In this opening segment, Darrell Shaw recounts the pivotal decision that led him to found Reliable Crane. Faced with limited job options and the financial pressures of an expanding family, Shaw realized he had to take control of his own future. "I had a wife pregnant with twins," he recalls, "and the jobs available weren’t enough to support us." This moment of necessity became a defining catalyst for Shaw, driving him to build a company that aligned with his vision and values.

Shaw’s motivation wasn’t solely financial; he was driven by a desire for independence. He wanted to make the key decisions himself and set a course that was his to control. Reflecting on his experience with past employers, he saw the value of autonomy, explaining, "If you’re not in control of your own destiny, you’re at someone else’s whim." This commitment to self-reliance laid the groundwork for Reliable Crane, establishing a foundation on determination, family values, and an unwavering belief in the importance of personal agency.