CRANEMASTERS WHO WE ARE
Our Mission
Cranemasters Who We Are
We Keep America On Track
Our Story
Cranemasters began with two brothers, their father, two cranes, and a dream. Brian and Barry Isringhausen often tagged along with their father, Loren, on train derailments. These childhood experiences fostered a love for the railroad business and an entrepreneurial spirit that eventually led to the establishment of Cranemasters in Richmond, VA, in 1986.
As Cranemasters steadily built a reputation for exceptional derailment services, the company expanded its offerings, evolving into a full-service contractor. Today, Cranemaster’s scope goes well beyond railroad services and support. Our facility in North Chesterfield, Virginia, houses operations for equipment rehabilitation, custom design, equipment manufacturing, and our research and development center.
Cranemasters attributes its success to long-term relationships and partnerships with customers and a dedicated team of employees committed to exceeding expections.
How We Help
Innovations in Rail Services
Today’s heavier equipment, larger loads, and increasingly complex rail infrastructure demand new ideas and innovative purpose-built equipment. Our R&D Department and state-of-the-art manufacturing facility design and manufacture equipment to meet the railroad’s toughest challenges.
For instance, our innovations in equipment have led to the development of our Cranemasters 200 RS Super-Duty Crane and Tank Car Saver, making it possible to safely and reliably accomplish the railroad’s heaviest tasks without damaging cargo, assets, or infrastructure.
Strategic Systems Operations
Our unmatched recovery and repair expertise, coupled with our unwavering commitment to safety and quality, has enabled us to develop a comprehensive set of procedures and operational guidelines. This forms the basis of our Cranemasters Strategic Systems Operation™, ensuring your safety, reducing asset losses, and delivering the best possible outcomes.
Whether it’s a derailed tank car in a narrow tunnel in the middle of a blizzard or pick-and-carry installations for complex multi-diamond assemblies, you can be assured that Cranemasters has what it takes to bring about a positive outcome. Our certified railroad professionals have the know-how, expertise, and equipment to get the job done right, saving you time, money, and assets.
Safety is Our Priority
Cranemasters has handled numerous derailments and high-profile Class 1 and regional railroad and industrial siding jobs for over 40 years with average safety ratings better than the industry average for rail transportation. Read about our safety precautions here.
Our People
Brian Isringhausen
CEO
Brian was about nine years old when he went to his first derailment along with his father. When still a teenager, he purchased one of his dad’s cranes and took over an operational division of Isringhausen Emergency Railroad Services, where he responded to railroad emergencies for several years before co-founding Cranemasters in 1986.
In 1986, propelled by a shared entrepreneurial spirit with his brother and father, Brian moved to Richmond, VA, and played a pivotal role in the establishment of Cranemasters, Inc. The organization has become a beacon of responsiveness and innovation under Brian and Barry’s visionary leadership.
Over the lifespan of Cranemasters, Brian’s visionary approach has propelled the company to remarkable heights, emphasizing his commitment to excellence and a resolute “no shortcuts” philosophy. His unwavering dedication to quality permeates the company’s culture. With a seasoned and innovative team of railroaders and engineers at the helm, Cranemasters remains at the forefront of industry solutions. Under Brian’s leadership, Cranemasters has evolved from a single location to a network of operating divisions that provide a comprehensive suite of services including derailment response, track construction and repair, railcar repair, load adjust and transfer solutions, and purpose-built equipment manufacturing. The company serves Class I railroads, shortline and regional lines, and industries engaged in railroad transportation. Cranemasters is proud to bear the reputation as a trusted partner in the railroad sector.
Brian Isringhausen’s enduring commitment to excellence and his ability to foster his vision within Cranemasters have left an indelible mark on the industry.
Aubrey Amadeo
COO
Aubrey joined the Cranemasters team in the winter of 2023 to help lead the manufacturing and engineering groups and later took on fleet maintenance. Prior to Cranemasters, Aubrey spent 30+ years in a variety of progressing leadership and executive roles in manufacturing and distribution all over North America. For him, the transition to Cranemasters was about working with a tightknit group of exceptional people focused on personal development and solving problems for our customers.
A Florida native with an Aerospace Engineering degree from Auburn University, he’s made Richmond his family’s home and is proud to be a part of the Cranemasters’ Family.
Aaron Braithwaite
Vice President Track & Car Repair Operations
Appointed Vice President of Track Operations in October 2018, Aaron Braithwaite brings a 19-year track record in the railroad industry, directing track maintenance and construction operations across the East Coast and Midwest. His broad experience with Class 1 railroads, short lines, transit agencies, and industrial customers has honed his understanding of diverse operational needs, enabling the development of versatile strategies.
Aaron excels in leading complex projects, fostering team collaboration, and driving operational improvements and safety advancements. His ability to build cohesive teams and work effectively with various stakeholders enables him to align operational goals with customer expectations. Known for strategic leadership, Aaron consistently enhances service efficiency and quality. His commitment to safety and excellence ensures reliable, timely service delivery in a precision-critical industry.
Barry Isringhausen
President
Barry Isringhausen brings over thirty-five years of experience to the railroad industry. Fostered by growing up in the rail industry environment, Barry developed an unwavering passion for problem-solving, a driving force that continues to motivate and inspire him.
In 1986, fueled by a shared entrepreneurial spirit with his brother and father, Barry relocated to Richmond, VA and played a pivotal role in the establishment of Cranemasters, Inc. Since its inception, under the collective leadership of Barry and Brian, the company has charted a steady course of growth and innovation.
Cranemasters has flourished over the past three plus decades. The company’s success is rooted in a steadfast commitment to excellence, encapsulated in a “no shortcuts” philosophy that permeates throughout its talented and experienced employees. Barry’s dedication to meticulous design and problem-solving solutions for customers has solidified Cranemasters’ position as an industry leader. From a humble single location, Cranemasters has grown to twelve operating divisions. These divisions seamlessly provide a comprehensive range of services, encompassing derailment response, track construction and repair, railcar repair, load adjustment and transfer services, and cutting-edge equipment manufacturing. Cranemasters services all Class I railroads, shortline and regional lines as well as industries involved in the rail transportation industry. The company’s broad suite of services is a testament to its unwavering dedication to meeting the diverse needs of the railroad industry.
Barry’s innate drive to innovate and create next generation solutions is what has made Cranemasters Better by Design.
Tom Weaks, III
Executive Vice President
Stan Edwards
CFO
In May 2019, Stan came to Cranemasters as a Financial consultant, bringing a wide portfolio of financial reporting and analysis experience. In May 2020, Stan joined Cranemasters full-time as Senior Manager of Business Analysis and Reporting. In February 2023, Stan took on the role of Chief Finance Officer for Finance and Administrative Services.
Stan brings to Cranemasters 39 years of experience in financial management and strategic planning for domestic and international companies. His vast experience includes vendor management, budgeting, forecasting, integrations, mergers and acquisitions, profit improvement, cash planning and management. With his expertise in finance and administration, he’s amassed a record of exceeding crucial company objectives by generating revenue and reducing costs. This often involved forming and leading cross-functional teams to develop solutions and restructure or enhance company processes.
Neal Gifford
Vice President of Human Resources
Neal Gifford joined Cranemasters as Vice President of Human Resources in 2021. He has over 25 years of Human Resources experience supporting Supply Chain and Logistics as well as corporate offices. As Vice President he oversees all aspects of the HR function, leading a team in the development and implementation of forward-thinking HR strategies. He is responsible for aligning HR initiatives with the company’s overall goals, driving workforce planning, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Neal plays a critical role in shaping the Cranemasters culture and enhancing employee satisfaction.
He believes that hiring, retaining, and developing people is critical to Cranemasters continued growth and success.
Brian Isringhausen
CEO
Brian was about nine years old when he went to his first derailment along with his father. When still a teenager, he purchased one of his dad’s cranes and took over an operational division of Isringhausen Emergency Railroad Services, where he responded to railroad emergencies for several years before co-founding Cranemasters in 1986.
In 1986, propelled by a shared entrepreneurial spirit with his brother and father, Brian moved to Richmond, VA, and played a pivotal role in the establishment of Cranemasters, Inc. The organization has become a beacon of responsiveness and innovation under Brian and Barry’s visionary leadership.
Over the lifespan of Cranemasters, Brian’s visionary approach has propelled the company to remarkable heights, emphasizing his commitment to excellence and a resolute “no shortcuts” philosophy. His unwavering dedication to quality permeates the company’s culture. With a seasoned and innovative team of railroaders and engineers at the helm, Cranemasters remains at the forefront of industry solutions. Under Brian’s leadership, Cranemasters has evolved from a single location to a network of operating divisions that provide a comprehensive suite of services including derailment response, track construction and repair, railcar repair, load adjust and transfer solutions, and purpose-built equipment manufacturing. The company serves Class I railroads, shortline and regional lines, and industries engaged in railroad transportation. Cranemasters is proud to bear the reputation as a trusted partner in the railroad sector.
Brian Isringhausen’s enduring commitment to excellence and his ability to foster his vision within Cranemasters have left an indelible mark on the industry.
Barry Isringhausen
President
Barry Isringhausen brings over thirty-five years of experience to the railroad industry. Fostered by growing up in the rail industry environment, Barry developed an unwavering passion for problem-solving, a driving force that continues to motivate and inspire him.
In 1986, fueled by a shared entrepreneurial spirit with his brother and father, Barry relocated to Richmond, VA and played a pivotal role in the establishment of Cranemasters, Inc. Since its inception, under the collective leadership of Barry and Brian, the company has charted a steady course of growth and innovation.
Cranemasters has flourished over the past three plus decades. The company’s success is rooted in a steadfast commitment to excellence, encapsulated in a “no shortcuts” philosophy that permeates throughout its talented and experienced employees. Barry’s dedication to meticulous design and problem-solving solutions for customers has solidified Cranemasters’ position as an industry leader. From a humble single location, Cranemasters has grown to twelve operating divisions. These divisions seamlessly provide a comprehensive range of services, encompassing derailment response, track construction and repair, railcar repair, load adjustment and transfer services, and cutting-edge equipment manufacturing. Cranemasters services all Class I railroads, shortline and regional lines as well as industries involved in the rail transportation industry. The company’s broad suite of services is a testament to its unwavering dedication to meeting the diverse needs of the railroad industry.
Barry’s innate drive to innovate and create next generation solutions is what has made Cranemasters Better by Design.
Aubrey Amadeo
COO
Aubrey joined the Cranemasters team in the winter of 2023 to help lead the manufacturing and engineering groups and later took on fleet maintenance. Prior to Cranemasters, Aubrey spent 30+ years in a variety of progressing leadership and executive roles in manufacturing and distribution all over North America. For him, the transition to Cranemasters was about working with a tightknit group of exceptional people focused on personal development and solving problems for our customers.
A Florida native with an Aerospace Engineering degree from Auburn University, he’s made Richmond his family’s home and is proud to be a part of the Cranemasters’ Family.
Tom Weaks, III
Executive Vice President
Tom has worked in the railroad services industry specializing in train derailments for over 44 years. His experience spans across several companies throughout North America where he developed a focus on bringing the highest value to his railroad clients. As a member of Cranemasters’ executive team, Tom now manages and directs Mechanical Operations and Sales, company-wide. He believes the company’s investments in research, development, and innovation result in creative lifting techniques that are more advanced and forward-thinking than any other in the industry. This delivers clients a better cost alternative than Cranemasters’ competitors because the company is committed to doing the job right, from start to finish.
Aaron Braithwaite
Vice President Track & Car Repair Operations
Appointed Vice President of Track Operations in October 2018, Aaron Braithwaite brings a 19-year track record in the railroad industry, directing track maintenance and construction operations across the East Coast and Midwest. His broad experience with Class 1 railroads, short lines, transit agencies, and industrial customers has honed his understanding of diverse operational needs, enabling the development of versatile strategies.
Aaron excels in leading complex projects, fostering team collaboration, and driving operational improvements and safety advancements. His ability to build cohesive teams and work effectively with various stakeholders enables him to align operational goals with customer expectations. Known for strategic leadership, Aaron consistently enhances service efficiency and quality. His commitment to safety and excellence ensures reliable, timely service delivery in a precision-critical industry.
Stan Edwards
CFO
In May 2019, Stan came to Cranemasters as a Financial consultant, bringing a wide portfolio of financial reporting and analysis experience. In May 2020, Stan joined Cranemasters full-time as Senior Manager of Business Analysis and Reporting. In February 2023, Stan took on the role of Chief Finance Officer for Finance and Administrative Services.
Stan brings to Cranemasters 39 years of experience in financial management and strategic planning for domestic and international companies. His vast experience includes vendor management, budgeting, forecasting, integrations, mergers and acquisitions, profit improvement, cash planning and management. With his expertise in finance and administration, he’s amassed a record of exceeding crucial company objectives by generating revenue and reducing costs. This often involved forming and leading cross-functional teams to develop solutions and restructure or enhance company processes.
Neal Gifford
Vice President of Human Resources
Neal Gifford joined Cranemasters as Vice President of Human Resources in 2021. He has over 25 years of Human Resources experience supporting Supply Chain and Logistics as well as corporate offices. As Vice President he oversees all aspects of the HR function, leading a team in the development and implementation of forward-thinking HR strategies. He is responsible for aligning HR initiatives with the company’s overall goals, driving workforce planning, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Neal plays a critical role in shaping the Cranemasters culture and enhancing employee satisfaction.
He believes that hiring, retaining, and developing people is critical to Cranemasters continued growth and success.