Rising Stars 2022: Josh Smith

Josh Smith, 36
Manager, strategic pricing and production planning
The Greenbrier Cos.

Nominator’s quote: “Josh’s role at Greenbrier is incredibly important, and we depend on his expertise to maintain the accurate, precise pricing and reliable production scheduling that Greenbrier is known for across the industry.” — Jack Isselmann, The Greenbrier Cos.

Education: B.S. in economics, University of Oregon.

Job responsibilities: Developing pricing and production strategies to optimize sales and profit margins on all new rail-car opportunities in North America. Review customer request for proposals (RFQs) and analyze manufacturing costs and marketing information provided by internal departments. Present pricing recommendations to various management groups.

Career path: Joined The Greenbrier Cos. immediately after graduating from college in 2014. Started in an entry-level position, providing support to the sales team and assisting with customer RFQs. Later moved to a pricing analyst position, and in 2021, promoted to manager of strategic pricing and production planning.

How did you get into the railroad industry? When I was nearing college graduation, I met with one of my favorite professors, Wesley Wilson, to get his thoughts about potential job opportunities. He pointed out that the rail industry was in the midst of a hiring boom and is a great sector for a long-term career. I refined my search for positions in rail and found Greenbrier only a couple of hours away from where I went to school.

What is the best career advice you’ve received? To treat everyone equally, regardless of their position at a company. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and to be held to consistent standards.

What advice would you offer a new railroader? Ask questions and do not be afraid to speak up. There is a lot of history in this industry, so be willing to learn and ask questions as you get your footing. I have found that most seasoned rail professionals are not only happy to help out people who are new to the industry, but are also willing to listen and consider new ideas.

What was your very first job? At a pizza restaurant when I was 16.

Describe a fun fact about yourself. I love movies and wanted to be the next Wes Craven when I was growing up. I studied movies and memorized facts like director filmographies, budgets and box office totals. I even took a few film studies courses in college.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Traveling, visiting museums, keeping up to date on economic activities and attending various film festivals.

How has the pandemic changed your view of career and life in general? The pandemic has heightened my existing values, particularly showing respect to my friends, family, colleagues and strangers. Everyone in all walks of life has experienced an incredibly difficult and stressful two years. It serves as a reminder that you can never tell what others are experiencing, so remaining positive and respectful to those around you is always important.