Chris Ridge
Branch and Operations Manager
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About
Accomplished Branch and Operations Manager with over 20 years of leadership experience in the heavy equipment, construction, equipment rental, transportation, and industrial sectors. Proven success opening new branch locations, building high-performing teams, growing multimillion-dollar equipment fleets, increasing revenue, improving operational efficiency, and developing long-term customer relationships. A results-driven leader recognized for strong business development, financial management, operational planning, and delivering exceptional customer service while maintaining the highest safety standards.
Experience
Branch Manager - JAPA Machinery Group - Calgary, AB
(2023-02 - 2026-01)
Successfully opened a new heavy equipment dealership and rental operation.
- Directed building renovations and branch startup activities.
- Negotiated supplier agreements and service contracts.
- Recruited, hired and trained all branch employees.
- Managed facility operations and tenant relationships.
- Directed sales, service and customer account management.
- Prepared government tenders and quotations.
- Managed monthly financial performance and branch P&L.
Territory Manager - Strongco Corporation - Calgary, AB
(2020-04 - 2023-02)
Managed Volvo Construction Equipment sales across an assigned territory.
- Developed new business while strengthening existing customer relationships.
- Conducted equipment demonstrations and customer training.
- Completed equipment appraisals and trade evaluations.
- Prepared quotations, lease proposals and financing options.
- Maintained CRM records and supported customers with equipment solutions.
Sales Representative - Liftboss Material Handling Group - Calgary, AB
(2018-10 - 2020-04)
- Managed customer accounts throughout assigned territory.
- Sold forklifts, construction equipment, service plans and floor care equipment.
- Developed new business opportunities while expanding existing accounts.
Branch Manager - One Stop Rentals & Sales Ltd. - Airdrie, AB
(2013-08 - 2017-02)
- Helped launch a startup equipment rental company.
- Grew rental fleet from $700K to $8.7M within three years.
- Increased annual revenue from $1.5M to $4.5M.
- Expanded workforce from 7 to 18 employees.
- Developed company operating procedures, pricing, policies and rental systems.
- Purchased fleet equipment, service vehicles, shop equipment and tools.
- Introduced diesel and propane delivery services.
- Created an equipment operator training division delivering WHMIS, TDG, forklift, telehandler and aerial lift certification.
- Oversaw dispatch, customer service, invoicing, purchasing and daily operations.
Branch Manager - Okotoks Rentals
Operations Manager - WesternOne Rentals & Sales
Fuel Driver - WesternOne Rentals
Boom Truck Operator / Driver - Pinnacle Truck & Crane
Brewer - Big Rock Brewery
Education
High School Diploma - Dr. E.P. Scarlett High School
Fifth Class Power Engineering - Power Engineering - SAIT
