Mike DeRocco: Vice President, Marketing, Sales, and Business Development
Mike leads the company’s Marketing, Business Development and Sales functions. Which includes identifying and executing strategic initiatives, including market expansion, partnership evaluation, B2B marketing, commercial services and economic analysis across numerous market sectors in Canada. As a strategic leader with a breadth of construction industry knowledge and entrepreneurial mindset, Mike strives to stay ahead of industry demands while continuously driving customer value.
As part of the senior leadership team, Mike is committed to building relationships with national clients, communities and all partners, while promoting a safety-first culture and operational excellence. Mike has an undergraduate degree from the University of Alberta and an Executive Master of Business Administration from the Smith School of Business at Queens University.
Bob Picken: Vice President Global Risk Management / Regional West
Bob is Sterling’s Regional Vice President – West and the Vice President Global Risk Management of Marmon Crane Services. Within Sterling he works with the western branches to support our client’s crane service requirements, as well as identifying opportunities for strategic growth. Bob is also responsible for Industrial Relations and key risk areas.
As a member of the senior leadership team Bob is committed to delivering our crane services safely and exceeding customer expectations. Bob graduated from the University of Alberta’s Master of Business Administration and Law degree programs. He has been an instructor in the University of Alberta’s School of Business and Faculty of Extension for 20 years, instructing courses in risk management, business strategy, and entrepreneurship.
Trevor Eckert: Vice President , Canadian Operations
Trevor is responsible for leading various departments to support Operations for the Canadian Business, this includes Fleet, Engineering, Heavy lift and Branch operations across the country.
As part of the senior leadership team, Trevor leans on his extensive background of over 35 years in the Crane industry to continue to build upon Sterling’s excellent Safety record to deliver superior service and innovative solutions to exceed our customers expectations.
Ralph Philpot: Vice President Health and Safety
As Vice President of Health, Safety and Environmental Ralph is responsible for providing strategic leadership to all Health, Safety and Environmental matters within the organization. Responsibilities include ensuring that all the HSE programs are implemented effectively and operations are following OSHA and other government regulations, mentoring and directing the efforts of HSE Advisors and participating in long-term direction of HSE programs and safety policies of the company. Ralph has been working with Sterling Crane for 5+ years and in the Health and Safety field for 15+ years and has extensive experience in operational mining, manufacturing and construction.
Pardeep Aulakh, Human Resources Manager
Pardeep leads the implementation of People strategies to support recruitment, talent management, development and culture as the Human Resources Manager for Canada.
With a focus on relationships and results through strategic delivery, Pardeep is a passionate HR professional with deep corporate experience. Recognized by her strong leadership, innovation and management skills, she is committed to support the strategic and operational goals of Sterling Crane Canada.
Karolina Zheng: Corporate Controller
Karolina oversees the company’s financial functions including financial reporting, budgeting, compliance and internal processes and controls. While keeping in mind these functions, her and her team works with all levels of the company to maintain and help guide the company’s strategic financial decisions.
In 2015, Karolina joined Sterling Crane’s finance group as a Financial Analyst. Over the years, she has been a part of various accounting functions with a transition to Regional Controller in 2018 and Corporate Controller in late 2020. Karolina graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta and Chartered Accountant designation from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta.
Tom MacLeod : President, Sterling Crane Canada
Tom joined Sterling Crane Canada as President in September 2021 bringing 15 years of Executive Leadership experience to the Organization. Tom has held Senior positions with both Canadian and International companies during his career, with a strong focus on midstream and downstream Oil and Gas. Prior to joining Sterling Crane, Tom held the position of Vice President, Business Development for Mammoet Canada Western Ltd.
As President, Tom is driven to grow the Company profitably, foster an open and inclusive working environment, continuously improve the organization’s Health and Safety culture, and to make Sterling Crane the Employer of Choice in the crane rental industry.
Tom holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Western University in London, Ontario.
Jeff Clark: Regional Vice President, East
Jeff Clark is our Eastern Region VP and is responsible to oversee all operations in Eastern Canada. Before Jeff started in the crane industry almost 10 years ago he spent 25+ years in the transportation sector managing multiple operations across the province of Ontario. Jeff is engaged in all aspects of the business from Health & Safety, Personnel, Operations and sales and strongly believes in forming partnerships with our clients across the region. Jeff is passionate about supporting the local communities we live and work in through various local events and corporate sponsorships.
Al MacDonell: Vice President and General Manager, Procrane Sales Inc
Al leads the Procrane Dealership for Tadano Rough Terrain cranes and Broderson carry deck cranes which encompasses Crane sales, part sales and service, Al also leads Sterling crane parts and procurement department which services Canada and the USA.
Al continues to lead Sterling cranes maintenance department for Canada. As part of the senior leadership team Al strives to lead by example while promoting a safety – first culture.
Al holds a red seal journeyman heavy duty mechanic ticket, as well as an Automotive journeyman ticket b from Northern Alberta institute of technology ( NAIT).