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July 2024
Cory Carmichall, 26Assistant general managerOregon Eastern RailroadJaguar Transport Holdings
Nominator’s quote: “Cory’s contributions in eastern Oregon are making a massive difference to a short line railroad that just three years ago was struggling to stay solvent. His focus on doing small things right and supporting his team have made all the difference in his and the OERR’s success.” — Stu Towner, Jaguar Transport Holdings
Education: After graduating from high school, accepted a position as a wildland firefighter before going to the Santa Ana College Fire Academy.
Job responsibilities: Ensures the safety and well-being of employees, customers, communities, partners and assets. Actively engages in the field to instill best practices, oversee compliance with training protocols and incident reporting procedures, and conduct thorough safety inspections.
Career path: My initial career path in firefighting was abruptly cut short because of recession layoffs. I transitioned to working as an AT&T lineman, leveraging my skills in a different field. However, driven by the pursuit of better opportunities, I eventually found my path in the railroad industry, where the advancing career opportunities better matched my ambitions and capabilities.
How or why did you get into the rail industry? A friend of mine worked in the railroad industry and was always talking about his opportunities for growth and advancement. The idea that the industry had an upward trajectory for those willing to work hard was incredibly appealing to me. I applied to be a conductor at Union Pacific Railroad, which led me on the path to where I am now.
What’s the best advice that you’ve received in your career? Prioritize listening over speaking. As the saying goes, “We have two ears and one mouth for a reason.” This guidance has not only enhanced my communication skills but also deepened my understanding of others' perspectives, ultimately leading to more effective problem-solving and collaboration.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in their railroad career? If you're just stepping into the railroad industry, remember that humility and a willingness to learn will be your greatest assets. Embrace the wealth of knowledge around you by actively listening to your colleagues and mentors. Recognize that expertise comes from a collective effort, and there's always something new to discover. Stay curious, stay humble and your journey in this industry will be both rewarding and enriching.
What was your first job? Developing film at Target’s one-hour photo lab. It’s wild to think that those jobs don’t really exist anymore.
Share a fun fact about yourself. In 2010 I climbed Half Dome, a nearly 16-mile round-trip hike rising 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley. It was an incredibly difficult hike, but worth every step. Sitting at the top of the mountain looking out over the valley, I was finally able to fully appreciate the meaning of surreal.
If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be and why? I am a big movie buff and have always been intrigued by Robert Downey Jr.’s movies. “Zodiac” is one, in particular, that comes to mind. I think getting to better understand his process and how he goes about his work would be incredibly fascinating.
Who has had the most influence on your career? Bill Goldsberry, president of the Oregon Eastern Railroad and Washington Eastern Railroad has been instrumental in shaping my career trajectory. Working closely under his mentorship, I gained invaluable insights into the intricate workings of railroading and effective management strategies.
His exemplary temperament, attentive listening skills and adept tactical approaches have not only honed my professional skills but also inspired me to navigate diverse challenges with resilience and finesse.
Describe a major obstacle in your career and how you surmounted it. When I first got into management roles on the railroad, understanding corporate finance was like reading another language. Since it was not something I had been previously exposed to, trying to grasp the various concepts, formulas and financial-needle movers took some time. Thankfully, I had a few folks within Jaguar who were fantastic (and incredibly patient) teachers. Immersing myself in the numbers and tracking the ups and downs daily helped me better understand how the railroad shapes the numbers, and how that impacts our service of the customer.
What is the biggest challenge facing the rail industry today? Bringing up the next generation of railroaders. There’s so much competition for nontraditional jobs that seem more appealing than the railroad to the younger generation. And I get it, being on the railroad is tough work. It’s also incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.
My hope is that the industry can continue to find people willing to invest in themselves and make a career out of moving the economy. Plus, the ones who do come new into the industry take time to learn from the folks who are in the twilight of their career and have a lot of knowledge to pass on.
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