Meet Vickie McRay of McRay Crane and Rigging in Southeast Houston

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vickie McRay.

McRay Crane & Rigging, Inc. was founded in 1985 by Daniel and Vickie McRay. Daniel had 15 years’ experience in the crane industry when he decided to start his own business.

Please share your story with us.  Where does it begin?
The company began with two basic principles in mind; to provide uncompromising customer satisfaction and to remain at the forefront in the development of new and innovative ideas.

Our country was in the midst of a deep recession in the mid 1980’s, but we built a growing business on a foundation of loyal employees and satisfied customers. Able to adapt to changing needs in the industry, we have endured because of our unwavering desire to build relationships that stand the test of time. We have many employees that have been with us over 20 years. That coupled with our loyal customers has allowed us to establish long standing relationships built upon timeliness, competitive rates and diversity to complete every project safely and successfully.

Has it been a smooth road?
It has been anything but a smooth road! When we started out, this country was in a recession, and it was incredibly hard (and expensive!) to borrow money. Hard work, grit, and perseverance – and a willingness to not take no for an answer! – Kept Dan and I from giving up – and here we are today.

Dan passed away in 2006, and I had to make the decision whether or not I wanted to keep this company up and running without him. Being a female in this industry isn’t always easy, and I knew I’d have hurdles in my way. My youngest son was starting college at that time, my sons were expanding their families, and we were trying to figure out how to navigate our new normal without Dan.

I’m proud of what Dan and I did, and I’m proud of what I’ve managed to do, with the help of my family, friends, and employees.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with McRay Crane and Rigging – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
McRay Crane and Rigging owns and operates an extensive rental fleet of mobile truck cranes ranging in lifting capacity from 18 to 300 tons. We meticulously maintain our equipment to ensure the utmost in safety and reliability. Equally as important, we employ some of the most talented, highly skilled professionals in the crane and rigging industry. We also have the ability to lift, relocate, set and align equipment of all types such as chillers, boilers, manufacturing equipment, etc.

In addition, we can load and unload things like heavy aircraft cargo and medical equipment, such as linear accelerators, C.T.’s, MRI’s and Simulators for radiation and oncology. Our mobile team of rigging personnel allow us to cover most of the southern states.

We are known for our excellent customer service, and our commitment to going the extra mile to get the job done, every time, for every customer. We have extremely loyal and hard-working employees that are committed to this company and our family, and we are who we are because of them.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love that everyone has opportunity in Houston. You be whatever or whomever you wish to be here. It’s incredibly welcoming and diverse, and you can’t beat our southern hospitality.

What do I like least about Houston? Probably the same thing as all native Houstonians: the humidity!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mcraycrane.com
• Phone: (713) 944-2843
• Email: Info@mcraycrane.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/McRayCraneAndRigging

Image Credit:
Image of McRay sons by Laura Singleton Photography

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