About Big Red

Big Or small, We Move It All!

Big Red Machinery Movers, Inc. was established in 1981 by founders Cecil Hawley and Gary Pomeroy. Gary and Cecil set the foundation for the company, originally working out of a pickup truck with a forklift and trailer. Operating with the motto, “Big or Small, We Move It All!”, they quickly became the foremost leader in the quad state area for specialized moving, rigging, and heavy hauling solutions for the industrial manufacturing industry.

Cecil Hawley
Cecil Hawley
Gary Pomeroy
Gary Pomeroy

In the early 80’s, they began testing and development on a new piece of equipment that would revolutionize the industry, forever. In 1986, the very first 50 Ton Tri-Lifter (a.k.a. “Boom Truck”, invented by Arvid Engler) was implemented into the Big Red fleet. Armed with this newly minted machine, the business continued to expand, allowing the duo to take on some remarkably historic projects throughout the industry.

After the passing of founder Cecil Hawley in 2001, followed by co-founder Gary Pomeroy in 2008, the second generation took over operation of the Big Red team. Dawn Kochanik stepped in to fill her fathers’ shoes, along with her husband Dale Kochanik as Vice President of Operations. Together, along with the experienced staff, they maintain the family-oriented service her father and Cecil started nearly 37 years ago. Offering a fair and honest approach to the business, with precision and effectiveness in mind for every customer.

Today, Big Red continues to flourish as one of the leading specialized rigging services in the area, living by our motto, “Big or Small, We Move It All”. As the industry has grown and evolved, we have stood by our values and ethics set by our revered founders. Supplying the most reliable, equipped, and professional services to our customers and community.

Our History

1981
1986
1988
1994
1997
1997
2001
2003
2008
2012
2016

1981

Big Red Machinery Movers, Inc. is founded by Cecil Hawley, and Gary Pomeroy.

1981

1986

The very first 50 Ton Tri-Lifter is put into service with the Big Red team.

1986

1988

Purchased First Building in Menomonee Falls.

1988

1994

Burlington Zephyr removed from outside storage in Chicago, IL at “The Museum of Science and Industry” for restoration in Milwaukee, WI.

1994

1997

2nd building purchased on the north side of Milwaukee. Now operating on a 6 acre site with over 120,000 sf of storage space.

1997

1997

Newly restored “Pioneer Zephyr” relocated and installed inside the new parking garage at “The Museum of Science and Industry”.

1997

2001

Passing of Co-Founder, Cecil Hawley.

2001

2003

Delivery and launching of the Merrimac Ferry at Okee Landing on Lake Wisconsin.

2003

2008

Passing of Co-Founder, Gary Pomeroy. Dawn Kochanik (2nd generation) takes over operations of Big Red Machinery Movers, Inc.

2012

Custom Built 75 ton Tri-Lifter is purchased and put into service.

2012

2016

Big Red becomes a Women’s Owned Business, certified through the WBE.

2016

Meet Our Team

Dawn Kochanik

Owner

Dale Kochanik

Vice President of Operations

Emily Kochanik

Office Manager & Purchasing Agent

Zig Pavlock

In loving memory of Zig, who worked at Big Red for 30+ years. He passed away in February of 2020 and has been missed every day since.

Joe Fisher

Vice President

Certifications, Credentials and Memberships

Certified WBE (Women’s Business Enterprise)
SBA (Small Business Administration)
NFIB (National Federation of Independent Business)
BBB (Better Business Bureau)

NAICS: 238290, 484110, 484220, 493110
SIC CODES: 2414, 4214, 4225, 1796
DUNS NUMBER: 052743739

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