Rising Stars 2025: Josiah Stiemann

Josiah Stiemann, 28
Director of operations
FTS Tools LLC

Nominator’s quote: “As a key member of our product development team, Josiah drives innovations that align with the future of railroading, leveraging his customer-first perspective to guide our next generation of tools and technologies. His faith also fuels his passion for mentorship — Josiah actively guides younger professionals in the industry, sharing his expertise and encouraging them to pursue excellence.” — Peter Bartek, FTS Tools LLC

Education: Duel-enrolled during high school at Seminole State College of Florida, graduated in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in business and information management.

Job responsibilities: Oversees the daily operations of FTS Tools; manages customer service; regularly travels in the field for product demonstrations and trade shows; and contributes to product development.

Briefly describe your career path.
I began working in fundraising for a nonprofit Christian ministry in Florida at the age of 16. During my college studies, I knew I'd need an internship, and I found my way to Focused Technology Solutions (now FTS Tools) as a warehouse and product intern. After learning the ropes, I was promoted to warehouse manager and then eventually to director of operations. It's been a great journey, and I am very grateful.

What sparked your interest in the rail industry?
Ever since I was very young, I loved trains. Prior to working at Focused Technology Solutions, however, I barely thought of the fact that there was an entire industry full of incredible train-related technologies. I did know a few people in the rail industry including Peter Bartek, and when he offered me the opportunity of an internship, I took it. I've learned so much about this industry since that time, and it's been a real privilege to be a part of it.

What was your very first job and what did it teach you?
My first job was in the development department of a nonprofit, and I was tasked with reaching out to potential donors for fund-raising. It gave me the opportunity to interact with so many great people across the United States and internationally. It also taught me that more important than any job are the relationships that you build with those around you.

Building friendships with others is a passion of mine, and getting to know clients, coworkers and other professionals in the rail industry remains my favorite aspect of my job.

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
My favorite drink is Diet Coke with a splash of regular Coke. It's the perfect blend of sweet, but not too sweet. As the saying goes, "Don't knock it 'til you try it."

What’s one of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned so far in your career?
Sometimes results take time, so do not lose heart. Things don’t always go the way we plan, but if we persevere, we often see greater results than we imagined were possible. It’s like the Bible verse says, “Let’s not grow weary in doing good, for in time we will reap if we don’t give up.”

How do you stay resilient and motivated when things get tough at work, in the industry or in life?
As a Christian, I’ve learned that I’m working and living for the Lord ultimately, not for myself. So, I have to remind myself that my goal (at work or at home) is to honor him and to think of those around me first. As I’ve done this, I find that especially when things are tough, I see God show up in my life and career in incredible ways. The results I want aren’t guaranteed, but one thing is — a life lived for God and others is filled with purpose, meaning and fulfillment in good times and bad.

If you could share a meal with anyone alive in the world today, who would it be and why?
I would probably choose to have dinner with Elon Musk. I’d love to hear more of his thoughts on innovation, space exploration and AI from across the table.

From your perspective, what is the biggest challenge in the rail industry today?
One of the biggest challenges the rail industry continues to face is preventing train derailment. As technology continues to improve, there is more opportunity to reduce these tragic accidents through measuring dynamic forces and track movement as well as utilizing predictive analysis technologies for proactive maintenance.