Claude Edward Elkins Jr stands out as a key figure in America’s railroad sector. He rose from humble starts to lead major parts of one of the biggest freight companies. His path shows hard work pays off. This article dives into his life, work, and wins. You will learn how he built his success step by step.
Early Life and Roots
People often wonder where leaders like Claude Edward Elkins Jr get their drive. He grew up in Southwest Virginia. This area has deep ties to railroads and hard labor. Coal mines and train tracks shaped the land. Young Claude saw workers toil daily. His family taught him to value effort and honesty.
Southwest Virginia sits in the Appalachian Mountains. It has a rich history. Railroads came there in the late 1800s. They hauled coal and goods. This setting sparked Claude’s interest in trains early on. He learned about teamwork from local stories. Friends and kin worked on rails. They shared tales of long hours and safety rules.
As a boy, Claude played near tracks. He watched trains rumble by. This built his love for the industry. But life wasn’t easy. The region faced tough times with mine closures. Families stuck together. Claude’s parents pushed education. They said knowledge opens doors.
He went to local schools. Teachers noted his sharp mind. He liked reading and history. Books on trains and wars caught his eye. These shaped his views. By high school, he stood out in classes. He joined sports too. Team games taught leadership.
After school, Claude chose service. He joined the United States Marine Corps. This move changed him. It built discipline. More on that next.
Service in the Marine Corps
Before rails, Claude Edward Elkins Jr served his country. He enlisted in the Marines. This branch is known for tough training. Recruits learn to fight and lead. Claude finished boot camp. He gained skills in teamwork and focus.
The Marines stress honor and courage. Claude lived these values. He served during a key time. Details of his role stay private. But it built his character. He learned to handle stress. Orders came fast. He followed them well.
After service, Claude left with pride. Veterans like him bring grit to jobs. They know how to work in teams. This helped him later. Many leaders start in military. It teaches real lessons.
Claude’s time in Marines lasted a few years. He earned respect from peers. This base set him up for success. Next, he turned to trains.
Education Path
Learning never stops for Claude Edward Elkins Jr. After Marines, he went to college. He picked the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. It’s in his home area. He studied English. This degree helped with writing and talking.
English skills aid in business. Leaders must share ideas clear. Claude did well in classes. He read books on history and trade. These linked to rails.
Later, he got an MBA. Old Dominion University taught him. Focus was Port and Maritime Economics. This fit railroads perfect. Ports link to trains. Goods move from ships to rails.
MBA gave him tools for big roles. He learned about money and plans. Classes covered supply chains. This knowledge boosted his career. Education mixed with experience made him strong.
Many execs have such degrees. It shows commitment. Claude used his learning daily.
Starting at Norfolk Southern
In 1988, Claude Edward Elkins Jr joined Norfolk Southern. He started as a Road Brakeman. This job is hands-on. Brakemen stop trains safe. They work outside in all weather.
Norfolk Southern is a big railroad. It runs in the East U.S. The company moves goods like coal and cars. It has over 19,000 miles of track. Started in 1827, it’s old but modern.
Claude’s first role taught basics. He learned signals and rules. Safety comes first in rails. One mistake can hurt many.
He moved up quick. Became a Conductor. Conductors run the train crew. They check papers and talk to dispatch.
Then, Locomotive Engineer. Engineers drive trains. They control speed and stops. This needs focus.
Last in ops, Relief Yardmaster. Yardmasters sort cars in yards. They plan moves.
These roles built his know-how. He saw the ground level. This helps in top jobs. Leaders who start low understand workers.
Norfolk Southern values such paths. Many bosses rose from ranks.
Shift to Marketing
After ops, Claude Edward Elkins Jr went to marketing. For 20 years, he worked in Intermodal. Intermodal means trucks, ships, and trains together.
Goods move in containers. Trains haul them far. This saves fuel and time.
Claude helped grow this. He talked to customers. Found ways to ship better.
In 2016, he became Group Vice President of Chemicals Marketing. Chemicals need special care. They can be dangerous. He planned safe transports.
Customers trust Norfolk for this. Claude built ties with firms.
Then, 2018, Vice President of Industrial Products. This covers steel, paper, and more. He led teams to sell services.
Marketing in rails is key. It brings money. Claude’s skills shone here.
Rise to Executive
In 2021, Claude Edward Elkins Jr got a big promotion. Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. Some call it Chief Marketing Officer. He leads big parts.
His groups: Intermodal, Automotive, Industrial Products. Also Real Estate, Industrial Development, Short Line Marketing, Field Sales, Customer Logistics.
Intermodal is big. Norfolk has the top network in East. It moves millions of loads.
Automotive means cars and parts. Norfolk leads in this.
Industrial Products include chemicals, metals.
Claude sets plans. He aims for growth. Sustainability too. Rails cut emissions. Norfolk avoids 15 million tons of carbon yearly.
He oversees sales. Teams meet clients. They solve problems.
Real Estate handles land. Rails own much property.
Industrial Development draws factories near tracks.
Short Lines are small railroads. They connect to big ones.
Claude’s role touches all. He reports to CEO.
Key Achievements
Claude Edward Elkins Jr has many wins. He helped grow intermodal. Volumes up over years.
In chemicals, safe records improved.
Automotive traffic leads industry.
He pushed green efforts. Rails are eco-friendly. Less trucks mean clean air.
Statistics show impact. Norfolk moves 7 million carloads a year. From farm goods to consumer items.
Claude’s leadership aids economy. Jobs in transport grow.
He earned respect. Peers see him as smart and fair.
One achievement: Better customer service. Logistics teams help fast.
Another: Partnerships with ports. More goods flow smooth.
These add to company success. Stock and profits rise.
Board Roles and Giving Back
Outside work, Claude Edward Elkins Jr serves on boards. Vice Chair of Georgia Chamber of Commerce. This group boosts business in Georgia.
East Lake Foundation helps Atlanta area. It focuses on education and homes.
National Association of Manufacturers. They speak for makers.
TTX Company owns railcars. Shared by railroads.
Georgia State University Marketing RoundTable. Advisors for school.
The Conference Board, Council for CMOs. Top marketers share ideas.
These show his reach. He gives time to causes.
Philanthropy matters. He supports community. Details private, but boards help many.
In Virginia, he donated to politics. In 2013, $250 to a governor race.
This shows civic duty.
Influence on Railroads
Claude Edward Elkins Jr shapes the industry. Rails face changes. Tech like auto trains.
He pushes innovation. Better tracking for goods.
Sustainability is key. Climate change pushes green transport.
Norfolk leads in this. Claude’s plans cut waste.
Industry stats: Rails move 40% of long-haul freight. But only 2% of energy.
Claude helps keep it strong.
Challenges: Labor shortages, regs.
He leads through them.
Future: More electric trains? Claude watches trends.
His story inspires new workers. From brakeman to boss.
Lessons from His Path
What can we learn from Claude Edward Elkins Jr? Here are tips:
- Start at bottom: Ground roles teach real skills.
- Keep learning: Degrees help climb.
- Serve others: Military builds strength.
- Build networks: Boards open doors.
- Focus on green: Sustainability wins.
Use these in your career. Work hard like Claude.
For rail jobs, train safe. Learn rules.
Claude shows anyone can rise.
FAQs About Claude Edward Elkins Jr
What is Claude Edward Elkins Jr’s current job? He is Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern.
Where did Claude Edward Elkins Jr go to school? He has a BA in English from University of Virginia’s College at Wise and an MBA from Old Dominion University.
How did Claude Edward Elkins Jr start in railroads? He began as a Road Brakeman in 1988 after the Marines.
What boards does Claude Edward Elkins Jr serve on? Includes Georgia Chamber, East Lake Foundation, and more.
Why is Claude Edward Elkins Jr important in transport? He leads key areas, boosting efficiency and green practices.
For more on his journey, check this detailed profile. Also, see his donor info and official bio.
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Conclusion
In summary, Claude Edward Elkins Jr went from Marine to rail leader. His career at Norfolk Southern spans ops to exec. Achievements include growth in key areas and board work. He inspires with grit and smarts. What do you think makes a great leader like him? Share below.
