What an honor — and what a ride — 38 years at Crane Group, 22 of them leading it.

I began my journey at Crane with my husband, John Wolff, working by my side and was joined by two cousins, Mike and Jay Crane, and my brother-in-law, Tim Miller. Together we formed a partnership and modeled our behavior under our fathers’ outstanding leadership.

Now, as I prepare to pass the torch to the fourth generation, I am filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunity to lead this business. Gratitude for a family that supported me in immeasurable ways, whether from inside or outside our offices. Gratitude for the incredible team members who made every success possible and every challenge an opportunity. And gratitude for every person and partner along my journey.

To my father, Bob Crane: You knew I would love this work before I did. You encouraged me to go out into the bigger world, and then you showed me the way home. You were such a dynamic leader. You taught me the power of empowerment. Profit sharing, you said, was the glue that kept our company together. I had never seen a partnership like yours and Uncle Jim’s. You loved each other so much, and you always put family first. You showed us even before you had a lot to give that we needed to do well and do good. You were bold, decisive, and authentic. People say I’m just like you. There is no greater compliment.

To my uncle, Jim Crane: You always knew everybody’s name, whether it was along the plastic manufacturing production lines years ago, with our Belmont associates, or out in the community. You cared so deeply for people. Your ability to build relationships and consensus were unmatched, as was your charisma. Watching you and Dad complement each other helped me understand the importance of surrounding myself with complementary skillsets. None of us could have known that Dad would pass so unexpectedly. Yet there you were, mentoring me every step of the way. I am so grateful for your lessons and love.

To my family and our Board: You steadily supported the five of us as we navigated Crane Plastics through enormous change and growth, evolving it into the Crane Group of today. You stood by Mike and me as we experienced up-and-down cycles and forged into new businesses, and you continued to provide unwavering support and encouragement to me as the leader.

To Mike Crane: I remember, as young leaders, we would walk the plastics’ production lines and hear, “They’re not Bob and Jim.” We weren’t. But you were the Jim to my Bob. Together was the only way, and I’m so thankful it was. You were an incredible partner through enormous change and growth.

To my mother, Loann Crane: You may not have officially worked in the business, but there’s no doubt you impacted it. And your community activism was inspiring, from chairing the school board to co-founding WSYX TV’s Six on Your Side and 10TV’s Call for Action. Thank you for reminding me to stay curious, be bold and adventurous, and always being a servant leader.

To the Leadership Teams and Business Partner Teams through the years and today: You made big dreams realities. We evolved time and time again. And we never wasted a crisis, did we? The Great Recession taught us about the importance of diversification and gave us a backbone. Times were tough. Trust got us through. Covid brought challenges, too, but we emerged more sure-footed and confident about who we were. I believe because of that time, we got further faster. You leveled up, and you leveled the company up, too. My confidence in what you will do next is immense. It has been a privilege to work alongside you.

To Team Belmont and every employee past and present: Thank you for showing up not just with your skills but also with your belief in our company and our values. This company has lasted for four generations because of you. It is an honor that you give so much of yourselves to us. Thank you.

To the Executive Team: Words are difficult to describe the deepest gratitude I have for your brilliance, your sacrifices, your steadfast commitment and your partnership. What a team!

To my longtime Executive Assistant Terri Fasold: No one could ever replace the joy you bring to Crane, or your deep respect for family—both yours and ours. I can’t imagine life at Crane without you, and I’m so glad I never have to.

Finally, to Dan Crane: I saw it in you long ago. You are thoughtful, decisive, grounded in values, and committed to everything Crane Group is about. You’re not me. You’re not Mike. And your very capable hands will carry the company forward in ways I can’t wait to watch. It means a great deal to leave this to you and the brilliant team standing with you. Thank you for loving this company, this work, and our people the way you do.  

Over almost four decades, there are more memories than I can count. My heart is full. My gratitude is overwhelming.

Thank you, Crane Group, for the opportunity of a lifetime.

What a gift.