Every now and then, we hear a story that makes us stop and think. A story that reminds us what hard work, honesty, and a strong heart can do. The life of Claude Edward Elkins Jr is one of those stories. He started with simple beginnings, worked through tough jobs, and slowly built a path that led him to one of the top roles in the railroad world.
In this article, we explore his early life, his values, his time in the military, and the steps he took before becoming a respected leader. We will look at how he grew from a brakeman to a major executive and why his story inspires so many people today.
This is the first half of the article. We will continue the second half later to complete the full picture of his journey.
Early Life of Claude Edward Elkins Jr
The childhood of Claude Edward Elkins Jr began in Southwest Virginia, a place known for its mountains, close communities, and long railroad history. People in this region grow up with strong values. Life is simple, work is honest, and families stay close. This environment shaped him in many ways. It taught him to stay grounded, respect others, and work for what he wants.
Growing up in this setting also meant he saw hardworking people every day—neighbors, family members, and friends who did tough jobs without complaining. These early lessons built the foundation for his character. They helped him understand the value of effort and the power of staying humble. He carried these lessons with him into every part of his life.
Even as a young boy, he showed signs of curiosity and discipline. He paid attention, learned from older people, and watched how they handled challenges. This simple yet powerful childhood helped him grow into the person he would later become.
Military Service That Built Discipline
Before Claude Edward Elkins Jr joined the railroad world, he served in the United States Marine Corps. The Marine Corps is known for its strict training and strong focus on discipline. It challenges both the body and the mind. Many people say that once you become a Marine, you carry those lessons forever.
His time in the Marines taught him how to stay calm under pressure. It trained him to act with confidence, make quick decisions, and lead by example. These skills became very important later in his career when he had to guide teams, solve problems, and handle major responsibilities.
The Marines also teach teamwork. Every person must trust the next. This shaped his leadership style. It helped him learn that good leaders do not stand above people—they stand with them. This mindset stayed with him throughout his journey from brakeman to executive.
Education That Prepared Him for Success
Education played a very important role in the growth of Claude Edward Elkins Jr. While many people expect railroad leaders to come from technical or engineering backgrounds, his path was a bit different. He first earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. At first, this may seem unrelated to railroads, but the skills he gained—communication, writing, and clear thinking—helped him more than many people realize.
After completing his English degree, he decided to push himself further. He earned an MBA with a focus on Port and Maritime Economics from Old Dominion University. This was a smart choice. It connected his strong communication skills with business knowledge, transportation systems, and logistics. It helped him understand how industries move goods, how supply chains work, and how companies make strategic decisions.
He did not stop there. To improve his leadership and stay updated, he attended management programs at Harvard Business School, UVA Darden School of Business, and the University of Tennessee Supply Chain Institute. This shows how committed he was to learning and growing.
His educational path teaches us something important: learning never stops. And sometimes, the mix of soft skills and business training can be more powerful than any one degree alone.
How Claude Edward Elkins Jr Entered the Railroad World
The railroad chapter of his life began in 1988 when Claude Edward Elkins Jr joined Norfolk Southern. His first job was as a road brakeman, one of the most physically demanding roles in rail work. It involves working outdoors, coupling railcars, handling brakes, and keeping trains safe. It is not a clean, simple job. It requires strength, attention, and discipline.
Starting in this role gave him something priceless: real experience. He saw how trains move, how teams work, and how daily operations run. Many top leaders never get this level of hands-on knowledge. But he did. And it shaped the rest of his career.
This job also taught him something important: the railroad industry is built on teamwork. Every person must do their part for trains to run safely and on time. This early experience helped him build respect for workers at every level. It also made him a leader who truly understands where others come from.
Rising Through the Ranks with Hard Work
After his start as a brakeman, Claude Edward Elkins Jr continued to grow. He became a conductor, then a locomotive engineer, and later served as a relief yardmaster. Each job added a new skill. Each role gave him a closer look at how the railroad system works from the inside.
These roles were not easy. They required long hours, cold weather, tough decisions, and a lot of responsibility. But he stayed focused. He stayed committed. And slowly, he built his reputation as someone who works hard, learns fast, and never gives up.
These early years were more than just jobs. They were building blocks. They gave him the knowledge that would later help him lead entire divisions. They helped him understand the needs of workers, customers, and teams across the company.
Becoming a Leader at Norfolk Southern
After proving himself in operations, Claude Edward Elkins Jr made a big move into leadership. His first major step was in marketing. He worked on intermodal services, which involve moving cargo using different types of transportation, like trains, trucks, and ships. His hands-on background gave him a real edge—he knew what worked in the field.
In 2016, he became Group Vice President of Chemicals Marketing, and two years later, he was promoted to Vice President of Industrial Products. These roles helped him lead big teams and manage key services for Norfolk Southern. He worked with customers, solved problems, and helped the company grow.
By 2023, he reached one of the highest roles—Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. In this position, he oversees several areas: intermodal, automotive, industrial products, and real estate. His journey from brakeman to EVP is rare, and it shows what steady effort and smart thinking can do.
Claude Edward Elkins Jr’s Leadership Style
The leadership style of Claude Edward Elkins Jr is shaped by his real-life experience. He doesn’t lead from an office far away—he understands what it feels like to work in the field, in the cold, or under pressure. That’s why people trust him.
He focuses on teamwork. He listens to others. He believes leadership is not about being the loudest, but about being honest and thoughtful. He supports his teams and encourages them to grow, just like he did.
He also cares about clear communication. His background in English helps him explain ideas in a way that’s easy to understand. That’s one reason why both workers and top leaders respect him. He connects people from different parts of the company and helps everyone move in the same direction.
Helping the Community Beyond the Job
Claude Edward Elkins Jr doesn’t just lead at work—he also gives back to his community. He has supported programs that focus on education, safety, and youth development. He often works with schools and community groups to teach people about rail safety and careers in transportation.
He also serves on boards of important organizations like the National Association of Manufacturers, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, and TTX Company. These roles let him share his knowledge and help shape the future of the railroad industry.
For him, leadership is not just about the company—it’s about the people around him. Whether it’s helping a young worker grow or supporting a community project, he makes time for things that matter.
Claude Edward Elkins Jr’s Impact on the Railroad Industry
Over the years, Claude Edward Elkins Jr has helped the railroad industry grow and adapt. He supported smart technology, better planning, and customer service that focuses on real results. He believes that railroads should be both strong and flexible, ready for the future.
One of his biggest goals has been to improve efficiency and safety. He worked hard to make sure trains run on time and goods move smoothly. But he also made sure the people working those trains are safe and supported.
His ideas have helped Norfolk Southern become a stronger company. And beyond that, his work has set examples that other leaders now follow. He didn’t just do his job—he helped change the way railroads think and operate.
What Future Leaders Can Learn from His Story
There’s a lot to learn from the story of Claude Edward Elkins Jr. First, it shows that where you start doesn’t matter as much as where you’re willing to go. He started with a tough job and no shortcuts, but he kept learning, kept improving, and stayed patient.
His journey also teaches us that values matter. Being honest, respectful, and hardworking can take you far. You don’t have to be flashy or loud—just focused and kind.
And finally, he reminds us that leadership is about helping others. It’s about lifting people up, solving real problems, and staying connected to the work being done every day.
Conclusion
Today, Claude Edward Elkins Jr is more than just a railroad executive. He’s a role model for how to grow a career with honor. He’s someone who never forgot where he came from and never stopped looking for ways to improve.
His legacy is full of strong values—hard work, humility, and service to others. Many young people in the railroad industry look up to him. And many professionals, no matter their field, can learn from how he lives and leads.
As the railroad world continues to change, his story will continue to inspire. Because in the end, it’s not just about the title you earn—it’s about the path you walk, and the people you help along the way.
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