Aaron Malouf, asset manager at the Pacific Square Maroubra complex in Sydney, Australia, was looking to address risk management in his multi-use building. While budget was an issue, he specifically wanted a hydraulic or mechanized device to replace ladders because of safety concerns. Workers have a number of maintenance duties throughout the building that involve working at a higher level, and they needed something to provide stability at varying heights.

Malouf and his team looked at several possible devices but found most of them to be too large or heavy. When they tried the LiftPod, they found it to be lightweight, portable and affordable, while giving them the access they needed. With the 14-foot working height, workers had the reach they needed in most areas of the facility. The company was also impressed with the LiftPod's ease of movement and with how quickly it could be assembled. “It is one of the best decisions we have made,” says Malouf.

Innovative Product Award Judging Panel Bios

Gary Stansberry is a partner in the consulting firm of Hageman, Stansberry & Associates. HS&A specializes strictly in the rental industry, offering mergers, acquisitions and valuation services. Stansberry formerly served in executive positions within the mergers and acquisitions department of two of the largest rental industry consolidators. Prior to his acquisition experience, Stansberry founded and sold two successful businesses including a rental operation.

Kevin Rodgers is CEO and founder of Delta Rigging & Tools, a Gulf Coast hoist and rigging company started in 2004, and 24/7 Studio Equipment, a specialty rental company serving the entertainment industry started in 2006. In 1996, Rodgers founded National Equipment Services, a national rental company headquartered in Chicago. Rodgers was CEO of Brambles Equipment Services from 1990 to 1996.

Jack Lockwood is currently the director of sales with Allmand Bros., a manufacturer of mobile floodlighting systems, compact tractor loader backhoes, traffic control arrowboards and breathable air space heaters. He is a 39-year veteran of the construction equipment industry involved in sales and marketing with several manufacturers covering a wide range of products.

John Michael Paz is president of Godwin Pumps and has worked with Godwin since 1978. In 1985, Paz assumed the role of president. He opened the first Godwin Pumps rental office in 1990 in Upper Marlboro, Md.

Jim Layton is starting his 25th year running Wacker's marketing communication department. Layton served on the exhibitor committees of World of Concrete, AED's Condex and ARA's The Rental Show as well as serving a term as a board member of the American Rental Association.

With more than 30 years of experience in the construction industry, Torsten Erbel currently is the director of product management at Multiquip Inc. in Carson, Calif.

Erin Whitehead is managing editor of Lift and Access magazine. She previously served for three years as the associate editor of RER.

Greg Rostberg is Bobcat's Co.'s marketing manager for the rental markets in both Canada and the United States. He manages all marketing activities to the rental industry for the organization.

Marty Silverman, vice president of marketing for General Pipe Cleaners, has more than 25 years of experience in the drain-cleaning industry.