Leadership
Experienced Operators. Strategic Builders. Trusted Stewards of Growth.
Our leadership team combines decades of hands-on field experience with a disciplined approach to strategy, growth, and integration. We’re led by seasoned professionals who understand what it takes to scale a business in a demanding, safety-critical industry — because they’ve done it from the ground up.
Together, our team oversees every aspect of the platform — from operations and workforce development to project screening, M&A, and capital strategy — with a singular focus on delivering results for customers and long-term value for partners.
Executive Leadership
[ Strategic Vision, Growth, M&A Strategy ]
Garland Robeson
Chief Executive Officer
20 Years of Experience
Garland Robeson became CEO of CEX in 2024; however, he’s served in that capacity since 2021 while he was a Managing Director at SouthWorth Capital Management, helping to start and then lead the CEX platform. In that time, Garland’s lead the company through 8 acquisitions and their subsequent integrations.
Prior to CEX and SouthWorth, Garland spent 16 years in corporate banking, leading teams responsible for arranging capital for private, public, and sponsor owned businesses. His experience spanned both the large corporate and middle market spaces across a range of diverse industries. Garland has his BA from the University of Cincinnati and resides in Nashville, TN with his wife and 3 sons.
Jeff Noland
President
20 Years of Experience
Jeff Noland became President of CEX in 2024. He began his career with General Steel Crane & Rigging in 1994, where he worked his way up from millwright to owner. In 2003, as the company was going through a restructuring, Jeff began overseeing operations, leading to improved sales and disciplined cost controls. He also worked with the prior owner, accounts, and attorneys. As a result, General Steel emerged from bankruptcy in 2006, two years ahead of schedule.
In 2021, General Steel sold to CEX. Since then, Jeff oversaw General Steel’s acquisition of 6 cranes and two companies. Now, as President of CEX, Jeff oversees all operations at all the operating companies, driving improved processes and procedures across the platform, resulting in improved earnings power.
