Family Business Magazine’s NextGens to Watch Class of 2024 consists of 22 standout rising-generation members who are making a difference in their family enterprises.
AMANDA WEISIGER CORNELSON, 34
Fourth generation
Weisiger Group, Charlotte, N.C.
Amanda Weisiger Cornelson has worked in various departments at Weisiger Group, an equipment and service provider for the construction, electric power generation and material handling industries. Weisiger Group, founded in 1926, represents Caterpillar, Hyster-Yale and other equipment manufacturers through the Carolina Cat and LiftOne businesses, which operate 33 branches in five states across the Southeast.
Amanda previously held roles in branch management, rental, product support and finance. She currently is vice president of sales for the construction division of Carolina Cat. Recently, Amanda played a pivotal role in a large-scale change management initiative within the sales department, spearheading the redesign of the sales coverage and incentives program.
She is involved with industry and manufacturer associations and serves on committees for the Carolinas AGC Council on Women in Construction and Caterpillar’s international Dealer Digital Council.
Prior to joining the family business, Amanda co-founded and led a startup in the retail and ecommerce sector. She holds a bachelor of science degree from Vanderbilt University and has participated in continuing education, including various programs with Harvard Business School.
“Amanda’s commitment to our family’s stewardship mentality is inspiring, from collaborating with our manufacturing partner on initiatives like new dealer principal succession planning to her active involvement and leadership in our annual family meetings,” says her father, Ed Weisiger Jr., Weisiger Group president and CEO. “Amanda has played and continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening our family employment policies, ensuring fairness and transparency in our operations.
“What impresses me most is Amanda’s hands-on approach to continuous learning and her dedication to ensuring our business thrives for generations to come. She’s taken on roles of progressive responsibility over the years, gaining invaluable insights into our processes and people. But it’s not just about understanding; Amanda has a knack for inspiring others and driving meaningful change.
“Her commitment to personal growth is remarkable, too. Amanda’s pursuit of additional education, her efforts to understand our partners’ needs, and her unwavering dedication to our tradition of hard work and innovation fill me with immense pride and confidence.”
“Being a part of the Weisiger Group legacy continues to be one of the greatest joys of my life,” Amanda says. “I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to work alongside both my grandfather and my dad as I’ve grown up in the business.
“Transitioning the company into the fourth generation and celebrating our 100-year anniversary over the next couple years is a rare opportunity and a tremendous privilege. We owe it to the predecessors who came before us and the successors who will come after us to continue to grow and shape Weisiger Group to make a bigger and bigger impact with our trusted partners in the communities we serve as time goes on.
“With our strong foundation, we are built to last and will continue to grow our legacy through innovation and creativity. It is my goal to create meaningful work for our team, contribute substantially to the productivity of our partners and create jobs to support the families that make up our great communities.”