Above the Skyline: Sammy Cossairt on Grit, Safety, and Making Her Mark as a Tower Crane Operator

30 Second Takeaway

More than 380 feet above the ground, tower crane operator Sammy Cossairt thrives in high-pressure environments where precision, safety, and determination matter most. With over eight years at Maxim Crane and multiple nominations for Tradeswoman of the Year, Sammy’s journey into crane operating is driven by grit, fearlessness, and a desire to leave a lasting mark on the skylines she helps build.

Rising to the Challenge Literally

For Sammy Cossairt, crane operating was never about choosing the easy path.

“This job isn’t for the faint-hearted,” she says. “But I love the challenge. I want to get it done right, safely, and quickly.”

Working hundreds of feet in the air, often in unpredictable weather and under tight deadlines, Sammy approaches every lift with focus and discipline. Safety is non-negotiable even when storms roll in or schedules tighten.

That commitment hasn’t gone unnoticed. In recent years, Sammy has received three nominations for Tradeswoman of the Year  two from NAWIC in 2024 and 2025, and one from Empowering Women in Industry in 2024.

Pushing Past Fear in a “Man’s World”

Sammy believes great crane operators are defined not by fearlessness, but by their willingness to face fear head-on.

“Being a great crane operator is about facing your fears,” she explains. “I knew I had the guts to do it, so I pushed myself.”

She doesn’t aim for average.

“I don’t settle for mediocre. I go all in.”

Operating in what she calls a “man’s world literally,” Sammy finds the challenge exhilarating and believes many women share that same drive once given the opportunity.

Finding a Home at Maxim Crane

Sammy’s passion for crane operating has kept her at Maxim Crane for more than eight years a tenure she doesn’t take lightly.

“Maxim feels like home. I want to stay here.”

What stood out early in her career was how she was treated.

“When I first started, they treated me like everyone else, which is rare in construction.”

That sense of fairness and belonging made a lasting impression.

“I thought about leaving before they changed their minds,” she laughs.

From Excavation to the Crane Cab

Before cranes entered the picture, Sammy worked in excavation after finishing college. She quickly realised she could earn more working in the field than with her degree but she still felt there was more ahead.

Then she noticed a crane on one of her job sites.

“Seeing that crane sparked something in me.”

That moment changed everything.

“Suddenly, climbing the ladder was a real goal.”

Leaving a Mark on the Skyline

What continues to drive Sammy is the legacy she’s building quite literally.

“Knowing I’m building landmarks for my grandkids to see is awesome,” she says. “When I pass them, I think, ‘That’s my mark on the world.’”

Every structure represents a moment in time, a contribution that will outlast her shift and even her career.

A Creative Spirit Beyond the Cab

Outside of crane operating, Sammy has another passion: music. Nearly ten years ago, she moved from a small town in Idaho to Nashville a transition that was both intimidating and inspiring.

“I wrote a song about the high-rise steel and concrete above me,” she recalls. “I had no idea I’d become a crane operator.”

What once scared her is now what she builds every day.

“That city intimidated me and now I’m building it.”

Encouraging Women to Take the Leap

Sammy is vocal about encouraging more women to consider careers in construction especially crane operating.

“There’s high demand, good pay, and no degree needed.”

Her advice is simple and direct.

“Just go for it. Believing you can do it is half the battle.”

Competing with men, she says, isn’t the obstacle people assume it is.

“Just get in there and learn. Be brave enough to show up. Everyone starts somewhere. Let your work speak for you.”

Creating Access and Opportunity

For women interested in becoming crane operators, Sammy highlights a critical resource: the NCCCO Foundation, which offers full scholarships for crane operator training.

“This is a huge opportunity women should seize.”

She also emphasises the importance of women-led initiatives in an industry where many women are still introduced through male colleagues. That’s why Women in Construction Week, founded by NAWIC in 1998, holds particular meaning for her.

“The local events help you feel less alone and build camaraderie with other women in similar situations.”

Building More Than Structures

For Sammy Cossairt, crane operating is about more than lifting loads. It’s about courage, craftsmanship, and creating space for the next generation all while shaping skylines from hundreds of feet above the ground.

About Maxim Crane Works

Maxim Crane Works is one of the largest crane rental and lifting solutions providers in North America, offering an extensive fleet of cranes and heavy lift equipment to support complex construction, infrastructure, and industrial projects. With decades of industry experience, Maxim is known for its commitment to safety, reliability, and operational excellence, delivering expert crane services across a wide range of sectors. The company places strong emphasis on workforce development, innovation, and creating opportunities for skilled operators to build long-term careers in the crane industry.