About Crane U

Nationwide Crane Inspections, Operator Training & Safety Testing.

Welcome to Crane U. Not only do we offer the most expansive crane training available, but we also offer affordable training and inspections of forklifts, aerial lifts, overhead cranes, and more.

Onsite. Online. Train the Trainer.

Come to us or we’ll come to you! We offer a comprehensive, fully stocked training facility if you need it. Want to use your equipment? Perfect, we’ll meet you there. You choose the time, the place, and the method. We’ll deliver comprehensive training and certification that exceeds your every expectation.

Make your job easier. And your jobsite safer.

Let us improve your workplace and help your company stay in compliance by providing heavy equipment and safety training for your employees, and meticulous equipment inspections.

We know safety is your #1 priority.

Dependable training and inspections are critical to a safe workplace and to the success of your projects.

That’s why we are:

Nationwide
Available 24/7
Always prepared
Always on-time

At Crane U, we provide the most comprehensive, professional, and effective services to each of our customers — every day, every time, without exception.

The Gaut name has been synonymous with the crane industry for over 60 years. It all began with my uncle Jack Gaut, who just this year, celebrated his 84th birthday by climbing a 200-foot crane to perform an inspection. My father, both my brothers, and I have since followed in his footsteps. My personal knowledge base regarding cranes is a culmination of 28 years’ worth of real-world experiences. And while on-the-job training is invaluable, Iʼve often thought how helpful industry-specific classes would have been along the way. This thought process eventually led to the inception of Crane U.

Executive Team

At the very top of our Nationwide Crane Inspection, Training & Certification Company, you’ll find a lifetime of real-world crane experience, knowledge, and compassion for Crane Operators everywhere.

Scotty Gaut

President
205-478-2050 | scotty@craneu.com

Scotty’s Bio

Scotty Gaut has been a cornerstone of the crane industry for over 27 years. Gaut has extensive crane operation, inspection, and management experience, having worked for CraneWorks and Steel City Crane — crane rental companies serving energy, construction, and industrial markets — before opening Crane U in 2010.

He has operated over 50 types of cranes from two to 800 tons, assisted crews with the movement of the largest cranes in the fleet, and organized the erection and dismantling of lattice boom cranes.

Eric Gaut

Inspector & Trainer
205-617-7993 | eric@craneu.com

Eric’s Bio

Eric has worked with cranes for more than 20 years in positions ranging from oiler to operator, to branch manager. He started his career in 1996 as a rigger with Reliable Rentals and most recently has served as a Project Manager for CraneWorks in Birmingham, Al.

During his tenure at CraneWorks, Eric planned critical lifts for Southern Company, Duke Energy, Brasfield and Gorrie, Gray Construction, the Army Corp of Engineers, and NASA. He was also the first runner-up in the 2015 Crane Operator and Rigger National Championship.

His current professional certifications include NCCCO Operator, NCCCO Rigger, and NCCO Practical Examiner. He is also OSHA 10 trained and a Certified Rigger/Signalperson. Eric brings his extensive industry experience as well as his love of the business to the CraneU team, where he will be responsible for heavy equipment training and inspections, as well as lift plans.

Nikol Gaut

VP of Sales
205-746-5850 | nikol@craneu.com

Nikol’s Bio

Nikol brings a vast range of experience to Crane U, from construction, to sales, to customer service. At Crane U, Nikol will leverage this valuable experience to facilitate growth, manage personnel, and enhance the company’s customer service capabilities.

Her exceptional organizational skills and familiarity with the crane and rigging industry enable her to provide excellent customer support to our customers nationwide. Nikol graduated from the University of South Alabama with a degree in Communications and Criminal Justice.

During her 20-year career, she has held training, sales, customer service, and management positions with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama and CraneWorks. She is a Certified Rigger/Signalperson and also an authorized approved Trainer for AWP and Forklift Training.

Trey Taylor

Inspector & Trainer
205-789-0007 | trey@craneu.com

Trey’s Bio

Trey Taylor has been working with cranes for almost 30 years. Not only does he have 15 years of operator experience under his belt but also many years of managerial work.

He understands both sides of the job which is important for what we do. Trey joined Crane U in 2019 as an Inspector and Trainer. Trey plays a huge role in making sure all of our customers are well taken care of.

He has inspected cranes, forklifts, MEWP’s, and qualified many operators to operate such equipment. Prior to joining Crane U, Trey was a branch manager for a well-known crane rental company and a crane operator at Taylor Crane Rental & Rigging.

He is NCCCO certified and holds multiple qualifications including but not limited to inspector, evaluator, NDT Administrator, Practical Examiner.

Carl Jones

Inspector & Trainer
205-213-2025 | carl@craneu.com

Carl’s Bio

Carl Jones operated up to 500 Ton cranes around the Southeast for 15 years before becoming a member of the Crane U Family. His years of real-world experiences as an operator enhances his teaching skills in the classroom. He is able to keep students’ attention through his captivating stories and quick-witted
sense of humor.

His heavy equipment knowledge started around 8 years old on his family’s farm running equipment for hay production. Carl is a 4th generation cattleman. He and his family own a rodeo company that puts on rodeos all around the Southeast.

Carl works as one of our inspectors and course trainers including Crane U qualification as well as NCCCO™ Certification. Carl is NCCCO™ Certified and is a Certified NCCCO™ Practical Examiner for Mobile Cranes.

Ronnie Owensby

Inspector & Trainer
205-478-2050 | ronnie@craneu.com

Ronnie’s Bio

Prior to working in the crane industry, Ronnie served as a sergeant in the United States Marine Corp for five years. He was stationed in South Carolina, Iraq, and Japan before returning home. We are very thankful for his service and blessed to have him as a part of the Crane U Family.

Ronnie Owensby operated up to 500 Ton cranes around the Southeast for about 14 years before joining Crane U. His years of operator experience is evident in his hands-on training. He works one on one with our students to ensure their confidence before heading into their practical examinations.

At Crane U, Ronnie performs inspections on cranes and other heavy equipment. He also trains operators in our qualification courses in addition to our NCCCO™ Certification on training courses. Ronnie is NCCCO™ Certified and is a Certified NCCCO™ Practical Examiner for Mobile Cranes.

Billy Yazel

Inspector & Trainer
205-478-2050 | billy@craneu.com

Billy’s Bio

At the age of 18, Billy Yazel joined the United States Marine Corp and served for a total of eight years. He was stationed in North Carolina, Japan, Iraq, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines during his me. We are very thankful for his service and dedication on to our country.

After returning home, Billy started his career in the crane industry in 2007 as an oiler and rigger. He then became a crane operator running up to 110 Ton Mobile Cranes around the Southeast. Prior to joining the Crane U Family, he was in State/ Federal Law Enforcement for 11 years. On the weekends, “Sarge” is also a professional drummer for a country artist, performing around the Southeast. He brings the fun and musical talent to our team.

Billy performs inspections on Mobile Cranes, Tower Cranes, Forklifts, MEWP’s, and more for Crane U. He is also one of our qualification course trainers. Billy is a qualified Rigger and Certified NCCCO™ Mobile Crane Operator.

John Gaut

Nashville Branch Inspector & Trainer
615-589-6050 | john@craneu.com

John’s Bio

John Gaut has been in the crane business for over 30 years. He has been operating cranes for nearly 25 years while also doing years of managerial work. He understands both sides of the job which is important for what we do. John joined Crane U in 2018 as an Inspector, Trainer, and one of our best Salesmen.

He is the head runner for our Nashville Branch. He has inspected cranes, forklifts, MEWP’s, and qualified many operators to operate such equipment. Prior to joining Crane U, John was a branch manager at a well-known crane rental company for many years.

He is NCCCO certified and holds multiple qualifications including but not limited to inspector, evaluator, NDT Administrator, Practical Examiner.

Scott Shumake

Nashville Branch Inspector & Trainer
256-288-5453 | sshumake@craneu.com

Scott’s Bio

Scott Shumake was born and raised in White House, Tennessee. He takes pride in his work ethic, which was passed down from both his grandfather and father. Scott grew up working on his grandfather’s farm and later in life worked alongside his father for 22 years. His father introduced him to crane work and gave him his first opportunity as a crane operator and iron worker.

Shumake has an extensive amount of knowledge in the crane industry. He has been a crane operator for over 27 years. Scott operated a 120-ton mobile crane for four years around the Southeast, and holds multiple certifications including: Certified Crane Operator, OSHA 30, and MSHA Part 46. His knowledge, experience, and passion led him to be a Steel Erector superintendent for 15 years. This leadership role has shaped him into becoming a credible trainer and someone you can trust. His experience and ambition in the field led Scott to our Crane U, Inc. Nashville branch in 2023.

At Crane U, Scott performs inspections on cranes and other heavy equipment. He also trains operators and riggers in our qualification courses around the Southeast area.

Drew Woodrow

Mobile Branch Inspector & Trainer
205-478-5590 | drew@craneu.com

Drew’s Bio

Drew Woodrow has over 18 years in the construction industry including commercial, industrial, and marine construction. This experience includes working as superintendent and project manager across multiple trades.

Projects included Laketown Wharf, Shores of Panama, and Tidewater in Panama City Beach, Florida, as well as Chalmette High School, Hammond Regional Hospital, and Coushatta Casino in Louisiana, just to name a few.

Drew worked in operations as a project manager on the MC-252 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Response in the Gulf of Mexico, 2010-2011. He joined the Crane U team full-time in 2017. His responsibilities with Crane U include training and safe operation of cranes, forklifts, mobile elevated work platforms, and other heavy equipment.

Drew holds the following certifications: Certified Crane Operator, OSHA 30, MSHA Part 46, IncidentCommand System 100, 200, 700, 800, SafeGulf, and Confined Space.

Frances Gaut

NCCCO Program Coordinator, Accounts Receivable
205-540-0250 | frances@craneu.com

Frannie’s Bio

Frances Gaut started at Crane U in 2021 after graduating from the University of Alabama with a degree in Finance and Real Estate. Although she is new to the industry, she grew up around cranes and heavy equipment, considering that is a major part of the Gaut family name.

Her communication skills, friendliness, and drive to help others exemplifies the company’s mission of utmost customer satisfaction. Even with hundreds of operators attending NCCCO™ training each year, Frances stays organized and in touch with individuals to continue growth in business relationships.

At Crane U, Frances schedules, registers, and organizes all travel and onsite NCCCO™ Certification courses. From the first phone call to day one of the course, Frances is with you every step of the way, ensuring you are registering for the correct courses and that you are most prepared for success.

Madison Locarno

VP of Operations
205-478-8331 | madison@craneu.com

Madison’s Bio

Madison has been with Crane U since 2017. Although she wears many hats within the company, she serves primarily as the Crane U Dispatcher. Madison is also the head of our marketing department.

When she graduated from the University of Montevallo, she never thought she would find herself in the Crane Industry. Her knowledge of cranes has come a long way since her first day!

Her skill in public relations and marketing is what initially led her to her place here. You will see her sitting behind the Crane U booth at every expo around town. She is also excellent in customer service - if you have a problem, yo she’ll solve it (or try her best to).

CraneU Specializes in Crane Operator Certification & Training, Crane Operator Evaluation, Crane Inspections, Rigger Certification & Training and Signal Person Certification & Training Nationwide, including:
Alabama: Birmingham - Mobile - Tuscaloosa - Huntsville | Georgia: Atlanta - Macon - Savannah - Valdosta | Tennessee: Nashville - Memphis - Knoxville - Chattanooga | Louisiana: New Orleans - Baton Rouge - Shreveport | Kentucky: Louisville - Lexington - Bowling Green | Indiana: Indianapolis - South Bend - Gary - Ft Wayne | Ohio: Cincinnati - Columbus - Cleveland | Illinois: Chicago - Joliet - Des Plaines - Springfield, IL | Mississippi: Jackson - Biloxi - Meridian - Vicksburg | Missouri: St Louis - Kansas City - Springfield, MO - Joplin - Branson | Texas: Houston - Baytown - Beaumont - Corpus Christi - Dallas (DFW) - Ft Worth - Texarkana - Denton, TX | North Carolina: Charlotte - Asheville - Raleigh - Winston Salem | South Carolina: Charleston - Myrtle Beach - Greenville - Spartanburg