Aerial Work Platform Training last week named industry veteran Tony Groat its North American membership development director. Groat is responsible for acquiring new members, training centers and developing services for the North American members of the International Powered Access Federation, the parent company of AWPT.

Groat started in the rental industry 31 years ago with Albany Ladder, later acquired by NES Rental. During his three-decade career with Albany/NES, Groat has worked in sales, been district manager, regional vice president and chief operating officer. He was accountable for up to 20,000 rental assets, primarily aerial work platforms and forklifts, as well as 850 employees and 43 locations in 13 states. He is a past president of the North East Sub Contractors Association, a former Associated Equipment Distributors board member and a long-time member of the American Rental Association and the Scaffold Industry Association.

“Quality processes, procedures and training in all aspects of the business — sales, service, delivery — are essential to achieve a safe work environment in the access industry,” Groat said. “I plan on enlisting many new members and AWPT training centers through increased awareness of AWPT, its training programs, and the quality and value it brings to the industry. Having an industry standard for AWP training is the first critical step to ensuring compliance and implementation. The ultimate goal is to ensure safe operation of AWPs in the field.”

More information on AWPT can be found at www.awpt.org.

Tony Groat