KarEn Norheim
One of the major milestones in my life was the decision to work for my father. At the time, I wondered ‘How fun could manufacturing be?’ It’s been more than 21 years since I made one of the best decisions of my life. Through my work with American Crane and Equipment Corporation, I found my passion for manufacturing. I’m an active supporter of STEM programs as well as programs that support women in the manufacturing field.
American Crane & Equipment Corporation is recognized as a leader in the design and manufacture of electric overhead traveling cranes, wire rope hoists, and custom-engineered lifting equipment.
Meet Karen
Karen Norheim is passionate about all things manufacturing. As the second-generation leader of her family’s company, American Crane & Equipment Corporation (ACECO), Karen has sought to solidify the “Founder’s Legacy” while putting her own stamp on ACECO’s corporate culture and business. As President & CEO, Karen has led her company on the journey to their mantra – “GRIT Matters: Perseverance, Heart & Integrity”, a reboot of their vision, mission, and values. Her role, as she puts it, is a gardener as she has seeded and cultivated the corporate foundation and successful operations of American Crane & Equipment Corporation - an internationally, recognized leader in the design and manufacture of cranes, hoists and other material handling equipment. Karen’s philosophy, taught to her by her father and American Crane’s founder, is based on the idea of preparing and cultivating herself and her people (Gardening), and tending to her garden so they are ready for the battles of our business and life (Viking.) As she says – “Navigate the seas of our business and life with the bounty of our garden at our back.”
The work that Karen has accomplished by mentoring others and promoting manufacturing has made her a leader in the industry. She is a true spokesperson for the distinguished jobs and quality of life that the industry can provide. She is also a dynamic force when it comes to the immense technology and digital innovations occurring in manufacturing at a rapid rate. Karen continues to lead her company in its digital transformation through initiatives such as kickstarting American Crane’s Innovation Lab whose mission is to apply cutting-edge technology to the company’s business, customers, and processes. Several initiatives have been put in place through the Innovation Lab’s work including American Crane & Equipment Corporations new product lines – Smart Crane IoT (Internet of Things) Device & Machine Health IoT. American Crane’s vision is to bring IoT to the small and medium business market segment, previously excluded to a significant extent by the high cost of entry and complexity of existing offerings. The ACECO Smart Crane System and Machine Health IoT (MHIoT) Device were designed with the sole intent of delivering only the data that brings real value and practical insight to customers. ACECO’s philosophy is to keep costs and complexity to a minimum while delivering powerful performance.
Karen believes strongly in being a role model and practices this through her many speaking engagements. Creating, as she states, “her ripple effect” by inspiring others and providing a vision for what is possible. By telling her story, she hopes to inspire future generations to enter the manufacturing workforce and seek leadership roles, no matter what industry. Karen is an advocate for encouraging young people to consider a career in manufacturing - particularly women. She is a frequent speaker and panelist at local schools and professional organizations discussing manufacturing, company culture, and leadership.
Projects:
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American Crane & Equipment Corporation has been a trusted source of high-quality specialty lifting equipment for over 50 years. As a leading manufacturer of overhead crane systems, hoists, and material-handling equipment, American Crane is committed to delivering top-quality products while providing superior customer service in an industry that does not have room for mistakes.
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A journey of self-discovery teaches a boy lessons of knowledge, truth, and goodness.
When a young boy named Woodsprout comes of age, his father gifts him a treasure: an intricately handcrafted book bound in fine red leather with the instruction that he fill up the pages with his life’s story. The ensuing journey has ‘Sprout’ on a quest for words, wisdom, and adventure—and the meaning of life.
Now available on Amazon
Event Booking
Karen Norheim is a highly accomplished speaker sought after for her expertise in various fields. Her engaging and insightful talks have captivated audiences around the world. If you are interested in booking Karen Norheim for speaking engagements, please feel free to reach out to her directly through the contact information provided on her website.
Whether it's a corporate event, conference, or educational program, Karen's dynamic presence and wealth of knowledge are sure to leave a lasting impact on your audience. Don't miss the opportunity to have Karen Norheim inspire and educate your attendees.
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Grit Matters:
Perserverance, Heart & Integrity
American Crane & Equipment Corporations Cultural Reset [2018]
Karen initiated their mantra – “GRIT Matters: Perseverance, Heart, & Integrity.” This cultural transformation set the stage for creating a culture that encourages productivity and a thriving environment for current and future employees.
Realizing the need for a cultural reboot, Karen solidified the founder’s legacy while conveying her commitment to the business. Karen sought to create a clear understanding of their identity and direction as a company, symbolized by finding their “Sunstone”, (Sunstone is a crystal used by Vikings to find the sun in the sky when the sky was cloudy) to guide the way.
Karen overcame the many challenges of the cultural reset by implementing her philosophy, taught to her by her father, American Crane’s founder, based on the idea of preparing and cultivating herself and her people (Gardening,) and tending to her garden so they are ready for the battles of our business and life (Viking.) As she says – “Navigate the seas of our business and life with the bounty of our garden at our back.”