Rising Stars 2022: Lee Sorrick

Lee Sorrick, 35
Principal consultant
Union Pacific Railroad

Nominator’s quote: “Under Lee’s leadership, the salesforce tech team has grown from two members to over 30, delivering value for marketing and sales, customer care and support and finance. … Lee is passionate about employee experience, and is addressing top priorities for employee engagement and evaluating ways to maximize the hybrid-work experience.” — Amanda Treiber, Union Pacific Railroad

Education: B.S. in computer engineering, minor in mathematics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Job title and responsibilities: Principal consultant working as the senior product manager for UP customer technology.

Career path: Started as an intern with UP in 2009. Since graduation, held technical positions in telecommunications, premium operations, UP’s subsidiary Loup Logistics and customer products. Progressed from developer to director and recently moved into the product manager role for UP’s customer technology.

How did you get into the railroad industry? A friend of the family spoke highly of Union Pacific and suggested that I look into an internship. I interned for one year and have been with the railroad ever since.

What is the best career advice you’ve received? A previous manager once told me the best developers are able to bring technology and the business together. I’ve remained focused on UP’s core business and our customers.

What advice would you offer to a new railroader? Have a continuous learning mindset and surround yourself with people who will push and challenge you to grow. Take the stretch assignments when the opportunities present themselves and make decisions from a viewpoint that this is your company.

What was your very first job? Detasseling corn.

Describe a fun fact about yourself. I like to learn about ancient history and economics.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Playing golf and basketball and spending time with my family.

How has the pandemic changed your view of career and life in general? While the pandemic has brought with it many challenges, it has also brought some positives, like increased work from home. This has given me an opportunity to be more involved with my family without sacrificing productivity.