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Champion Crane has been a small, family-owned and operated business since 1976.

Gladys and Vern Erickson

RIP Gladys - January 2012 - Always in our Hearts!

FOUNDERS:

Vern and Gladys Erickson

Vern left Federal Sign and took his knowledge and love of sign work to start his own business. In 1976 Vern and Gladys first started Economy Sign. As it grew over the years they had a small fleet of trucks. Gladys ran the office and Kathy (their daughter) was right by her side learning the business. In 1990 Economy Sign turned its focus toward Crane Service and Champion Crane was born. Then in 1995 Vern and Gladys retired leaving the Crane Service for Kathy and her husband, Tony, to run. Vern and Gladys spent over 45 years together until we lost Gladys in January 2012.

Kathy Palazzo office manager

KATHY ERICKSON - PALAZZOLO

Office Manager & Co-Owner

Kathy has worked at Economy Sign/Champion Crane since she was old enough to answer the phone. She has worked in both the sign and crane industries with hands-on, in-the-field training, as well as learning from her mom how to run the office. After Vern and Gladys retired she started running the business from home. Being a work at home mom was the best of both worlds allowing her to spend quality time with her daughter, Lynsie. When you call the office Kathy is your main contact.

Kathy - Office Manager & Co-Owner

Tony Palazzo Crane Operator

TONY PALAZZOLO

Certified Crane Operator & Co-Owner

Tony has been a certified NCCCO crane operator here at Champion Crane since the early 1990’s. He has a vast knowledge in both the sign and crane industries. He worked with Vern for many years installing signs and is now the sole crane operator and co-owner here at Champion Crane. Tony likes working outdoors (yes, even in the rain) and takes pride in his job. His motto is "we work safe or we don't work at all".

Tony - Crane Operator & Co-Owner

Lynsie Erickson

LYNSIE ERICKSON

Assistant Office Manager

Lynsie, has been involved at Champion Crane since 2005. She has learned how to run the office and schedule and dispatch the crane. In 2019 she graduated with her Master's Degree as a SLP (Speech Language Pathologist) but still helps out in the office when needed.

Lynsie - Assistant Office Manager

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