Carl Swanson

Colleagues, friends and industry leaders have extended condolences to the family of Carl Swanson, who passed away in late December.

Carl was the owner of Equipco and was an iconic figure, respected and loved by his friends at Hyster Company and across the Hyster Dealer Network.

According to a message of sympathy from MHEDA, Carl's kindness, honesty and passion are all parts of the legacy he leaves behind for customers, associates, friends and family.

Swanson is survived by wife Maureen (Kenavey), children Stacie, Brent and Cara Swanson, and grandchildren Kiersten, Jack and Ryan Swanson.

Carl was the proud owner of Equipco where he started as a salesman over 40 years ago.

Joe Dennison of Hyster Company recalls when he first met Carl as "a wet-behind-the-ears service rep for one of his product lines".

"Over the last 20 years, he was truly one of the most passionate salespersons I have ever met. It was (and still is) an honour to work with him and his group.

"Travelling to Equipco was a six-hour drive for me, and I can't tell you how many times I was late coming home (often trying to outrun a snowstorm) because I'd be in Carl's office shooting the breeze after customer visits.

"Western PA lost a good one with Carl, and I'll miss him dearly," Dennison says.

Under Swanson, Equipco has grown into a predominant supplier of materials handling equipment in the tri-state area. The company handles multiple product lines that provide materials handling solutions to all types of businesses and employs more than 100 people.

Little is known about Equipco's succession planning and MHEDA has called on its members to provide assistance to the business "at this difficult time".