Executive Team

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. 

Mark Rankin can visualize what is happening and see the details in a construction project, thanks to his background in art and photography prior to joining the family business at Crain Construction in 1998.

His ability to visualize, coupled with his construction experience, makes him a valuable leader of Crain’s preconstruction department which gets involved early to determine the right budget, schedule and sequence, appropriate team and the “means and methods” of the construction project.

While growing up, Mark often accompanied his dad on visits to job sites and never hesitated to ask questions. He has developed a great rapport with industry suppliers and subcontractors and good insight about construction applications and materials.

A graduate of Lipscomb University with an art degree, Mark worked as a commercial photographer honing his eye for detail before joining his father and brother in the construction business. He enjoys time with his family which often includes trips to the lake or a hockey rink.

As the numbers guy, Jim Pedigo has worked closely with Crain’s financial institutions, insurance agent and bonding company since 1985. He also collaborates with the preconstruction team, making projections and providing accurate financial information.

Jim is a CPA and has held numerous leadership positions with the Construction Financial Management Association. He is the board treasurer for the Christian Manor senior living facilities in Hendersonville, Tenn. and makes annual mission trips to Jamaica.

A David Lipscomb College alumnus and season ticket holder, Jim organizes an annual Alpha Kappa Psi reunion at Lipscomb basketball games. He enjoys college sports, especially University of Kentucky basketball, and is a Nashville Predators supporter. Jim grew up in a family of golfers and seldom has a problem putting together a foursome, often playing with his son and two of his brothers.

Mike Gribble is a natural coach who understands the importance of teamwork, customer service and how much a few words of encouragement can mean.

As vice president of operations, he helps Crain Construction customers feel comfortable in the construction experience while advising them during the process. He also ensures subcontractors feel they are part of the team. An experienced leader who joined the Crain Construction team in 1998, Mike serves as a fresh set of eyes for other project managers, helping forecast next steps and coaching younger team members in how to understand and anticipate customer expectations.

When the former youth baseball coach and Tennessee Tech alumnus isn’t watching his son’s sporting event, he just might be on the lake fishing.

Frank Wilk still remembers his first multi-story project after joining Crain Construction in 1996. He learned a lot about vertical construction on that job and to value relationships with customers, subcontractors and employees.

Today, the Auburn civil engineering graduate directs the firm’s significant projects and is a strong believer in interacting, keeping connected and taking care of people as if they are family. That philosophy, and his ability to put together a detailed schedule and sequence a project, has established Frank as a trusted leader and advisor for customers and coworkers.

Frank is active with Associated General Contractors of America and he is a Deacon at his church, First Presbyterian Church in Nashville. After hours, he enjoys visiting Knoxville, TN to spend time with his two sons who attend the University of Tennessee, playing tennis, hunting, working on the family farm, and watching sports.