Rising Stars 2020: Scott Harris

Scott Harris, 36
Vice president of operations
Chesapeake and Delaware LLC

Nominator’s quote: “I consider Scott to be an innovator in railroad technology and a true ambassador of safety. He also excels in making sure our customers receive top-notch service every day. I am proud to be his business partner, and I know he has a very bright future in this industry.” — Cathrin Banks, Maryland and Delaware Railroad Co. (2019 Rising Star)

Describe your current job and responsibilities.
I manage operations, safety and training across the four railroads that comprise Chesapeake and Delaware. However, being a short line holding company, I also frequently work on marketing and industrial development projects.

What is your educational background?
I have Bachelor of Science degrees in management and finance from Salisbury University.

Describe your career path.
I started working 20 years ago as a part-time railroad shop laborer, and then held various hourly positions before I left for the trucking industry. I returned to railroading as general manager of the Maryland and Delaware Railroad Co. (MDDE) before getting the opportunity to start Chesapeake and Delaware LLC in 2017. 

How did you get into the railroad industry?
My next-door neighbor was a railroader, and he opened the door to me getting a summer job at MDDE when I was in high school. It certainly sounded more interesting than waiting tables.

What is the best career advice you’ve received?
“You’re fired.” Seriously, I was once fired by a mentor who wanted me to go into another industry — trucking — to gain more worldly experience and to see other businesses and cultures. It opened my eyes to different styles of management, and I credit the time and people for helping me build the current culture of our railroads.

What advice would you give to a new railroader?
First, relationships are everything. Get to know as many people as you can, because you never know where people will end up. Second, learn what the railroad does every day. Understand what railroaders across operations, mechanical, engineering, communications, marketing, finance and law do for the company and how it all works together. It will always serve you well. Last, and most importantly, treat your colleagues and employees better than you treat yourself. Work hard to be fair, honest, and admit when you got it wrong. Your team will appreciate it.

What was your very first job?
I was a railroad shop laborer when I was 16 years old.

Describe a fun fact about yourself.
I’ve written a novel and am currently working on my second.

Do you have any hobbies?
I enjoy writing, photography and [going to] beaches in quaint, warm places.

What is the biggest challenge the rail industry now faces or will face?
Our industry lags in technology with respect to user interface, real-time pricing, door-to-door visibility and capacity measurement, which are all needed for us to pick up incremental business and demand price for certain existing business. 

The future is about efficiently and expeditiously using data to measure and convert opportunities that otherwise go to competing modes despite the presence of rail capacity and efficiency. Unfortunately, our primary competition, though largely subsidized with respect to infrastructure, is well ahead of us on this.