Michael Rankin has worked in the construction business since the age of 14, digging ditches and pouring concrete. He explored the banking and financial world briefly after graduating from the University of Tennessee with a degree in finance. However, Michael quickly returned to construction in 1992 to work with his father, Lewis Rankin, who was the head of J.E. Crain & Son—Crain Construction’s previous company name.
Currently, Michael serves as Crain’s President & CEO but has worked in nearly every project role in the company over the last 30 years. Michael keeps an eye on projects through constant communication with team leadership to manage risk, monitor safety, and maintain quality. Above all, Michael continually reinforces the company philosophy to “always do the right thing.”
Michael is active in NAIOP and the Nashville Chamber. He also sat on the national board for Associated Builders & Contractors for six years, serving as the Tennessee chapter chairman.
Outside of work, this Nashville native is passionate about cycling and spending time on the lake with his wife Amy and their three children—a biological son, Spencer, and two adopted daughters, Lily and Mary Katherine.
