STAFF
DIRECTORY
At Amherst Crane Rentals and Concrete Pumping, our dedicated team is the backbone of our success, committed to delivering top-notch crane rental services with unmatched expertise and precision.
Meet the passionate professionals behind the scenes, each playing a crucial role in ensuring seamless operations and client satisfaction. From skilled crane operators to meticulous concrete pumping and maintenance staff, our team embodies a collective commitment to safety, efficiency, and excellence.
Management Representatives
TERRY WELSTEAD
President
Terry Joined Amherst as a teenager in early 1970’s and gained experience in the repair shop, field operations, operating cranes and concrete pumps, and parts sales. Terry managed and improved the Operations Department creating an industry renowned reputation for Amherst as the best service provider of mobile cranes and concrete pump-service in Ontario. He continues to oversee fleet and operational growth.
Mobile: 416-989-2349
Email: terry@amherstgroup.ca
VALERIE BRENNAN
Vice-President
Daughter of founders, Roy & Rene Welstead, Valerie worked with Amherst since it’s establishment in 1962 assisting with office routines and bookkeeping. She has been instrumental in the advancement of the industry through the regulatory environment for crane and concrete pump inspection (OHSA and CSA-Standards Committees) operator training (Chair, OETIO Training Trust), Labour-Management Contract Negotiation (CRAO Director), and development of policy language for Insurance Coverage and Equipment Financing. She is a past Director & Chair of The Canadian Crane Rental Association. Valerie continues to oversee the company’s Financial progress, Safety Program Development, Contracts and HR management.
Mobile: 416-505-0027
Email: valerie@amherstgroup.ca
Jonathan Welstead
Vice-President
Jonathan, a UCC Grad, joined Amherst in the 1980’s after a career in IT and Computer Technology with Chubb Securities, Clear-Net and Telus. His expertise in Software Engineering and Communications has been a huge asset to the Amherst Group, assuring our connectivity and security. Jon is also a Certified Welder and a 339a Red-Seal Hoisting Engineer. He currently partners with Valerie to oversee the Company’s financial operations and employee benefits, and is a past Director of the Crane Renal Association of Ontario.
Mobile: 416-720-9854
Email: jwelstead@amherstgroup.ca
MARK WELSTEAD
Vice-President
Mark joined Amherst after attaining his Bachelors’ Degree in Business at Brock University, and acquiring his 339A Red-Seal Hoisting Engineer Certification. After gaining experience as a crane operator, he quickly progressed to management of the Niagara facility, partnering with Kevin Sprayson to successfully develop an excellent-service reputation for Amherst in that area. Mark is currently the Operations Manager for Amherst, overseeing 4 Dispatchers in 6 Yards and is Head of Customer Relations. He sits on the Board of Directors of the Crane Rental Association of Ontario. Mark is also a Certified Sommelier.
Mobile: 416-881-2400
Email: mark@amherstgroup.ca
CHRIS WELSTEAD
Vice-President
As the youngest in Amherst’s Management group, Christopher joined the Company after attaining his degree as a Professional Engineer at McGill University and acquiring industry experience with established General Contractors in Ontario. He currently assists Mark Welstead with equipment management and jobsite engineering relating to large mobile cranes. He conducts oversight of inspection and compliance in fleet maintenance & deployment, and assists our sales team with market development.
Mobile: 647-333-2431
Email: chris@amherstgroup.ca
Sales & Service Representatives
ANDREW WELSTEAD
Crane & Concrete Pump Specialist
Using the latest technology & tools, Andrew joins our team of Amherst experts to provide fast, safe, and efficient crane and concrete pump service to the GTA including small and large projects.
Mobile: 647-296-4913
Email: andrew@amherstgroup.ca
PAUL TURNEY
Concrete Pump Equipment &
Special Projects Manager
With over 30 years of experience, Paul has provided expert advice and management of many high-rise and infrastructure projects for the efficient deployment of concrete placing equipment. He was awarded the Toronto Construction Association’s “Best of the Best” Award for his innovative planning on the Telus Tower – York Street, Toronto.
Mobile: 416-984-6876
Email: paul@amherstgroup.ca
KEVIN SPRAYSON
Special Projects & Branch Manager
(Niagara/Western Ontario)
A lifetime of experience in material placement for power generating, heavy civil, petro-chemical and residential projects has made Kevin an expert at set-up & efficient deployment of concrete pumping equipment and cranes.
Mobile: 905-651-8280
Email: kevin@amherstgroup.ca
DAVID PIERPOINT
Crane & Rigging Specialist,
Special Projects Manager
With years of experience in planning hoisting operations in highly engineered projects around Ontario, David brings a wealth of expertise to assist you with placement, scheduling and operation of Mobile Cranes and Equipment. David has garnered the respect and admiration of his peers and customers in the Crane Industry.
GEORGE BATTAGLINI
Concrete Pump Specialist & Branch Equipment Manager – Innisfil
With over twenty-five years of experience in all phases of residential & commercial construction, George is best known for his expertise in the concrete pumping equipment requirements of the Low-rise forming industry. Highly respected by the largest home-builders, George provides them with fast and efficient equipment and planning.
Mobile: 416-678-0956
Email: george@amherstgroup.ca
GARY WOOD
Crane Specialist
Gary has worked with Amherst for over twenty-five years, earning the respect of his peers and customers alike. He provides experience and expertise in the deployment of mobile cranes to contractors installing Mechanical and HVAC equipment, bridge-work, box culverts, cell-tower installation and repair, Roofing, and Machinery Moving, including services to arrange special Street-Occupation Permits.
JAMES CRAMER
Crane & Concrete Pump Specialist
(Barrie/Northern Ontario)
With over twenty years of experience serving the Barrie and Northern Ontario area, James is known for his expert assistance in deployment of cranes and concrete pumping equipment to Highway & Bridge contractors, Residential Projects, Telecommunication Towers, Yachts and Boat launches and all facets of construction.
Mobile: 705-333-4884
Email: james@amherstgroup.ca
PAT HAGGART
Crane & Rigging Specialist,
Special Projects Manager
With over 30 years of experience in the deployment of mobile cranes and heavy rigging to specially engineered projects across Southern Ontario, Pat is highly respected in the Crane Industry. With precision focus on detail, Pat has provided solutions to many of the most complicated and high-risk hoisting operations.
Mobile: 416-209-7269
Email: pathaggart@amherstgroup.ca
TYSON ARMSTRONG
Crane Specialist, Hoisting Engineer
Tyson’s field experience as a Certified Hoisting Engineer supports his expertise in assisting our Customers to safely and efficiently deploy Mobile Cranes from 8-ton to 500-ton-capacity in all areas of construction & maintenance of infrastructure.
Mobile: 905-260-8337
Email: tyson@amherstgroup.ca
Gerald Oskam
Crane & Rigging Specialist – Marine Industry
Gerald calls on his years of experience when handling special projects for the Marine Industry; hoisting and transporting specialized containers for ships, and launching and hauling out ships and boats deploying dual-crane lifts.
Mobile: 905-658-9927
Email: gerald@amherstgroup.ca
Riley Jakobschuk
Crane & Rigging Specialist
Mobile: 905-931-4448
Email: riley@amherstgroup.ca
Safety & Service Representatives
Jeff Turney
Health & Safety Manager &
Equipment Specialist
Management of the Company’s “Health & Safety”, and “Training” programs are Jeff’s specialties. His expertise also includes evaluation & supervision of the “Inspection & Maintenance” and “Accident Prevention” Programs. Jeff’s expert advice ensures that Amherst is able to provide the best equipment for the job operated by the most talented personnel.
Mobile: 416-795-5625
Email: jeff@amherstgroup.ca
Terri-jo Sprayson
Health & Safety & Branch Supervisor (Niagara/Western Ontario)
With twenty years of experience, Terri-jo implements and supervises the Corporate H&S Program and ensures compliance with OHSA regulatory requirements for our fleet of mobile cranes and concrete pumping equipment.
Mobile: 905-651-1377
Email: terrijo@amherstgroup.ca
Gina Crozmas
Health & Safety & Branch Supervisor (Innisfil/Northern Ontario)
Gina supervises the Branch Health & Safety program and Deployment of special permit & licences for the Company’s fleet of mobile cranes and concrete pumping equipment. Her experience in the field includes evaluation of jobsite conditions for deployment of concrete pumping equipment.
Mobile: 905-424-8620
Email: gina@amherstgroup.ca