Wilkerson Crane Rental Expands Midwest Footprint Under CEO Cody Ward
- Meagan Wood
- Feb 2
- 3 min read
30-Second Takeaway
Wilkerson Crane Rental is emerging as a major Midwest lifting provider under CEO Cody Ward, combining organic growth with strategic acquisitions in Missouri, Iowa, and Kansas. With a fleet now exceeding 300 units, including cranes up to a 900-ton Liebherr All Terrain the company is positioning itself for continued regional expansion while advocating on key industry issues such as tariffs and equipment access.
A Midwest Growth Story Rooted in Kansas City
Wilkerson Crane Rental is gaining momentum across the central United States, with CEO Cody Ward describing the company as:
“A quintessential American Dream success story.”
Originally founded decades ago in Kansas City, the business received new direction in 2013, when Jeff and Diana Holt acquired its assets after the previous holding company exited the crane industry. Operating initially from the basement of their home, the Holts began rebuilding Wilkerson with a renewed strategy, brand focus, and customer-first approach.
Ward credited the company’s growth to Jeff Holt’s field experience and Diana Holt’s people-driven leadership:
“Over time, the business flourished, driven by Jeff’s entrepreneurial spirit and field experience and Diana’s passion for people…”
Building a Leadership Team for Expansion
As Wilkerson grew, the Holts assembled a leadership group that included respected industry professionals such as Fred Holt and Larry Smith. Ward joined the organisation in early 2025 and later stepped into the CEO role when Diana Holt became Chairman of the Board.
Ward brings a financial and industrial background, including experience at Tulsa Winch
Group, where he helped lead a turnaround of the Greer LMI product line, followed by a role at Kirby-Smith Machinery.
Strategic Acquisitions Drive Regional Growth
Over the past year, Wilkerson has expanded through the acquisition of three crane companies, strengthening its footprint throughout the Midwest:
Ideal Crane (St. Joseph, Missouri)
Jensen Crane Service (Des Moines, Iowa)
Gilmore Crane (Topeka, Kansas)
Ward said the company’s strategy is based on building density through closely connected locations:
“We believe in the network effect of having map dots in close proximity… allowing our teams to work together… without being spread too thin.”
The company has also launched a new greenfield operation in Wichita, Kansas, marking its first major base outside the Kansas City area.
Fleet Capability and Service Offering
Wilkerson’s fleet has grown to more than 300 pieces of equipment across the Midwest, supporting both bare and operated crane services.
The fleet ranges from 4-ton Broderson carry decks up to a newly added 900-ton Liebherr All Terrain crane, enabling the company to take on projects of virtually any scale.
In addition to crane rental, Wilkerson offers:
Rigging services
Heavy hauling
Equipment servicing
Storage solutions
Ward noted:
“The core of our DNA will likely always be that of a taxi business born and bred in Kansas City… but our talent pool has become extremely diverse.”
Industry Advocacy and Tariff Concerns
Beyond growth, Ward is becoming active in broader industry issues, particularly around tariffs and equipment availability.
“We need the government to provide relief so that our industry can continue to grow and thrive,” he said.
Ward has encouraged crane companies to engage with local representatives to elevate the importance of equipment access and supply chain realities.
Leadership Culture Focused on Execution
Ward emphasised that Wilkerson’s differentiation comes from its people and execution mindset, crediting COO Larry Smith for a customer-first approach:
“He always attacks problems from the vantage point of ‘how we can’ not ‘why we can’t.’”
Ward also highlighted CFO Dan Novascone for maintaining pace amid rapid growth:
“His answer is always, ‘We’ll get it done.’”
Looking Ahead to 2026
Ward expects 2026 to be a year of both opportunity and challenge, with rising equipment costs and potential consolidation across the industry.
At the same time, he sees strong demand driven by:
Energy infrastructure investment
Data centre development
Continued regional construction growth
“There should be ample opportunities to grow if you have the bench and the balance sheet…”
About Wilkerson Crane Rental
Wilkerson Crane Rental is a Midwest-based crane and lifting solutions provider headquartered in Kansas City, with expanding operations across Missouri, Iowa, and Kansas. Under the ownership of Jeff and Diana Holt and the leadership of CEO Cody Ward, the company has grown rapidly through acquisitions, fleet investment, and a customer-driven service culture.
Wilkerson provides crane rental, rigging, heavy hauling, servicing, and storage solutions for industrial, commercial, and infrastructure projects.
Website: https://www.wilkersoncrane.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the CEO of Wilkerson Crane Rental?
Wilkerson Crane Rental is led by CEO Cody Ward, who stepped into the role in late 2024.
How large is Wilkerson’s crane fleet?
The company operates more than 300 pieces of equipment across the Midwest.
What acquisitions has Wilkerson completed recently?
In 2025, Wilkerson acquired Ideal Crane, Jensen Crane Service, and Gilmore Crane.
What is Wilkerson’s largest crane?
Wilkerson’s fleet now includes a 900-ton Liebherr All Terrain crane, supporting major heavy lift projects.
