Episode 206: ‘From Uniform to Crane’ with Erik Struebig
In this episode:
Christi and Angela interview Erik Struebig, Technical Coordinator for North America at MGX Manitowoc Crane, a nine-year US Army veteran who moved from field technician roles in agriculture, Yellow Iron, and mining to overseeing technical coordination for 218 technicians. They discuss attracting more people into heavy-equipment and construction careers by showcasing the wide range of trade-adjacent roles, improving marketing and “cool” visual branding, and communicating earning potential and apprenticeship advantages without college debt. Erik emphasizes the need for clear advancement paths through regular employee reviews and leadership investment, plus ongoing technical training supported by manufacturers and partners. He describes Manitowoc’s community engagement—Touch-a-Truck events, school outreach, funding a welding program, internships across departments, scholarships, and tooling support—and his work with Crew Collaborative. He closes with mentee advice: listen, ask questions, and volunteer.
Supported by: NPK
Show Notes and Links:
00:00 Meet Erik Struebig
01:20 From Army to Cranes
03:20 Make Trades Look Cool
05:34 Pay and Apprenticeships
07:33 Career Paths and Reviews
10:04 Training and Partnerships
12:55 Sponsor Break
13:55 Volunteer Work and Outreach
17:39 Crew Collab and Youth Talks
20:15 Switching Careers Later
22:40 Mentee Mindset Tips
23:47 Connect and Wrap Up
About Erik:
Served in the army for nine years.
Transitioned to John Deere field service with their CSP
Moved to the Manitowoc crane as a field crane technician
Took a new role as technical coordinator for North America
