About Briggs
About Briggs Equipment
Founded in 1896, Briggs Equipment is an ESOP-owned full-service material handling company with a customer-first focus. This unique structure imparts a different approach to the way we work – you’ll notice camaraderie, a sense of responsibility towards profitability, and an undying enthusiasm for local charities in our communities. Our material handling experts help keep business moving by being proactive, accessible, knowledgeable, and above all else, safe.
Contact UsBRIGGS HISTORY
Our story of success began in 1896 when two men, J.C. Weaver and C.H. Briggs had a single vision to create a successful industrial service company that would become an industry leader.
They opened Briggs-Weaver Machinery Company in Dallas. The business provided service for pump installations, lift trucks and materials handling. It quickly gained a reputation of providing the best industrial equipment and services to many industries throughout the Southwest.
Charles Sammons acquired the company in 1952. In 1996, Briggs Equipment became a separate working operation of Sammons Enterprises, Inc. and began operations in Mexico City. Briggs Equipment UK joined the Sammons’ equipment distribution sector in 2006, providing a complement to the material handling business in the United States and Mexico. In 2007, Briggs International was formed to oversee the profitability and strategic growth of the entire Sammons Enterprises’ equipment distribution sector.
The company made a name for itself by offering its customers a full range of high-quality services. It quickly became one of the largest and most successful members of the Sammons family.
Safety First
“Safety First” is one of our visionary pillars, and we live this every day by making safety a priority for our team members and customers. From backing into parking spots at our facilities to prevent accidents to undergoing rigorous internal safety trainings, we strive to keep everyone safer.
Growing the Legacy
While we are deeply proud of our past, we are excited about our future. In 2012, Briggs Equipment expanded its footprint in the United States when it acquired 15 new branches in the South and Southeast making it one of the largest dealers of industrial and construction equipment in North America. In 2017, Briggs Equipment continued its expansion with the acquisitions of certain assets of Stewart and Stevenson and MacKinnon Equipment & Services, former competitors in the Texas, Florida, and Georgia markets. The acquisitions added five Yale dealership locations added nearly 300 new team members to the Briggs family. In 2022, Briggs Industrial Solutions was created with a desire to diversify the business and provide a more comprehensive offering to our customers through four distinct businesses: Briggs Equipment, Briggs Truck & Rail, Briggs Earth & Ag and Briggs Warehouse Solutions.
Providing customers with smart business solutions has ensured the company’s growth since Charles A. Sammons acquired the business more than 60 years ago. Industry knowledge and business savvy positions the Briggs Equipment brand for continued global expansion during the next 60 years.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BRIGGS INDUSTRIAL SOLUTIONS | LEARN MORE ABOUT SAMMONS | LEARN MORE ABOUT BRIGGS UK | LEARN MORE ABOUT BRIGGS MEXICO
Our Leadership
Ben Hecht
General Manager – Briggs Truck & Rail
Ben Hecht serves as the General Manager of Briggs Truck & Rail and Alternative Power Solutions, where he is responsible for the growth and success of these business units. Ben joined Briggs in October 2012 and operated in various positions including front line sales and product line director.
Prior to Briggs Industrial Solutions, Ben had a career in sales and operations in the transportation equipment space. Ben holds a Bachelor’s in Economics from Indiana University.
Dane Power
General Manager – Georgia/Florida – Briggs Equipment
Dane Power has served as the General Manager of the Florida-Georgia Region since July 2021, where he is responsible for the day to day operations of the Tifton, Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando, Fort Myers, and Miami markets. Prior to this role, Dane was the General Manager of the Atlanta Metro market and District Manager for the Central-South Texas Markets. He joined the organization in 2016 and held the position of Branch Manager for the San Antonio and Austin branches until moving into regional leadership positions in January 2019.
Prior to Briggs Equipment, Dane served in various operational and sales leadership positions in the solid waste and uniform industries.
Dane graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Business Administration.
Paul Pressler
General Manager – Gulf Coast - Briggs Equipment
Paul Pressler has served as the General Manager of the Gulf Coast since 2017 where he is in charge of driving Operational Excellence in our five Gulf Coast branches. Since joining Briggs in 2005 Paul has been involved in all aspects of our business from Product Support to Sales and Management including the roles of New Orleans Branch Manager and Houston Sales Manager.
Prior to Joining Briggs, Paul spent 15 years in the Fitness Industry as a General Manager in all functions of sales and management. Paul graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in General Studies.
Jesse Pruden
General Manager - South Texas - Briggs Equipment
Jesse Pruden has served as the General Manager of South Texas since January of 2021. His region includes, Houston and all of Central and South Texas. In this position he is responsible for achieving operational excellence and growth across this expanding market with a safety first focus. Prior to this role, Jesse served as the District Manager over Central and South Texas starting in August of 2020.
Jesse has held multiple operational leadership roles across the material handling and equipment industries since he finished his service in the US Army as a tracked vehicle mechanic. Jesse received his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern Indiana.
Jeremy Williamson
General Manager – North Texas/Mississippi – Briggs Equipment
Jeremy Williamson has served as the General Manager for the North TX/Mid-South Region since December 2020, where he is charged with leading Branch Operations within the Region including Parts, Service, and Rental. Prior to this role Jeremy served as the Operations Manager for the DFW Market as well as Sr Service Manager for the DFW Market since joining the company in 2016.
Prior to joining Briggs Equipment, Jeremy served at a major logistics company for 14+ years where he held multiple roles including Senior Manager of Operations.
Nick Lamarand
Senior Sales Director – Briggs Equipment
Nick Lamarand has served as Senior Director of Sales since January 2021, where he is charged with leading the sales team in providing complete solutions to our customers through material handling equipment and warehouse solutions. Prior to this role, Nick has held numerous roles throughout his 16 years with Briggs Equipment, starting as a Management Trainee out of college. He has held Account Manager, Sales Manager and Branch Manager positions throughout various locations in the company.
Nick graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in International Business and a degree in Business Administration.