Steve Freckmann the long serving general manager of US crane rental company Dawes Rigging & Crane Rental, is retiring at the end of the month after 34 years in the role and a total of 45 years with Dawes.
Freckmann has spent his life in the crane industry, helping out at Dawes while still attending elementary school, carrying out jobs in the workshop and yard. His father, Thomas, was one of the company’s owners who sold the business to All Erection crane & rigging in 1978. Freckmann senior stayed with the business serving as general manager of Dawes, until his son took over in 1989.
Steve Freckmann with his SC&RA service award in 2020
The role of general manager will be taken over by Ryan Harrison, who has managed the Dawes branch in Madison, Wisconsin, since joining the company in 2000. Prior to that he worked on finance with GSF Mortgage and Engelhart. He will be the first non Freckmann to lead the business in more than 45 years.
Steve Freckmann has also played an important role with the SC&RA (Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association)- Dawes was one of the eight charter members that set up the association, and Freckmann has been chairman of the Crane & Rigging Group and served a three year term as a director. He currently sits on the Crane & Rigging Group Labor Committee.
Speaking of his role with the association he said: “Even though I’ll be departing my formal service in SC&RA, I’m pleased that ALL is still represented through the participation of Rick Mikut, ALL’s crawler crane division manager, and Derek Baumgartner, our director of risk management and counsel.” Adding: “I am also proud of my involvement serving on the board of directors of the Association of General Contractors of Greater Milwaukee as well as various committees”
All group chief executive Michael Liptak said: “The Freckmann name is legendary within the ALL Family. Steve’s leadership has helped make Dawes synonymous with quality performance, integrity, and service. We wish him all the best as his decades with us come to a close.”
As to what he plans to get up to in retirement, he says it will mean more time to bike, hike, and travel with his wife, with some time left in the winter months to make the most of great cross-country skiing weather in northern Wisconsin.
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