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NEXGEN is a full-service crane and transport company with the capability to tackle almost any job. We offer an array of cranes and tractor/trailers at competitive prices with the goal of completing projects quickly and safely. Our certified operators, riggers and drivers are prepared to serve you.
HISTORY
WHERE OUR STORY BEGAN
Moving large and uniquely shaped equipment is nothing new for NexGen. For 50 years their family had been manufacturing large and unusual vessels for the chemical and petroleum industries, along with the responsibility to transport and install them. The third generation realized they had the expertise, experience and equipment to be a crane and rigging company on the commercial level. Now, years later, NexGen Crane and Rigging is a multistate provider of quality, dependable lifting, trucking, and rigging services.
Barry Thompson
Chief Executive Officer
After graduating from Mississippi State University in 1984, Barry was employed by Weyerhaeuser Paper & Westvaco Paper Company until 1996 and then worked as partner and general manager of Crossroads Shell until 2011. Today, he serves as both partner and CFO of Thompson’s Welding Services and partner and CEO of NexGen Crane & Rigging. Barry is a Hamilton, MS native where he still resides with his wife Debbie. Barry and Debbie have two children, Chelsea and Brent, and they are the proud grandparents of 4 beautiful grandchildren.
Brent Thompson
Chief Operations Officer
After graduating from Mississippi State University and following a career in politics, Brent joined Thompson’s Welding Services in 2017 as a third generation in the family business. In 2018 he took the leap to start NexGen Crane & Rigging, where he now oversees daily crane operations, employee training and development, and equipment acquisition strategy for the company’s two locations. When he isn’t traveling between NexGen’s Mississippi and Alabama offices, Brent loves to cook and read, camp with his wife and son, and of course cheer on the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
Josh McKay
Finance Manager
Josh is a Columbus, Mississippi native and a 2017 graduate of Mississippi State University. He joined the NexGen Crane & Rigging team in 2019 where he oversees financial management. In his free time, Josh enjoys spending time with his wife Abby and their two kids as well as hunting, fishing, and playing sports.
Lindsay Maddux
Alabama District Sales Manager
Lindsay graduated from the University of Alabama in 2014. She then worked in the construction industry as a sales representative in equipment rental services for seven years before starting in the crane industry in 2022. Lindsay now serves as District Sales Manager for NexGen Alabama. In her free time, Lindsay enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with friends.
Tanar Edwards
Alabama Field Supervisor
Tanar worked in the gas and oil industry for seven years before moving to West Michigan in 2015. It was here where he expanded his heavy moving experience working as a crane operator and machinery mover with manufacturers throughout Beer City, USA. In 2022, Tanar decided he wanted to find a state that offered year-round fishing, hiking, trees, lakes, mountains, and a place to ride his motorcycle in December. Beautiful Alabama was the right fit. He is excited to be a part of the NexGen team as they pick up heavy things in Rocket City.
April Smith
Alabama Office Administrator
April is a seasoned Office Administrator with over a decade in the field. Throughout her years of experience, she has worked in departments such as purchasing and finance, worked for an executive, and more. She joined NexGen Crane & Rigging in 2022, where she oversees the daily office operations for the Alabama branch. Outside of the office, April is a busy wife, mother of four, and now a blessed Gigi to one. With a love for travel, April spends any free time exploring new destinations.
James Shackelford
Mississippi Field Supervisor
James has over a decade of experience in the crane industry. He began his journey with NexGen Mississippi as a crane operator, but now serves as Mississippi’s Field Supervisor. He stays hands-on with every job — from answering questions to filling in on the field when needed, he plays a part in the entire process. In his free time, James likes to fish and spend time with his wife and kids. He enjoys being a part of a growing company and is excited for the future of NexGen.
Russell Ferraro
Mississippi District Sales Manager
Russell joined NexGen by way of Thompson’s Welding Services. He’s a crane operator by trade and now serves as the Mississippi Sales Manager where he spends the majority of his time finding new jobs for the company. It’s his job to secure new business while also making sure the right cranes are on each particular job. Russell is married with three children, and in his free time loves to hunt and fish. He also coaches softball, which he laughingly says can add a lot of stress to his life.
join our team
If you are interested in working for a company focused on quality workmanship and customer satisfaction, contact us today or check our current opportunities.
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