Claude Edward Elkins Jr did not begin at the top. He did not wear a suit or sit in an office. His first steps came on the railroad tracks. He worked long hours, handled heavy tasks, and followed tough safety rules. His story shows what steady effort can do.
Most people seek quick success. Claude did not rush. He took each step. He earned each role. He moved from one job to the next with focus. He stayed with one company and helped it grow.
He now holds a senior executive role. His path gives hope to anyone who starts with hard work and wants more. His leadership is proof that experience still matters.
Elkins shows how a career can grow the right way. From the field to the front office, he stayed true to his values. His story is real, strong, and rare.
The Early Days on the Railroad
Claude Elkins began his work life in 1988. His first job was as a road brakeman with Norfolk Southern. It was not easy. He connected train cars, walked long rail lines, and worked through rain and cold.
After that, he moved up to conductor. That job added more duty. He led the train crew, gave orders, and kept everything on time. Every move had to follow the rules.
Later, he became a yardmaster. He ran rail yards, kept trains in order, and solved problems fast. Each role gave him greater skill. He did not skip the hard parts. He built trust through results.
In Control as an Engineer
Claude also worked as a locomotive engineer. That meant he drove the train. He had full control. He read signals, kept to time, and watched for safety.
This job gave him more than power. It gave him insight. He learned how the full system worked. He gained respect from workers and leaders alike.
Each move forward came from what he had already proved. He showed he could lead. He showed he could think clearly under pressure.
Switching to Business and Strategy
After years in operations, Claude stepped into the business side. He entered marketing and sales. Most people would need training. Claude had experience instead.
He knew what clients needed. He had seen what worked. He used this insight to plan better deals. He helped the company grow in freight, intermodal, and industrial shipping.
He built trust with clients. He led projects. He worked with teams. He solved real problems. People listened because he had done the work. His choices made sense.
That skill helped him move again. He earned more trust. He took on higher roles.
His Current Role at Norfolk Southern
Claude now holds the title of Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. He leads the company’s business side. That includes key areas like freight, logistics, and real estate.
He deals with big clients and helps plan long-term goals. He guides how the company earns revenue and keeps customers happy.
This role has a large impact. It shapes how the company grows. Claude handles it with care. He uses what he knows from years of real work. He does not guess. He plans with facts.
He works with top leaders. He helps set company policy. His voice matters because it comes from experience.
His Education and Skills
Claude holds a bachelor’s degree in English. He also earned a master’s degree in Port and Maritime Economics. That mix gave him strong speaking and planning skills.
He writes clearly. He speaks with logic. He can lead talks and make hard ideas easy. He uses facts, not fluff. People respect that.
His thinking is calm. His work style is focused. He connects well with both field workers and office teams. That makes him a strong bridge in the company.
Giving Back to Business and Community
Claude does not stop at his job. He helps outside the company too. He works with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.
He speaks at events. He talks with young workers. He shares lessons. His words come from lived truth. People listen. They learn.
He cares about strong jobs and fair rules. He wants workers to feel safe and heard. He wants leaders to do better. He gives time to these causes. He does not just lead—he serves.
A Leadership Moment Worth Noting
When Norfolk Southern started a safety effort, Claude did not stay behind a desk. He went out. He visited rail yards. He stood with the teams. He spoke with simple words. He asked for honest feedback.
That visit built trust. Workers felt seen. They felt heard. They knew the plan came from someone who had walked their path.
This is the kind of leadership that stays with people. It changes culture. It shows that top roles can still come with care.
What Workers Can Learn from His Story
Claude Elkins teaches that strong careers grow with time. Each role must be done well. Every task matters. Each move builds the next.
He shows that loyalty has value. He stayed with one company. He learned it deeply. That made him a strong voice.
He also proves that real knowledge beats fake charm. He knew the job because he had done the job. His insight came from sweat, not guesswork.
Young people should study his path. It gives them a model worth following.
Why His Story Matters Now
Many chase quick wins. They jump from job to job. They forget how deep skill works. Claude reminds us that slow, honest work still has power.
He did not rely on luck. He built each step. He listened more than he spoke. He grew because he earned it.
His story speaks to real workers. It lifts those who feel stuck. It shows that anyone, with enough heart, can lead.
Conclusion
Claude Edward Elkins Jr is more than a title. He is a builder. He is a doer. He is proof that deep roots grow strong trees.
He started in the mud and rose to the boardroom. He stayed steady. He stayed smart. He stayed real.
He leads with truth, not tricks. He lifts others. He shares credit. He listens to every voice.
His journey shows that experience still wins. That effort still matters. That leadership still needs heart. He is not just an executive. He is an example.
FAQs
What is Claude Elkins known for?
He is known for rising from entry-level railroad work to a top leadership role at Norfolk Southern.
What company does he work with?
He works at Norfolk Southern, a major freight railroad company in the United States.
What was his first job?
He started in 1988 as a road brakeman.
What is his current role?
He serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer.
Does he work outside the company?
Yes, he is involved with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers.
What degrees does he hold?
He has a bachelor’s in English and a master’s in Port and Maritime Economics.
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