The Story of Yellowstone Crane and Rigging

Yellowstone Crane and Rigging’s story started long before the company did. From an early age, CEO Luke Umfress spent time on jobsites, learning the ropes of the business by simply being around it.

“My dad worked at Burkhalter, and I grew up going to jobsites all over the country with him,” he said.

Eventually, Umfress worked part time at Burkhalter during his school years. Although he was interested in the industry, he initially pursued a different career path after high school, considering a future as an attorney.

After three semesters of college, he opted to transition back into the crane and rigging field on a full-time basis. The early exposure gave him practical experience to the daily grind of the industry, making the transition into full-time work a natural choice.

Umfress’ early entry into the field and exposure to various roles, such as superintendent at age 23 and a sales position at 25, rounded out his experience.

His focus has always been simple: “I’m always looking for a solution, not a reason to stop moving forward,” he said.

Launching With Limited Resources

In 2019, one of the biggest challenges he faced was starting Yellowstone Crane and Rigging with a modest budget.

“I started with just $5,000 and didn’t want to go into debt or take money from investors,” he said.

This initial constraint didn’t stop him; instead, it fueled a determination and a plan to save enough for his first crane by subcontracting 100% of the work initially, marking the beginning of Yellowstone Crane and Rigging’s journey.

When the time came for the company’s first crane purchase, Umfress bought a 2013 Grove GMK 4115L, a 115-ton capacity all-terrain crane with a 197-foot TWIN-LOCK boom on a compact four-axle carrier.

Customer-Centric Approach to Success

Yellowstone Crane and Rigging now provides crane services all over the United States but calls Fort Worth, Texas, home.

They strive to set themselves apart from their competitors with their unwavering focus on customer satisfaction. Unlike some companies that adhere strictly to internal schedules, Yellowstone tailors its approach to fit the schedules and needs of its customers. This flexibility allows them to complete jobs, even under the tightest timelines.

This customer-first mentality has helped Yellowstone build lasting relationships with a variety of industries.

Whether it’s a telecommunications, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, heavy highway or a complex construction project, the company’s adaptability and willingness to take on any challenge have made Yellowstone Crane and Rigging a go-to resource for customers across various residential and commercial sectors.

Commitment to Safety and Technology

Offering 24/7 service and the ability to handle emergency work are standout strengths, demonstrating the company’s agility and readiness to step in when others might hesitate.

All jobs require careful planning and a commitment to maintaining a secure work environment, which has been crucial to their continued success.

“We never rush a job or take shortcuts. We talk about safety every day; it’s extremely ingrained in our culture,” he explains.

Yellowstone’s emphasis on safety goes beyond adhering to procedures; it fosters a culture where every team member recognizes the significance of making informed decisions on the job.

Umfress points to the technological advancements in modern cranes as one of the tools he’s most excited about, noting that the technology in today’s cranes has evolved significantly since he first began operating.

Growth Through Strategic Expansion

Yellowstone Crane and Rigging has grown to 10 employees and a fleet of five cranes, steadily expanding its capabilities over the years. The largest crane in the fleet is a 2007 Liebherr LTM 1200 5.1, with a maximum lift capacity of 235 tons, a main boom length of 236 feet, and a jib length of 141 feet.

Expansion decisions are made based on the needs of their customers, such as the demand they see for certain types of equipment versus the market rate. By staying ahead of these trends and ensuring that every piece of equipment is carefully considered, Yellowstone can continue to provide top-tier service to its customers.

When looking to the future of Yellowstone, Umfress is setting clear goals including the desire to build a new office for his expanding business, maintaining an updated crane fleet with the customers’ needs in mind and growing the business without accumulating debt.

Future Plans and Generational Legacy

With the birth of his son late last year, Umfress is already thinking about the next generation by planning on giving his son the opportunity to explore the crane and rigging industry from a young age. Just like his father did for him, Umfress hopes to give his son the choice to pursue a career in this rewarding field.

“If he chooses to enter the industry, the opportunities will be there for him to build a lasting career,” Umfress said.

He feels that the crane and rigging industry is a rewarding career path for the younger generation, providing a good living even when starting out. Noting that it does take drive and a strong mindset at first, the satisfaction of seeing the results of your hard work is well worth it.