In this episode of Crane Talk, Isaac Smith is joined by Ron Thompson and Jean Greiner to break down what Ron heard during his trip to Capitol Hill with trucking and crane industry representatives. The conversation covers the real business pressure facing crane, rigging, and trucking companies, from rising insurance costs to the growing impact of litigation on family-owned operations.

The hosts dig into several major issues affecting the industry: third-party litigation funding, staged accidents, forum shopping, nuclear verdicts, and the challenge of getting meaningful tort reform passed. Ron also shares examples from his meetings in Washington, including discussions around federal penalties for staged highway accidents and the need for more transparency in litigation funding.

The episode also touches on tariffs affecting crane equipment from Japan and the EU, why those costs are difficult to absorb mid-project, and how they could affect infrastructure work, data centers, and equipment purchasing decisions.

About the Show

Crane talk is a podcast hosted by Ron Thompson and Gene Greiner, 2 highly successful insurance producers in the Dallas-Fort Worth region.

About Ron:

Ron has been specializing in the heavy iron insurance world as a broker since 1992. In the complex world of heavy iron risk exposure, Ron’s expertise is in contractual risk transfer, contract review, fleet safety management where “rubber meets the road” and keeping clients updated on legislative issues that effect the crane & rigging industry and maximizing profit for his clientele.

About Gene:

Gene Greiner is Vice President of commercial insurance for CoVerica with 15 years of focus on heavy construction risk. Based in Dallas, TX, he is deeply embedded in serving this industry’s risk transfer needs and, enjoys active advocacy though the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association and the Texas Crane Owners Association.

New episodes drop the first Tuesday of each month. Please drop us a line if you have a question or suggestion; you can reach us at podcast@coverica.com. Finally, if you like the podcast, we encourage you to subscribe and leave us a review.

In this episode of Crane Talk, the team is joined by OSHA defense attorney Michael Rubin to unpack what really happens after a serious crane accident. From the moment the phone rings on a Saturday night to navigating inspections, interviews, and citations, Rubin explains when to involve legal counsel and why early strategy changes outcomes.

The conversation dives deep into OSHA enforcement practices, citation stacking, inflation-adjusted penalties, and the long-term business consequences of public fines. The group also explores Fourth Amendment protections during inspections, how multi-employer jobsites complicate responsibility, and why blindly paying citations can cost far more than fighting strategically.

If you operate cranes, manage heavy iron, or oversee safety in construction, this episode is essential listening.

Disclaimer:

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by watching the video, viewers should consult a licensed attorney for personalized legal guidance

About the Show

Crane talk is a podcast hosted by Ron Thompson and Gene Greiner, 2 highly successful insurance producers in the Dallas-Fort Worth region.

About Ron:

Ron has been specializing in the heavy iron insurance world as a broker since 1992. In the complex world of heavy iron risk exposure, Ron’s expertise is in contractual risk transfer, contract review, fleet safety management where “rubber meets the road” and keeping clients updated on legislative issues that effect the crane & rigging industry and maximizing profit for his clientele.

About Gene:

Gene Greiner is Vice President of commercial insurance for CoVerica with 15 years of focus on heavy construction risk. Based in Dallas, TX, he is deeply embedded in serving this industry’s risk transfer needs and, enjoys active advocacy though the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association and the Texas Crane Owners Association.

New episodes drop the first Tuesday of each month. Please drop us a line if you have a question or suggestion; you can reach us at podcast@coverica.com. Finally, if you like the podcast, we encourage you to subscribe and leave us a review.

In this episode of Crane Talk, the team sits down with Chris Thomas, CEO of Artes, a London-based MGA specializing in bespoke insurance programs for cranes, rigging, and heavy equipment.

Chris walks Ron and Gene through the realities of crane and rigging insurance, from underwriting complexity to claims discipline and subrogation. He explains why many insurance programs fail after just a few years and why sustainable success requires experienced partners, accurate data, and a willingness to stay committed through both profitable and loss-heavy cycles.

The conversation also explores broader industry challenges, including litigation exposure, nuclear verdicts, and the importance of educating capacity providers. Chris closes by reflecting on leadership, philanthropy, and building an insurance business designed to endure—not chase short-term premium.

Connect with Artes:

Website: www.artes-specialty.com

Chris: cthomas@artes-specialty.com

Richard: rbrown@artes-specialty.com

About the Show

Crane talk is a podcast hosted by Ron Thompson and Gene Greiner, 2 highly successful insurance producers in the Dallas-Fort Worth region.

About Ron:

Ron has been specializing in the heavy iron insurance world as a broker since 1992. In the complex world of heavy iron risk exposure, Ron’s expertise is in contractual risk transfer, contract review, fleet safety management where “rubber meets the road” and keeping clients updated on legislative issues that effect the crane & rigging industry and maximizing profit for his clientele.

About Gene:

Gene Greiner is Vice President of commercial insurance for CoVerica with 15 years of focus on heavy construction risk. Based in Dallas, TX, he is deeply embedded in serving this industry’s risk transfer needs and, enjoys active advocacy though the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association and the Texas Crane Owners Association.

New episodes drop the first Tuesday of each month. Please drop us a line if you have a question or suggestion; you can reach us at podcast@coverica.com. Finally, if you like the podcast, we encourage you to subscribe and leave us a review.