By Stan Pitchko, Vice President
On March 20th, 2024, The New England Railroad Club held its Spring meeting at Union Station in Worcester. The evening was complete with wonderful food and networking with fellow railroad folks, engineers, and vendors, all dedicated to enhancing the industry throughout New England. The highlight of the evening was the guest keynote speaker, CEO Michael Miller of Genesee & Wyoming (G&W) North America. A man with impressive credentials, which include having served as G&W Northa America President, Chief Commercial Officer of North America, and Norfolk Southern’s Modalgistics supply chain, to name a few of his logistical positions and experiences.
His message was very clear and multi-pronged. He is a firm believer in people, first his team of new hires. He spends a substantial amount of time with those that will drive and eventually inherit the business. It’s those wheels to the track people that do the actual work and will grow in the business, advocating for well-trained employees is a key goal along with promoting safety, safety, safety. Second, but not any less important, is the customer. The whole objective of what we do as an industry is to serve the public, whether it be moving people or freight, it must be seamless and delightful to the customer. Its got to be done right! Third, is technology, the railroad industry must advance its ability to be competitive, environmentally sensitive and keep adapting to an ever-changing world. And finally, his board of directors, who report directly to share and stakeholders.
Mike said “If I get the first 3 priorities right, the fourth is easy” [sic]. The pinnacle to my evening was the opportunity to spend a few moments with Mike. Northern Rail Services shares Mike’s aspirations with people, technology and the environment. It’s a global world that seems to be deglobalizing with industry returning. Simply put, America is going to start making more high-tech, low-tech things and those things will need to be shipped and freight will be the preferred method of transportation. Our railroad infrastructure must be ready to support our future. Contact us today to get started.