Not everyone grows up dreaming of a career in lifting and rigging, but for those who find it, it often feels like exactly where they were meant to be.
Ben Hengst, Video Producer, recently interviewed four leading ladies of lifting about their paths into the industry. While some followed family footsteps, others stumbled into it by chance, and a few made bold leaps from completely different fields. What they all found was more than just a job—they found purpose, community, and a place where their work truly matters.
Who’s on the Line:
- Kathleen Fay, CFO, Mazzella Companies
- Lili Radu, Below-the-Hook Design Engineering Manager, Mazzella
- Melissa Ruths, CMO, Kito Crosby
- Amanda Long, SVP, Industrial Training International (ITI)
How did your career path lead you into lifting and rigging?
Each speaker’s journey into the lifting and rigging industry was unique, shaped by curiosity, opportunity, and a desire to make an impact.
Kathleen shared, “I handed my resume to Tony Mazzella just to get it out there, and I ended up working part-time between Accounting and Sales. Within a year, I was offered the Accounting Manager role.”
Melissa came from a completely different background: “I have a chemical engineering degree and started in oil and gas. I realized I wanted to be more strategic, so I got an MBA and eventually found my way into industrial marketing.”
For Amanda, it was a family legacy or a leap of faith. “My dad was in the lifting business for over 50 years. I took over his small crane and rigging training company and grew it before we were acquired.”
Lili recalled, “I came from Romania in 1994. I didn’t know what AutoCAD was, but I found the only job in Cleveland that still used a drawing board. That’s how I started designing lifting devices.”
Related: What is a Rigger at Mazzella?
What helped you build a long-term future in this industry?
The common thread? Mentorship, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.
“I was told early on: ‘Know what you don’t know.’ That advice has guided me ever since,” said Amanda. Melissa added, “I didn’t even know what a shackle was when I started. But the passion in this industry is contagious. Everyone wanted to help me learn.”
Kathleen emphasized the importance of company culture: “The family atmosphere at Mazzella is what’s kept me here. We’re not afraid to try new things, and that constant evolution has kept me engaged.”
What changes or innovations in the industry are you most excited about?
Innovation is reshaping the industry, from digital training to ergonomic tools.
“We’re finally getting into e-commerce and digital platforms. That’s huge for customer engagement,” Kathleen noted. Amanda highlighted the shift in education: “The intersection of digital and practical training is where the future lies. We’re using innovative tools to train the next generation of craftsmen.”
Melissa pointed to product innovation: “People think our products are simple, but we’re constantly improving them—making them safer, more ergonomic, and more inclusive.”
How do you describe this industry to someone who’s never considered it as a career?
The speakers agreed: lifting and rigging is everywhere—you just have to know where to look.
“Everything over 50 pounds needs to be moved somehow. That’s where we come in,” Lili said. She added, “You drive past a crane and don’t think twice, but someone designed that spreader beam. That’s us.”
Amanda put it simply: “If you want to make an impact—whether it’s building roads, lifting turbines, or supporting construction—this is the industry for you.”
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
The answers were heartfelt and powerful.
“It’s the people. The camaraderie. The constant learning,” said Kathleen. Lili shared, “When a customer calls and says, ‘Your lifting device worked perfectly,’ that’s the best feeling.”
But the most emotional responses came from those who tied their work to safety: “Everything we do helps someone go home safely to their family. That’s what fuels me,” said Melissa. Amanda echoed, “If five minutes of training can save a life or a limb, it’s worth everything.”
Lifting the Next Generation
Careers in lifting and rigging may not be glamorous, but they offer something more meaningful: impact. In this industry that quite literally moves the world, the impact goes beyond the physical. Whether it’s designing a tool that keeps a worker safe, training someone to do their job better, or simply being part of a team that feels like family, the rewards are real—and they’re powerful.
The industry leaders interviewed today are lifting more than heavy loads—they’re lifting each other, standards, and the next generation. Their stories show that when you find the right opportunity, the right people, and the right mindset, a job becomes more than a paycheck. It becomes a purpose.
