Kurt Wilson
A 3rd generation operating engineer, Kurt Wilson has always had crane work in his blood.
Preceded by his grandfather, Jack J. Wilson, who was an operating engineer and President of the Union; and next by his father, Clyde J. Wilson, who was an operator most of life before becoming the Business Agent, then President, and finally Business Manager of the Union, Kurt grew up deep in the industry.
“It was a big job for my dad being in charge of all of Washington and Alaska,” recalls Kurt. “So I was lucky to get to work with him at Ness Cranes before he left to work with the Union.”
As a kid, Kurt often went to work with his dad.
“I went during spring break and hung out at the job site,” He reflects. “I would also go into work on Saturdays if he was called in for emergencies. Once I remember him taking me to out of school to visit Bangor Nuclear Submarine Base— I got to take out a boat to go salmon fishing while his was busy working—it was a great time, and a very different time I’ll never forget.”
Before long, it was time for the youngest Wilson to start his own career in the crane world. And, in fact, it began rather abruptly in 1983.
“I came home from my summer job one day and my dad informed me I was starting tomorrow!” he smiles. “It came up quickly, but I am glad it did in retrospect.”
Kurt’s first job was on Phase I of the I-90 pontoon project. He was an oiler and his dad was a crane operator. Over the next two decades he went from oiler to crane operator earning deep experience with crawler cranes, truck Cranes, AT’s (all terrain), RT’s (rough terrain), tower cranes, and man/material hoisting. He then moved into the office where he held positions in Dispatch, Sales and Operations before becoming Project Manager, Vice President, then Managing Partner. He had literally done it all. So when a Field Rep opportunity came up at Mayfield’s, he was happy to join the crew.
“I enjoy the atmosphere of a small family business—we are a true team here. We look out for one another and help each other out,” he explains. “This work is in my blood and I have a real passion for both the work and for my customers in the industry.”
When he’s not working, Kurt enjoys spending time with his wife, four children and 2 grandchildren (with another one on the way). He loves to play golf and travel. And he’s an avid Husky fan as a season ticket holder since 1982. Go Dawgs!
