Genie Marks 60 Years in Construction Equipment

The leadership trio of Bob Wilkerson, Ward Bushnell, and Bob Brown fostered Genie’s culture and led Genie’s growth and expansion throughout the company’s first decades. 

Genie marked its 60th anniversary Sept. 12, 2026, commemorating six decades of equipment development and work with customers across the industry.

Bud Bushnell founded Genie in September 1966 in Seattle, Washington, where the company began with the Genie Hoist, a material lift. Over the following six decades, Genie expanded its equipment portfolio and grew alongside the industries and customers it serves.

Today, Genie equipment is used on jobsites around the world.

Genie President Josh Gross said the company’s anniversary reflects the contributions of customers, employees, dealers, suppliers, and other industry partners.

"Across Genie, we are incredibly proud to celebrate this milestone," said Gross. "Genie's leadership in the industry has been defined by a strong partnership with our customers, a relentless commitment to quality, and a continuous drive for innovation and improvement. We are grateful to the customers, team members, dealers, suppliers, and partners who have been part of our journey and helped shape Genie over the last six decades."

The company was founded with the Genie Hoist in 1966 and has since developed equipment used on jobsites worldwide.

As part of the anniversary, Genie plans to seal a time capsule in the lobby of its global headquarters in Bothell, Washington, in November.

Genie is inviting customers, suppliers, equipment operators, and industry partners to submit a message, memory, or photo for consideration in the time capsule.