Sims Crane, Florida’s premier crane rental and rigging service company, has named Thomas Baldree vice president of operations/utility division. Baldree began his career with Sims in 1998 as an apprentice and over the next two decades rose through the ranks to attain several management positions including Orlando branch manager, regional area director and general manager.
In his new position, Baldree will lead Sims’ operations for the Utility Division, managing the sales team and interfacing with market leaders who focus on public utilities and power related work.
Most recently, before returning to Sims, Baldree worked for his wife’s company, Baldree Pools, a commercial and residential swimming pool contractor.
“While I enjoyed my eight-month break from the crane industry, I found I really missed the business and the people at Sims,” said Baldree. “Not only does Sims have the best equipment in the southeast, they continue to invest in people and advancements. I am glad to be back and part of the team that advances and dominates the crane industry in Florida.”
“We are delighted that Thomas has returned to Sims,” said Dean Sims II, Sims Crane vice president of marketing. “He is a strong leader, with the upper management capabilities we need to continue growing our utility division.”
A Florida native, Baldree graduated from Leesburg High School in 1993, attended two years of Community College before attending the IUOE local 673 crane appreciation program, where received his crane operator license from the International Union of Operating Engineers. Baldree began his career at Sims in August of 1998 as an apprentice.
“Because I started my career as an apprentice with Sims, I am a huge proponent of our new Sims U crane operator training program,” added Baldree. “Not everyone is suited to a four-year college degree and the crane industry is great option for some. Our expectations are high, but the Sims U program can launch a young person into a long-term profitable and rewarding career.”
Founded in 1959 in Tampa, Florida, Sims Crane & Equipment Co. is the leading crane rental and rigging service in the state, with nearly 60 years of innovative safety practices and education, sophisticated technology and financial stability. As a third generation family-owned and operated business, Sims Crane & Equipment offers the latest in equipment and has a fully trained service department. With onsite consultations, and detailed 3D lift planning, Sims Crane application specialists help safely move valuable assets.
Sims Crane & Equipment has 13 locations around the state of Florida in Daytona Beach, Ft. Myers, Jacksonville, Miami, Mulberry, Ocala, Orlando, Sarasota, Tallahassee, Titusville, West Palm Beach, Vero Beach and headquarters in Tampa.
The company is No. 30 on the RER 100.
