjoys active advocacy though the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association and the Texas Crane Owners Association.  Connect with Gene: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gene-greiner-b08a0617/New episodes drop each month. Please drop us a line if you have a question or suggestion; you can reach us at [email protected]. Finally, if you like the podcast, we encourage you to subscribe and leave us a review.

This episode of Crane Talk features Aaron Jackson, EVP of Redstone Underwriters, providing an underwriter’s perspective on the challenges facing crane and rigging insurance. He unpacks the impact of social inflation, third-party litigation funding, and shrinking capacity in the casualty market. The discussion highlights practical tools like cameras, telematics, and strong contracts, along with emerging AI applications that are reshaping underwriting. Jackson underscores how early data submission and proactive risk management can materially improve terms for insureds.About the ShowCrane talk is a podcast hosted by Ron Thompson and Gene Greiner, 2 highly successful insurance producers in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. About Ron:Ron has been specializing in the heavy iron insurance world as a broker since 1992. In the complex world of heavy iron risk exposure, Ron’s expertise is in contractual risk transfer, contract review, fleet safety management where “rubber meets the road” and keeping clients updated on legislative issues that effect the crane & rigging industry and maximizing profit for his clientele.Connect with Ron: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-thompson-ba0a805a/About Gene:Gene Greiner is Vice President of commercial insurance for CoVerica with 15 years of focus on heavy construction risk. Based in Dallas, TX, he is deeply embedded in serving this industry’s risk transfer needs and, enjoys active advocacy though the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association and the Texas Crane Owners Association.  Connect with Gene: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gene-greiner-b08a0617/New episodes drop each month. Please drop us a line if you have a question or suggestion; you can reach us at [email protected]. Finally, if you like the podcast, we encourage you to subscribe and leave us a review.

Laura Schoefer, Senior Vice President of Claims at DUAL Specialty Construction & Transport, joins Crane Talk to share how she helped reimagine safety from a dry compliance function into a powerful company culture asset. From near-miss reporting campaigns to marketing safety wins, Laura’s team brings a creative, proactive approach that resonates with their workforce and clients alike.We dive into how communication strategy and human-centered leadership can lead to scaling a company's safety culture. Laura discusses how documenting incidents, sharing anonymized stories, and celebrating progress have transformed how employees view risk.This episode is packed with practical insights on how storytelling, accountability, and data can make safety personal—and powerful.About the ShowCrane talk is a podcast hosted by Ron Thompson and Gene Greiner, 2 highly successful insurance producers in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. About Ron:Ron has been specializing in the heavy iron insurance world as a broker since 1992. In the complex world of heavy iron risk exposure, Ron’s expertise is in contractual risk transfer, contract review, fleet safety management where “rubber meets the road” and keeping clients updated on legislative issues that effect the crane & rigging industry and maximizing profit for his clientele.Connect with Ron: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-thompson-ba0a805a/About Gene:Gene Greiner is Vice President of commercial insurance for CoVerica with 15 years of focus on heavy construction risk. Based in Dallas, TX, he is deeply embedded in serving this industry’s risk transfer needs and, enjoys active advocacy though the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association and the Texas Crane Owners Association.  Connect with Gene: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gene-greiner-b08a0617/New episodes drop each month. Please drop us a line if you have a question or suggestion; you can reach us at [email protected]. Finally, if you like the podcast, we encourage you to subscribe and leave us a review.

Jason Baynard, an Inland Marine underwriter at AmWINS, joins Crane Talk to unpack the volatile world of heavy iron insurance. From his early days at Chubb to building custom underwriting programs, Jason has seen it all—and has strong opinions about what makes crane companies stand out today.We cover the difference between first-party and third-party coverage, the real-world impact of nuclear verdicts, and how tort reform is slowly reshaping the legal landscape. Jason explains how to make your company more insurable: document safety, install cameras and telematics, and tell your story at renewal.Whether you’re an operator, broker, or insurance insider, this episode is a guide to thriving in a high-risk market.Connect with Jason:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-baynard-74250199linkedin.comJason Baynard - AmWINS Program Underwriters, Inc. | LinkedInOver twenty years of experience in underwriting Casualty, Property, Umbrella, &… · Experience: AmWINS Program Underwriters, Inc. · Education: Clark Atlanta University · Location: Atlanta · 466 connections on LinkedIn. View Jason Baynard’s profile on LinkedIn, a professional community of 1 billion members.About the ShowCrane talk is a podcast hosted by Ron Thompson and Gene Greiner, 2 highly successful insurance producers in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. About Ron:Ron has been specializing in the heavy iron insurance world as a broker since 1992. In the complex world of heavy iron risk exposure, Ron’s expertise is in contractual risk transfer, contract review, fleet safety management where “rubber meets the road” and keeping clients updated on legislative issues that effect the crane & rigging industry and maximizing profit for his clientele.Connect with Ron: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-thompson-ba0a805a/About Gene:Gene Greiner is Vice President of commercial insurance for CoVerica with 15 years of focus on heavy construction risk. Based in Dallas, TX, he is deeply embedded in serving this industry’s risk transfer needs and, enjoys active advocacy though the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association and the Texas Crane Owners Association.  Connect with Gene: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gene-greiner-b08a0617/New episodes drop each month. Please drop us a line if you have a question or suggestion; you can reach us at [email protected]. Finally, if you like the podcast, we encourage you to subscribe and leave us a review.

In this packed solo episode of Crane Talk, Ron and Gean dig into the Texas legislative session and what it means for crane operators, contractors, and heavy equipment companies. With nearly 8,000 bills under review, the team spotlights critical legislation that could impact everything from payment timelines and contract fairness to venue jurisdiction and incorporation-by-reference clauses.They also take on the issue of nuclear verdicts—disproportionately large legal settlements that are spiking insurance premiums across Texas. From discussing inflated medical costs and the role of plaintiff attorneys to calling for legislative reforms like caps on non-economic damages, the crew outlines the economic ripple effects on businesses big and small.About the ShowCrane talk is a podcast hosted by Ron Thompson and Gene Greiner, 2 highly successful insurance producers in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. About Ron:Ron has been specializing in the heavy iron insurance world as a broker since 1992. In the complex world of heavy iron risk exposure, Ron’s expertise is in contractual risk transfer, contract review, fleet safety management where “rubber meets the road” and keeping clients updated on legislative issues that effect the crane & rigging industry and maximizing profit for his clientele.Connect with Ron: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-thompson-ba0a805a/About Gene:Gene Greiner is Vice President of commercial insurance for CoVerica with 15 years of focus on heavy construction risk. Based in Dallas, TX, he is deeply embedded in serving this industry’s risk transfer needs and, enjoys active advocacy though the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association and the Texas Crane Owners Association.  Connect with Gene: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gene-greiner-b08a0617/New episodes drop each month. Please drop us a line if you have a question or suggestion; you can reach us at [email protected]. Finally, if you like the podcast, we encourage you to subscribe and leave us a review.

The tower crane industry is feeling the squeeze—rising costs, increasing competition, and the ever-evolving world of construction are putting companies to the test. In this episode of Crane Talk, Craig Martin, from Sun Crain & Hoist, joins the cast to discuss the state of the tower crane market, including the impact of rising interest rates, tighter financing requirements, and shifting demand for high-rise buildings.From safety innovations and liability concerns to the struggles of staying competitive in an overcrowded market, this conversation sheds light on what it really takes to run a successful crane business today.Follow Craig:Linkedinwww.suncraneandhoist.com About the ShowCrane talk is a podcast hosted by Ron Thompson and Gene Greiner, 2 highly successful insurance producers in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. About Ron:Ron has been specializing in the heavy iron insurance world as a broker since 1992. In the complex world of heavy iron risk exposure, Ron’s expertise is in contractual risk transfer, contract review, fleet safety management where “rubber meets the road” and keeping clients updated on legislative issues that effect the crane & rigging industry and maximizing profit for his clientele.Connect with Ron: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-thompson-ba0a805a/About Gene:Gene Greiner is Vice President of commercial insurance for CoVerica with 15 years of focus on heavy construction risk. Based in Dallas, TX, he is deeply embedded in serving this industry’s risk transfer needs and, enjoys active advocacy though the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association and the Texas Crane Owners Association.  Connect with Gene: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gene-greiner-b08a0617/New episodes drop each month. Please drop us a line if you have a question or suggestion; you can reach us at [email protected]. Finally, if you like the podcast, we encourage you to subscribe and leave us a review.