Tag Archive: Workplace Culture

1. Delivering on Promises with Reliability

   October 17, 2024 9:42 am Leave a Comment

   

   Practice Follow Through

   At American Crane & Equipment Corporation (ACECO), our commitment to excellence is rooted in a simple yet powerful principle: GRIT Matters. This mantra drives us to put Heart, Perseverance, and Integrity into everything we do. Our team, composed of industry veterans and innovative thinkers, blends years of experience with deep engineering, design, and manufacturing expertise. As a leading manufacturer of overhead cranes and hoists, we are dedicated to delivering top-tier products and services, ensuring that our customers receive solutions that make their workload easier and more manageable.

   This commitment to excellence is not just something we talk about—it’s something we practice every day. One of the core values that exemplifies this commitment is Practice Follow-Through. At ACECO, we believe that what defines us is not what we say but what we do. This value emphasizes the importance of committing to our promises and delivering with reliability.

   Deliver on Promises 

   The core value of Practice Follow-Through is celebrated at ACECO because it reflects our dedication to integrity and accountability. When we commit to a project, a timeline, or a promise, we follow through—no excuses. This reliability is what sets us apart in the industry and fosters long-lasting relationships with our clients.

   In an industry where precision and reliability are paramount, the ability to deliver on promises is non-negotiable. Our clients rely on us to provide solutions that not only meet but exceed their expectations. Whether it’s designing a custom crane solution or ensuring timely delivery of critical components, our team knows that our word is our bond. We believe that consistent follow-through is essential to building trust and credibility, both with our customers and within our team.

   You Are What You Do, Not What You Say

   At ACECO, we understand that actions speak louder than words. We have built our reputation by consistently delivering high-quality products and services. We recognize that every promise we make reflects on our integrity as a company. That’s why we take our commitments seriously, ensuring that every member of our team understands the importance of follow-through in their daily work.

   This value is ingrained in our culture and is a fundamental part of who we are. It’s not just about meeting deadlines or completing projects; it’s about upholding the trust our clients place in us. By practicing follow-through, we demonstrate our dedication to our clients and our industry, reinforcing the belief that reliability is key to success.

   A Foundation of Integrity and Reliability

   The foundation of our values at ACECO is putting the needs of our people first while delighting customers with high-quality solutions. Practicing follow-through is a direct reflection of this foundation. It shows that we are not just focused on getting the job done but on doing it right. Our clients know they can count on us to deliver, and this trust is something we earn every day through our actions.

   As we celebrate the core value of Practice Follow-Through this month, we invite you to experience the difference that reliability and commitment can make. At American Crane & Equipment Corporation, we don’t just talk about excellence—we practice it. And we’ll continue to do so, every day, with every project, and for every customer.

   To delve deeper into how our core values shape our approach and to explore the wide array of high-quality solutions we offer, visit our website. Discover how ACECO continues to set the standard in the industry with integrity and unmatched expertise.

2. A Day in the Life of an ACECO Machinist

   August 8, 2024 8:04 am Leave a Comment

   

   A machinist is a skilled tradesperson who uses tools and machinery to produce or repair mechanical parts. They read and interpret blueprints, schematics and diagrams to produce or repair precision mechanic pieces. Machinists work in industries such as aerospace, automotive and businesses like American Crane & Equipment Corporation. In this blog post, we sit down with Manual Machinist, Jeff Rear, to hear about a day in his life at ACECO.

   Start Strong

   Jeff wakes up before the birds around 3:55 a.m. He grabs his morning coffee at Wawa on his way to the Douglassville, Pennsylvania plant. He likes to get there early so that he can be in the proper mindset so he can do his best work. The tasks that he performs are mainly performed on a 5-inch spindle mill or a 7-inch horizontal boring mill, which is lovingly referred to as the “Green Monster.”

   Work Smart

   The hardest and most critical part of his job is the initial set up of his machines. “You have to think… Seriously think things through. Sequencing is key. You can be boring holes within 5000ths of an inch, so you need to know the most efficient way to do the job,” says Jeff. Working with such precise measurements is one of the reasons why he believes taking his time and being in the right mindset is essential for his job.

   Problem Solving

   This November, he’ll have worked at ACECO for 19 years and as a machinist for over 40 years. Even with over 40 years of experience as a machinist, Jeff encounters new challenges daily and makes the right adjustments to perform the job correctly. Knowledge builds up over the years, but you need to keep trying, learning and making adjustments. “Something may look familiar, but you have to make compromises with things that don’t work,” he says.

   Patience & Collaboration

   Jeff believes that the qualities a good machinist would include problem solving abilities, patience and collaboration. “Collaboration is key in the life of a machinist. It takes many hands and multiple steps to complete a job, so working together can make everyone’s jobs easier. It’s important to do your assignments properly, that way it makes it easier on the next person down the line in the process. He also says that the right mindset can go a long way. The right mindset is one that values critical thinking.” He tells us.

   The Finished Product          

   Jeff enjoys what he does for a living and has pride in what he does. His favorite part of the job is seeing the finished product. “It involved the whole company to produce something like a 220-ton trolley, but I machined the pads and drilled in the tap holes. It’s kind of crazy to see,” he says.

   He gives a lot of credit to his teacher in trade school when he first studied machining. There were no spots in auto mechanics left, so he studied machining, which became his life’s work.

   Join us at ACECO to be part of a dynamic team that takes pride in its work. Visit the careers page to see our current openings and reach out to us if you have any questions about a career opportunity with ACECO.

3. Blameless Problem Solving: 4 Healthy Habits for a Positive Work Culture

   June 19, 2024 11:15 am Leave a Comment

   

   Facing problems in the workplace is inevitable, and they can be frustrating for everyone involved. However, the way you handle these problems can be the difference between an argument and a teachable lesson. Blameless problem solving is a powerful technique that should be practiced in every work environment. It guides you to find the root of the issue without creating a culture of blame and finger-pointing. Explore 4 healthy habits for blameless problem solving that can be applied in any work environment for a positive work culture.

   Find the Root Cause

   Rather than single out individuals, take a step back and examine the situation as a whole. Find the root cause of the problem – focus on what went wrong not who went wrong. Once the root cause is identified, you can begin brainstorming a solution. When you find the root cause instead of blaming individuals, you create an environment where people feel confident about coming forward and talking about issues in the workplace.

   Focus on Solutions

   Prioritize finding solutions. By shifting the focus from blame to solutions, you can work collaboratively to come up with effective solutions that prevent this issue from happening again. Brainstorming solutions together is great practice and a way to remember that no one has all the answers, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in issue resolution.

   Identify Lessons

   Opportunities for improvement often arise when things don’t go as planned. Embracing this mindset encourages individuals to reflect on their actions, drawing lessons from both failures and achievements. Proactively addressing lessons leads team members to develop new and more effective habits in the workplace. Identifying lessons as a team also helps to identify gaps in knowledge, ensuring everyone stays informed and aligned.

   Get Smarter Every Time

   Mistakes are bound to happen; we are all human. The key is to treat each mistake as a chance to learn and grow. This approach views mistakes from a constructive perspective and transforms them into a teachable moment. Creating an atmosphere that promotes continuous learning enables improvement in addressing the core issue rather than merely managing the symptoms. Cultivating a blame-free culture within your company paves the way for innovation, creativity and confidence.

   At American Crane & Equipment Corporation, we are consistently striving to evolve into the best versions of ourselves. Integrating these 4 healthy habits for blameless problem solving into your company creates a positive work culture, encouraging everyone to be comfortable with making mistakes. For more information on our company culture, check out our Vision, Mission and Values and see how GRIT Matters at American Crane every day.

4. Cultivating Unity and Humility: Embracing Core Values at American Crane

   November 30, 2023 3:00 pm Leave a Comment

   

   At American Crane and Equipment Corporation we proudly uphold a set of core values, with one key principle being the importance of staying humble. In our workplace we believe that there is no task that is beneath anyone, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility. Our hands-on, humble approach to work signifies a workplace culture where every individual, regardless of their position or title, is ready to roll up their sleeves and contribute to the overall success of the company. By being willing to pitch in and accomplish any task, employees at American Crane foster a sense of camaraderie that goes beyond traditional hierarchical boundaries.

   Here are a few ways that we like to practice staying humble in the workplace:

   1. Readily Assist Others: Be proactive in offering help to colleagues, especially during peak workloads or challenging projects. Demonstrating a willingness to share knowledge and expertise with team members fosters a culture of continuous learning.
   2. Acknowledge Mistakes and Embrace Growth: Admitting when you’re wrong or have made a mistake is a sign of humility. Take responsibility, learn from the experience, and use it as an opportunity for personal and professional growth.
   3. Value Others’ Contributions: Recognize and appreciate the efforts of your colleagues. Celebrate their achievements and contributions, creating a positive and supportive atmosphere.
   4. Effective Listening: Practice effective listening, another ACECO core value, during meetings and discussions. Do not interrupt, ask questions, and listen with the intent to understand.
   5. Seek Feedback: Request feedback from peers and supervisors to understand areas for improvement. Demonstrating a willingness to receive constructive criticism reflects a humble and growth-oriented mindset.
   6. Avoid Taking Credit Unnecessarily: If a project’s success is a result of team effort, acknowledge and share credit with your colleagues. Avoid taking undue credit for individual contributions.
   7. Pitch in Regardless of Job Title: Be willing to take on tasks that may fall outside your typical job responsibilities. This could include helping with routine chores or stepping in to assist a colleague facing a tight deadline.
   8. Express Gratitude: Show gratitude for the support and contributions of others. A simple thank-you can go a long way in recognizing and appreciating the collective effort.
   9. Promote a Team-First Mentality: Encourage teamwork and collaboration. Emphasize the collective success of the team over individual accomplishments.
   10. Stay Approachable: Maintain an open-door policy, both physically and metaphorically. Being approachable fosters a culture where communication and collaboration thrive.
   11. Share Success Stories: Use success stories, whether personal or team-based, as opportunities to inspire and motivate others. Share the spotlight to reinforce the idea that achievements are a collective effort.
   12. Embrace a Growth Mindset: Approach challenges with a positive and open mindset. View setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve, reinforcing a commitment to continuous personal and professional development.

   The daily reminder that we’re all in this together highlights our belief that success is an ongoing journey, not a solitary destination. From the CEO to the newest team member, each person is a vital part of our company’s machinery. This creates a sincere sense of belonging and purpose in our company, where every contribution, is acknowledged with genuine appreciation. When each team member recognizes their importance and value it creates an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels empowered and essential to the thriving success of American Crane.