CraneWorks / RentalWorks, a leading provider of operated crane services, crane rental services, and other related equipment rental solutions, announced the appointment of Bill Niketas as Chief Executive Officer. Niketas will lead the Company as it advances its long‑term growth strategy following its 2025 partnership with Carousel Capital.
CraneWorks / RentalWorks has long been recognized for its strong customer relationships, commitment to quality, its high‑service operating model, and its reputation for delivering reliable equipment solutions across the Southeast. These longstanding strengths have positioned the Company as a high‑value, high‑service organization in a fragmented market and provide a strong foundation for its next phase of scale.
Founder David Upton and his brother Steve Upton, both significant owners and members of the Board of Directors, emphasized the importance of selecting a leader who understands and reinforces the core attributes that have defined the Company’s success. “Bill is exactly the kind of leader we hoped to find—someone with a proven history of scaling businesses while protecting what makes a company special,” said David Upton, Founder of CraneWorks / RentalWorks. “For decades, our reputation has been built on quality, reliability, and trusted service. Bill understands that foundation deeply, and we’re confident he will strengthen it as we grow.”
“CraneWorks / RentalWorks has always taken pride in being a high‑value, high‑service organization, and that won’t change,” added Steve Upton. “Bill respects the culture our team has built. We are confident he will lead with the same dedication to customer care and operational excellence that has defined this Company from day one. Bill is being brought in due to his impeccable track record of leadership and experience taking businesses to the next level of service and growth. We have big growth plans for the Company and couldn’t be more excited to support Bill as our leader to achieve our goals.”
Carousel Capital, which partnered with CraneWorks / RentalWorks to support fleet expansion, geographic growth, technology investment, and enhanced commercial capabilities, underscored the importance of cultural continuity as the Company scales. “Bill brings the strategic mindset and operational experience required to lead CraneWorks / RentalWorks through its next stage of growth while preserving its identity as a high‑service operator,” said Jason Schmidly, Managing Partner at Carousel Capital. “His respect for the tradition and values established by the Upton's makes him the right leader to extend the Company’s legacy of quality and reliability as it expands.”
Bill Niketas comes to the Company with a distinguished background of strategic leadership and business success. He received his initial training while attending the United States Military Academy at West Point. He was highly decorated in service to our Country, which included time as an Apache Helicopter Platoon Leader and Battalion Operations Manager during which time he managed operational planning for a 310-member Attack Helicopter Battalion. Upon completion of his service as a Captain in the United States Army in 1995 and earning his MBA in 1997, Bill began his successful business career.
During his career, Bill has held numerous leadership roles of increasing responsibility which have included Chief Financial Officer, President and Chief Executive Officer. In those roles, Bill has overseen rapid growth, which has included organic expansion and acquisitions in multiple high service driven businesses. Each of those experiences share similarities to the growth goals ahead of CraneWorks / RentalWorks.
