Crane Talk – Details, episodes & analysis

This episode of Crane Talk features Aaron Jackson, EVP of Redstone Underwriters, providing an underwriter’s perspective on the challenges facing crane and rigging insurance. He unpacks the impact of social inflation, third-party litigation funding, and shrinking capacity in the casualty market. The discussion highlights practical tools like cameras, telematics, and strong contracts, along with emerging AI applications that are reshaping underwriting. Jackson underscores how early data submission and proactive risk management can materially improve terms for insureds.

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.

Laura Schoefer, Senior Vice President of Claims at DUAL Specialty Construction & Transport, joins Crane Talk to share how she helped reimagine safety from a dry compliance function into a powerful company culture asset. From near-miss reporting campaigns to marketing safety wins, Laura’s team brings a creative, proactive approach that resonates with their workforce and clients alike.

We dive into how communication strategy and human-centered leadership can lead to scaling a company's safety culture. Laura discusses how documenting incidents, sharing anonymized stories, and celebrating progress have transformed how employees view risk.

This episode is packed with practical insights on how storytelling, accountability, and data can make safety personal—and powerful.

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.

Join us for a riveting journey through the high-stakes world of crane safety with Jim Wiethorn, the seasoned founder of International Cranes and Construction and Safety Solutions. As we tackle the summer boom in crane operations, especially in the sweltering Texas heat, you'll get an insider's perspective on the industry's resilience even in fluctuating economies. Dive into Jim's extensive background, from his time at Haag Engineering to his crucial contributions to crane safety standards and his academic work that highlights pre-lift meetings as a game-changer in accident prevention.

Connect with Jim:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-wiethorn-2ba5981b/

Website: https://iccforensics.com/about/

Book: Crane Accidents: A Study of Causes & Trends to Create a Safer Work Environment

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.

Strap in for a deep dive into the insurance market's currents and undercurrents, where we unravel the tapestry of legislative endeavors like Texas House Bill 19, set to reshape the future of litigation costs. We're not just talking shop here; we're decoding the legislative language and exploring tech breakthroughs poised to revolutionize safety on job sites. Our conversation pivots towards the increasingly crucial role of data in today's insurance landscape, where Amanda lets us in on the rigorous demands of insurance renewals and the meticulous dance of onboarding new accounts.

Today we are joined by Amanda Roberson, an Account Executive with Coverica who has been in the industry for 25 years and works directly with Ron and Gene in the ever changes landscape that is Cranes and Heavy Iron coverage.

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, Ron and Gene outline the complexities of the crane and heavy equipment industry, shedding light on the stark realities of sky-high insurance premiums and the challenge of increasingly elusive reinsurance options. Today’s focus is on the tactics behind the aggressive legal advertisements that are more than just an eyesore on your morning commute; they're driving up costs and putting companies in the hot seat.

Advertising has become a key tactic in the world of personal injury law, from Texas to all the other states in the country. They break down how third-party advertisers are reshaping the legal landscape and why third-party litigation funding might just tilt the scales of justice.

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.

This episode peels back the curtain on the multi-million dollar jury awards driving insurance premiums through the roof and the concept of social inflation that's inflating costs across the board. We're unpacking the layered complexities of non-capped punitive damages, the evolving perception of big money, and the formidable hurdles introduced by third-party litigation funding that are flipping the script for companies in heavy hauling.

Venturing further into the heart of the industry's battleground, we unravel Texas's legislative shake-up with House Bill 19, a beacon of hope for trucking companies plagued by liability claims. We explore how this pivotal reform is aiming to shield businesses from exorbitant insurance costs and the claws of unfounded lawsuits.

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.

Strap in for a ride through the misunderstood landscape of crane accidents and the reality behind the statistics, where the culprit is more than just operator error. We're discussing the critical need for preparedness in the face of catastrophe, involving claims specialists and forensic engineers—because disasters don't wait for business hours. 

We also talk about the The Texas Crane Owners Association winter meeting, new legislation designed to protect crane companies in TX, and share what we have been up to recently.

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.

Come hang out as we cover crane rigging, heavy construction, and the critical importance of insurance with Ron Thompson and Gene Greiner, two industry titans that have seen quite a lot in the crane insurance business.

Cap off this episode with high-flying stories that illustrate the day-to-day exhilaration of insuring some of the country's most ambitious projects. Laughter might not be the first thing you associate with crane insurance, but when a Hollywood movie’s antics become part of the job, it's hard not to crack a smile. Beyond the humor, we offer grounded advice on staying ahead with the latest in telematics and legal developments, ensuring that whether you're a seasoned professional or just curious about the high-stakes world of cranes, this conversation will elevate your understanding.

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.

Jason Baynard, an Inland Marine underwriter at AmWINS, joins Crane Talk to unpack the volatile world of heavy iron insurance. From his early days at Chubb to building custom underwriting programs, Jason has seen it all—and has strong opinions about what makes crane companies stand out today.

We cover the difference between first-party and third-party coverage, the real-world impact of nuclear verdicts, and how tort reform is slowly reshaping the legal landscape. Jason explains how to make your company more insurable: document safety, install cameras and telematics, and tell your story at renewal.

Whether you’re an operator, broker, or insurance insider, this episode is a guide to thriving in a high-risk market.

Connect with Jason:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-baynard-74250199

linkedin.com

Jason Baynard - AmWINS Program Underwriters, Inc. | LinkedIn

Over twenty years of experience in underwriting Casualty, Property, Umbrella, &… · Experience: AmWINS Program Underwriters, Inc. · Education: Clark Atlanta University · Location: Atlanta · 466 connections on LinkedIn. View Jason Baynard’s profile on LinkedIn, a professional community of 1 billion members.

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 packed solo episode of Crane Talk, Ron and Gean dig into the Texas legislative session and what it means for crane operators, contractors, and heavy equipment companies. With nearly 8,000 bills under review, the team spotlights critical legislation that could impact everything from payment timelines and contract fairness to venue jurisdiction and incorporation-by-reference clauses.

They also take on the issue of nuclear verdicts—disproportionately large legal settlements that are spiking insurance premiums across Texas. From discussing inflated medical costs and the role of plaintiff attorneys to calling for legislative reforms like caps on non-economic damages, the crew outlines the economic ripple effects on businesses big and small.

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.