Over 20 Years of Excellence: The Legacy and Future of Walter Payton Power Equipment 

As Walter Payton Power Equipment celebrates its 20th anniversary as a trusted Manitowoc dealer and the largest crane and heavy equipment distributor in the Midwest, the company reflects on a journey that began with a bold idea, founded and inspired by the legendary Chicago Bears running back and Hall of Famer, Walter Payton.  

As a lead running back for the Chicago Bears for 13 seasons, he was a nine-time Pro Bowl selectee, held records for career rushing yards, touchdowns, carries, yards from scrimmages, all-purpose yards, and many more. He scored the most receptions as a non-receiver throughout his football career and had eight career touchdown passes. Walter Payton rushed his way into the hearts of Chicagoans for over a decade, and his legacy lives on with the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, the Walton Payton Award for most outstanding offensive player in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision, and his crane distribution company, Walter Payton Power Equipment. 

A Winning Partnership: The Founding of Walter Payton Power Equipment

Co-founded in 1993 by Walter Payton and Mike Lanigan, the current president of Mi-Jack Products and son of Mi-Jack’s founder, Jack Lanigan Sr., Walter Payton Power Equipment embodies the same spirit of determination and excellence that Payton brought to the football field. The partnership between Payton and Lanigan laid the groundwork for a business that would not only honor Payton’s name but also become a dependable leader in the crane and heavy equipment industry. 

In the early years, Walter Payton Power Equipment was an engaging business venture for Payton, who, alongside Lanigan, sought to create a company that valued customer relationships as much as its bottom line. Payton’s charisma and hands-on approach made him a natural in this arena. Whether he was engaging with customers or cracking jokes with employees, Payton brought a personal touch to the business, making the company’s name synonymous with trust and reliability. Despite Payton’s tragic passing in 1999, the company remained committed to its mission. Lanigan and a dedicated team ensured Walter Payton Power Equipment continued, leading to further growth under their leadership. 

Meeting Demands with Unmatched Service

From its relatively humble beginnings, Walter Payton Power Equipment has expanded to four full-service facilities across the Midwest, located in Riverdale, IL, Taylor, MI, Lebanon, IN, and New Albany, IN with services throughout Kentucky. Each facility stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to quality, offering crane refurbishments, rebuilds, and routine crane inspections to better support their customers. Their state-of-the-art Lebanon, Indiana facility is the largest of its kind, representing a dedication to fulfilling the ever-growing demand for quality customer service in the crane industry. 

Walter Payton Power Equipment’s uniqueness lies in its unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction. Their experienced sales team and factory-trained parts and service team work tirelessly to provide the best customer experience in the crane, rigging, material handling, and lifting industry. This commitment has not gone unnoticed; year after year, Walter Payton Power Equipment has been recognized as the #1 Manitowoc dealer in North America, a distinction worth boasting. 

“When you’re good at something, you’ll tell everyone. When you’re great at something, they’ll tell you.”

–Walter Payton

A Legacy of Leadership in the Industry

As they celebrate their anniversary, Walter Payton Power Equipment is poised for continued growth and innovation. Guided by the vision and values of Walter Payton, and supported by dedicated employees, loyal customers, and partners, Walter Payton Power Equipment looks forward to a future filled with promise and potential as they continue to lead in the crane and heavy equipment industry. 

In the words of Walter Payton, “When you’re good at something, you’ll tell everyone. When you’re great at something, they’ll tell you.” At Walter Payton Power Equipment, their team strives for greatness every day, ensuring that customers always receive the very best in products, service, and support. Here’s to the next 20 years and beyond, as they continue to build on the legacy of excellence that Walter Payton Power Equipment is known for. 

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