Leadership in motion: SC&RA’s 4 Under 40 class of 2025

As the crane, rigging and specialized transportation sectors continue to evolve under the weight of global demand and technological innovation, so too does the need for forward-thinking leaders who can rise to meet the moment. Across SC&RA’s diverse membership, a new generation is doing exactly that – bringing fresh ideas, deep work ethic and a strong sense of purpose to the job every day.

Jean-François Houde, Vice President of Operations at Guay Inc.

Each year, SC&RA recognizes four such individuals with its 4 Under 40 honor – spotlighting rising professionals under the age of 40 with an award that emphasizes three core qualities: recipients must be actively engaged in SC&RA initiatives, and must be directly contributing to the success of their company and the advancement of the industry.

Whether it’s operational excellence, technical acumen or an instinct for innovation, this year’s recipients reflect the qualities that continue to move the industry – and SC&RA – forward.

Point of pride

Jean-François Houde is already helping guide Canada’s largest crane rental company into its next era – rooted in performance, accountability and purpose.

As Vice President of Operations at Guay Inc., Houde plays a key role in shaping company-wide strategies alongside regional directors and asset and operations teams across twenty branches. “What drives me is the opportunity to make a real impact – on people, on projects and on the future of our industry,” he said. “I focus on aligning operations with long-term strategic goals, fostering a culture of accountability and ensuring our teams have the clarity and structure to succeed.”

In the last year alone, Houde has helped lead strategic initiatives tied to predictive maintenance and operational standardization – while ensuring safety remains the foundation for every decision made.

His work is bolstered by a growing relationship with SC&RA. “It’s a tremendous source of inspiration and connection,” he noted, pointing to his recent attendance at both the Annual Conference and Crane & Rigging Workshop. “Professionally, it has broadened my perspective on safety, innovation and workforce development. Personally, it’s reminded me that we’re part of something bigger – an international community that lifts and moves the world, quite literally.”

Being named one of SC&RA’s 4 Under 40 is not only a point of pride for Houde, but a motivator. “It’s energizing,” he added. “This award reinforces our responsibility to lead with purpose – and to help shape a more agile, responsible and forward-looking industry.”

Empowered to succeed

For Allison Hughes, building a stronger, more sustainable future for transportation starts with the people behind the wheel. As Contractor Relations Manager at Bennett Motor Express (McDonough, GA), she’s spent the past year advancing targeted strategies that enhance driver retention, boost morale and streamline workforce operations – all while reinforcing a culture of safety and support.

Allison Hughes, Contractor Relations Manager with Bennett Motor Express

“Each day presents the opportunity to advocate for and educate others about the vital role transportation plays in our lives,” she said. “What drives me is knowing that my work helps create an environment where drivers feel valued, supported and empowered to succeed.”

In practice, her work includes implementing retention programs, authoring SOPs, redesigning performance reporting systems and leading onboarding and training initiatives – all aimed at building a more engaged, capable and dependable workforce.

Her SC&RA involvement has only accelerated that momentum. “The Association’s ongoing support has played a critical role in helping us navigate complex and varying regulatory environments across different states,” she emphasized. “That guidance and insight continues to inform our operations in very real and valuable ways.”

Such appreciation runs deep – and fuels Hughes’ vision. “Winning this award is incredibly humbling,” she assured. “But more than anything, it inspires me to keep pushing boundaries, advocating for progress and supporting the next generation of transportation professionals. I’m honored to be part of a community that’s actively shaping the future of this industry.”

Bridging the gap

At Southern Lifting and Hoisting (Oklahoma City, OK), HSE Manager Cale Smith is the kind of safety leader who builds systems that don’t just check boxes – they change culture. In the last year alone, he’s introduced a suite of programs and protocols designed to bring more precision, transparency and impact to how the company approaches health and safety. From standardized incident tracking to detailed craft evaluations, and even the development of custom safety forms, Smith’s work is helping Southern grow responsibly – and sustainably.

Cale Smith, HSE Manager with Southern Lifting and Hoisting

“The STAR Program is a safety-driven incentive program to recognize and reward employees for outstanding, safe efforts,” he explained. “It has vastly improved the safety culture of Southern. ‘Safety. Teamwork. Accountability. Representation.’ are the attributes an employee must possess and consistently demonstrate to be nominated for a STAR award.”

Smith’s expansion of the company’s internal safety department has also allowed Southern to self-staff projects, rather than rely on costly third-party safety reps. “This was only made possible by the trust company ownership has in me and my vision for this company – and specifically, for this department.”

Smith believes his involvement with SC&RA has helped reinforce that vision. “The resources which SC&RA offers are phenomenal tools to help with achieving compliance on items that are relatively specialized and unique to this complex industry.”

And while much of his work happens behind the scenes, the recognition that comes with this award carries genuine meaning. “It is encouraging that the long days and nights spent at work, instead of with my wife and two baby girls, have been worthwhile,” he said. “This award will serve as a reminder of that belief for many years to come.”

Shared experience

For Christopher Warshaw, building better solutions starts with believing in people. Whether advocating for promotions from within or personally removing roadblocks at jobsites, he sees leadership as a matter of proximity, perspective and trust.

Christopher Warshaw, Vice President of Engineering at Deep South Crane and Rigging LLC

“I firmly believe that when presented with a challenge, and given adequate support, most people rise to the occasion,” he said. “To make these promotions successful, you have to provide the support these people need as they grow.”

As Vice President of Engineering at Deep South Crane and Rigging LLC (Sulphur, Louisiana), Warshaw focuses on team development, technical innovation and company-wide cultural impact. From designing a Management Auditing System to driving safety compliance through direct field engagement, he helps bridge the gap between engineering and execution in real-time conditions. “Being present in the field and open to feedback is key to ensuring we grow as a company, both in safety and innovation,” he added. “Auditing within teams – everyone walks away learning something.”

A steady member of SC&RA, Warshaw values the Association for its technical resources, networking opportunities and the relationships it fosters across the industry. “Being involved in SC&RA gives me a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of the crane and rigging industry,” he said. “The technical resources that are available through the Association have been extremely beneficial in my career – and having like-minded people to collaborate with on industry issues or complex projects is essential.”

Warshaw finds himself both humbled and empowered by this recognition. “This award inspires me to keep pushing for better solutions for the work we do,” he said. “My goal is to be able to look back on today ten years from now and say the same thing: look how far we’ve come.” 

For more information on SC&RA’s 4 Under 40 recognition and previous honorees, visit www.scranet.org/4under40.