We have received the sad news that Bob Bradshaw, formerly Genie regional vice president for the Western Region has died.
He passed away at his home near Jacksonville, Florida, on January 21st having retired from Genie in 2019, after 22 years with the company. He was in his early 70s.
Bob Bradshaw
Bob Bradshaw spent more than 30 years in the equipment business, based for most of the time in California. He started out with Caterpillar dealers, initially Shepherd Machinery in Southern California and Hawthorne Bros. Equipment near San Diego. He was also with Morgan Equipment in Northern California, and then sales manager for aerial lift sales and rental company Adco Equipment - his introduction to the powered access industry. In 1997, after five years in the role he made his final career move to Genie, which he always said was his favourite job, becoming a regional vice president in 2008.
Bob Bradshaw in his favourite job at Genie
He loved to play the guitar at Genie events and apparently even wrote and performed a company song.
Matt Fearon - Genie president at the time - with Bob Bradshaw and a new guitar for his retirement
A message posted by some of his Genie colleagues said: “With heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of Bob Bradshaw, a beloved member of the Genie team and rental industry. After 22 years of dedicated service at Genie, Bob retired to spend more time with his loved ones. His dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to his work set a shining example for all of us and his impact will be remembered for many years to come. We will forever cherish the energy and kind-hearted team spirit he brought into his work every day. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Among friends as well as colleagues
Another friend and competitor Mark Thurston added: “Bob Bradshaw was always a pleasant face to see. I crossed paths with him from time to time calling on customers when he was at Genie, and I was at Grove and then Snorkel. I always enjoyed visiting with Bob and did not consider him a competitor, rather an industry associate, I always respected and was happy to see him. So sad to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during their time of trial. Peace be with you.”
Ex Terex chief executive Ron Defeo said: “We were all better off for knowing Bob Bradshaw. He helped make us all a little better. I am sorry I did not know Bob even better, but he represented what was great about the Genie company. The customer was at the heart of everything we did. Time flies and we must slow down to remember the difference makers!”
He leaves behind Carol, his beloved wife of 28 years, children including Ben who followed him into the equipment business and is now senior vice president of sales at H&E Equipment Services - step children and grandchildren. We are hoping to learn more of his personal life, in order to complete a fitting tribute to a much loved industry veteran and will update this item when we do.
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