# Kirby-Smith Announces Hiring of Rickey Bailey as Vice President, Crane Division

- **Published:** 2017-06-08
- **Edition:** West
- **Source:** Construction Equipment Guide
- **Authors:** Construction Equipment Guide
- **URL:** https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/kirby-smith-announces-hiring-of-rickey-bailey-as-vice-president-crane-division/34652
- **Tags:** Business News, Kirby-Smith Machinery, Inc., Manitowoc, West

## Summary


## Article

[Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc.](https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/dealers/kirby-smith-machinery-inc/1623/), an equipment distributor and Manitowoc certified elite dealer, has announced the hiring of Rickey Bailey as vice president, crane division. Bailey will be responsible for the strategy and oversight of Kirby-Smith's crane operations, replacing the recently retired Ben Graham who had led the company's crane division for more than 16 years.

Prior to Kirby-Smith, Bailey served as manager of major accounts of Link-Belt Construction Equipment Company. Bailey has more than 20 years of crane industry experience with management roles at the manufacturer, distributor and end-user level. In addition to Link-Belt Construction Equipment, he also has worked for Link-Belt Mid-Atlantic and Bulldog Erectors Inc.

Jeff Weller, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Kirby-Smith, believes Bailey will build upon the foundation that Kirby-Smith has established for its Crane Division.

“When choosing a successor for Ben, we needed someone with the right experience who would fit our culture, uphold our expectations for excellence, and be comfortable in Oklahoma — Rickey fits all those criteria,” said Weller. “He is a 'known commodity' in this industry, and possesses both a strong work ethic and customer-facing mentality. I trust that he will take great care of our customers and am excited to welcome him to our family at Kirby-Smith.”

Weller also praised the retiring Graham for his role in building Kirby-Smith's presence in the crane market.

“Under Ben Graham's leadership, our crane division has grown immensely and developed an industry-wide reputation for quality and customer service,” said Weller. “I know he is happy for the opportunity to spend more time with his four grandchildren. I am grateful for everything Ben has done to get us to this level, and wish him the best in his retirement.”

Bailey is ready to serve Kirby-Smith's customers and seize new opportunities for the crane division.

“It is an honor to join this great team. Ben and his group have established an incredible division here and I look forward to continuing the great work already being done,” he said.

Bailey's roadmap to success is eerily similar to the one which helped grow Kirby-Smith into a top-10 Manitowoc dealer.

“Our expectation is to provide the best service and support in the industry. Kirby-Smith will continue to work hard each day for opportunities to help our customers with their lifting needs,” said Bailey.

For more information, call 888/861-0219 or visit kirby-smith.com.

## Photos

![Rickey Bailey](https://dmt55mxnkgbz2.cloudfront.net/1205x0_s3-34652-W-KSM-BAILEY-VP-CRANE.jpg)