The Man Who Turned a Warning Letter into a Safety Revolution

A Safety Pioneer's Journey

The letter sat unopened on Tom Wilkerson's desk for three days in 1999. Just another piece of mail from his insurance company – or so he thought. When he finally tore it open, its contents would spark a revolution in workplace safety that would touch millions of lives and transform an entire industry.

"You guys have all these forklifts," the letter warned, "and under the new OSHA law, if your operator isn't certified and they do something stupid – we're not going to pay any claims." For most business owners, this would have been a headache. For Wilkerson, it was a lightbulb moment.

As the owner of DMX Group Inc., Wilkerson wasn't just any contractor. His team handled the kind of heavy lifting that would make most people nervous – massive semiconductor manufacturing equipment worth millions, delicately maneuvered through pristine clean rooms. When he discovered that certifying his expert operators would cost $1,400 per person and waste an entire day, he didn't just get frustrated – he got creative.

"My guys perform in the forklift Olympics every day," Wilkerson says with a laugh. "We're not talking about moving pallets of Wheaties here." His solution? Skip the outdated training videos and bring forklift certification into the digital age.

That decision led to the creation of CertifyMe.net in 1999, one of the first online platforms for forklift operator certification. Within hours of launching, the first order came in. It turned out Wilkerson wasn't the only one looking for a better way.

From Rugby Field to Rigging Business

The path to this point hadn't been straight or simple. After serving in the Army and studying at the University of Arizona (where he split his time between finance classes and the rugby field), Wilkerson started his own rigging business in 1991. He built it from the ground up, eventually managing a fleet of forklifts that could lift anything from 7,000 to 100,000 pounds.

The Digital Revolution in Safety Training

But it was his experience as a Certified Forklift Operator and Trainer that made the difference. "We decided early on that we were creating a product that solves a problem and should be so easy to use it's almost like taking aspirin for a headache," he explains. That simple philosophy turned into a revolution in workplace safety training.

Building a Safety Certification Empire

Today, Wilkerson's company has expanded beyond CertifyMe to include ForkliftCertification.com, AerialLiftCertification.com, and CertifyMeOnline.net. His programs have made proper safety certification accessible to thousands of small businesses that previously couldn't afford extensive training programs, offering comprehensive certification for just $79.95 per employee – a fraction of traditional costs.

Community Impact & Ongoing Innovation

Between supporting local causes like Goodwill and the Arizona Botanical Garden, Wilkerson continues to innovate in the safety certification space. "Every contact with our customers is considered another customer service opportunity," he says, maintaining the same hands-on approach that helped him spot the opportunity in that insurance letter more than two decades ago.

What started as a solution to his own company's problem has grown into a national movement for accessible safety training. Tom Wilkerson may have built his career moving heavy machinery, but his lasting impact comes from lifting barriers to workplace safety certification.

"You already use the internet to bid jobs, cut costs, and communicate with customers," Wilkerson points out. "Why not use it to make your workplace safer?" It's this simple, practical approach that's helped his company certify countless operators across America, proving that sometimes the best solutions come from the people who know the problem firsthand.

With Tom Wilkerson at the helm, CertifyMe.net is more than just a business; it’s a legacy of innovation, resilience, and dedication to safety in the workplace. And with Tom’s background, passion, and hands-on approach, there’s no doubt that he will continue to lead the way in safety certification for years to come.

Safety Spotlight & Certification Essentials

How old must you be to operate a forklift?

Many assume that because teenagers can drive cars at 16, they can operate forklifts too. However, federal law is clear and strict on this matter: No one under 18 can legally operate a forklift in any workplace setting. Period.

The law has two non-negotiable requirements:

• Operators must be 18 or older
• ALL operators must complete proper training and certification

Think of it this way: A forklift isn't just another vehicle – it's industrial equipment that can lift thousands of pounds high into the air in often tight, high-traffic warehouse environments. This is why both age and proper training are essential safety requirements.

This direct but educational tone answers the question while explaining the "why" behind it. Would you like me to suggest how to pair this with a complementary topic under the "Safety Spotlight" section that could reinforce the importance of proper certification?

Why should CertifyMe.net be chosen over other companies for forklift certification?

CertifyMe.net streamlines OSHA-compliant forklift certification through an accessible online platform that transforms what was once a complex, time-consuming process into a clear, efficient system.

Unlike traditional in-person training providers that require scheduled classes and travel time, our program allows operators to complete their certification at their own pace, from any device, while employers can track progress and manage compliance through a user-friendly dashboard.

The certification process is comprehensive yet straightforward, covering all OSHA-mandated topics including operating procedures, safety protocols, and hands-on evaluations, with the added benefits of free three-year renewals, instant digital certificates, and lifetime support for both operators and employers.

"Forklift License" vs. Certification: Understanding the Difference

While many people use the terms "forklift license" and "forklift certification" interchangeably, there's an important distinction: There's no such thing as an official "forklift license." OSHA doesn't issue or require licenses - they require CERTIFICATION. This certification verifies that an operator has been properly trained and evaluated according to OSHA standards.

Think of it this way: Unlike a driver's license issued by state DMVs, forklift certification is more like a professional credential that:

• Is provided by qualified training programs
• Must be renewed every three years
• Stays with the operator between employers
• Documents both training completion and performance evaluation
• Demonstrates compliance with OSHA regulations

This clarification can be important for your records and workplace compliance - when OSHA visits, they'll ask to see your "certification," not your "license."

Learn more about CertifyMe.net’s OSHA-certified programs here