ACT EXCLUSIVE: Lift High crane company launches in Houston

A new name has joined the crane industry in Texas: Lift High. Based in the Houston area, Lift High is the latest venture from longtime industry leader Mike Appling, who launched the company to fill what he saw as a growing need for reliable, experienced crane service across multiple markets.

The Lift High team also includes Sam Land as branch manager, Brad Hopper, CFO, Thi Tran, general council and John Webb as first and lead crane operator.

“We’re starting out in Houston, doing everything from commercial work and warehouses to renewables, battery plants and cell towers,” Appling said. “Pretty much everything.”

Lift High is currently operating a strong and versatile fleet, which includes a Liebherr LTM 1300, an LTM 1120, a Tadano AC 450, a Tadano AC 220 and a National 60-ton boom truck. While a crawler crane isn’t in the fleet just yet, Appling said it’s on the radar.

Appling’s new crane venture is focused on commercial and renewable markets.

After evaluating more than a dozen companies to potentially acquire, Appling ultimately chose to build his own from the ground up.

“I probably looked at 15 or 16 companies, and none of them made sense — either they wanted too much money, had too much debt or their safety records weren’t good,” he said. “Finally, I just said, forget it, we’re going to do our own thing.”

Lift High just completed its first job earlier this week, a tank lift, with more projects already lined up, including battery picks and commercial work. While getting operations off the ground has involved the usual startup challenges, Appling said the work itself is energizing.

“The fun part is the work is there,” he said. “Every crane company I’ve talked to for years has said the same thing — they don’t have enough people. I can’t hire everyone at once, but we’re building fast.”

The Lift High team also includes Sam Land as branch manager, Brad Hopper, CFO, Thi Tran, general council and John Webb as first and lead crane operator.