He began his railroad career in 1984 with the Chessie System Railroad as Metallurgical Engineer in the Research and Test Department at Huntington, WV. He held positions of increasing responsibility in Mechanical and Transportation, and served as Vice President Purchasing and Materials in Jacksonville, FL for the 9 years prior to his departure. He has also served as a Board Member and Chairman of Rail Marketplace, Inc., a consortium purchasing organization funded by the Class 1 Railroads.