ASLRRA created the Short Line Railroad Industry Hall of Fame in 2020 to recognize short line railroad visionaries and stars who through their dedication, commitment and achievement best exemplify the qualities of innovation, entrepreneurialism, perseverance and service that have advanced the short line railroad industry.
Each year, a class of inductees will be selected and honored at the ASLRRA Annual Conference & Exhibition.
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Robert Grossman first made a name for himself in the railroad industry in 1971 as one of the founders of the short line holding company Emons Transportation Group (Emons). When Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W) acquired Emons in 2002, Grossman joined G&W’s executive team, shifting his career toward a focus on representing railroad interests and helping railroads become their own advocates. Read more |
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Lowell “Jake” Jacobson was passionate about railroads, short lines and rail safety, and while he never set out to become a famous railroader, his unceasing dedication to the industry he loved made him a legend. In 1994 Railway Age magazine named Jacobson its Railroader of the Year, the first short line operator to be so honored. Jacobson earned the award in part for his tireless efforts to restore and rebuild parts of the railway damaged by catastrophic flooding. Five years later the magazine would dub Jacobson one of the Great Railroaders of the 20th Century. Read more |
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Rick Webb was working part time for Watco while going to college when Watco started in July of 1983. He began working full time at the company’s only operation in 1984. At that time, Watco consisted of a ten-person crew, using a single locomotive to serve its only customer, Boise Cascade, now Packaging Corporation of America. From that humble beginning Watco grew from one operation in 1983 to 190 locations operating in four countries today. For Webb, the main reason for Watco’s and his success is an unrelenting emphasis on building the best team to serve customers in the best manner possible. Read more |
