Sofie Anthony, the dynamic CEO of Anthony Cranes, has recently been nominated for the title of ‘Strafste Onderneemster van Antwerpen,’ celebrating exceptional entrepreneurial achievements among women. Living in Antwerp with her husband and four children, Sofie's story is one of ambition, resilience, and breaking barriers.
Since joining the family business as co-owner with her brother in 2012, Sofie has expertly navigated the complex balance of managing her responsibilities at Anthony Cranes and being a mother. She officially stepped up as CEO three years ago when her brother recognized her potential and ambition for leadership.
Anthony Cranes, located in Berchem, boasts nearly forty employees and specializes in mobile crane rentals. The company has become renowned for taking on remarkable challenges—such as constructing temporary bridges for festival grounds and even relocating elephants and rhinoceroses for events. “We have tackled some of the craziest challenges, from building Dreamville and Tomorrowland to moving acrobats and facilitating site access during major festivals,” Sofie shared.
For Sofie, being nominated for the award is not just about recognition; it embodies the hard work of balancing her professional aspirations with her role as a mother. She remarked, “It feels like such an honor. A question I often get is how I manage to run a business and be the mother of four children. I’ve learned to organize effectively which gives me energy.”
Despite the support she garners now, the road has not always been smooth. Reflecting on her early years, Sofie recounted, “I stood very much alone in what has traditionally been a man's world. At first, it wasn’t easy to be taken seriously. Whenever I was at a site, I often got asked where Anthony was.” Her surname, Anthony, which she explained with pride, now commands respect, and she relishes the surprised looks when she clarifies her role.
The recognition of Sofie’s contributions extends beyond just her operations. Her success inspires many and shows the changing tides for women in business, demonstrating how they can lead effectively against the odds. “Sofie Anthony or one of our other strong female entrepreneurs can still be voted for until March 3 through www.made-in.be/strafste-onderneemster,” reported Made-in.be.
With her firm grounded in both heritage and modernity, Sofie Anthony's profile as one of Antwerp's leading entrepreneurs encapsulates the spirit of innovation, hard work, and the ceaseless pursuit of excellence. This nomination not only reflects her capabilities as a leader but also symbolizes the growing recognition of women carving their path and redefining success in the business world.