Rising Stars 2023: Adam Brock

Adam Brock, 33
Superintendent of mechanical
The Belt Railway Co. of Chicago

Nominator’s quote: “Adam has completely turned around the mechanical department from an employee engagement standpoint. He has brought a level of standardization, organization and work process that had not been implemented prior to his arrival. … [Additionally,] his leadership and influence go beyond the mechanical team. Other department heads have reached out to Adam for his help with implementing many of the processes in their departments that he has done with the mechanical team. Adam is 100% willing to devote the extra time and effort to make certain that he can be helpful.” — Percy Fields, The Belt Railway Co. of Chicago

Education: University of Missouri: B.S. in mechanical engineering, B.S. in agriculture systems management, minor in mathematics and agriculture economics.

Job responsibilities: The overall safety and performance of the mechanical department and its employees who inspect and repair 3,000 cars and service over 20 locomotives per day.

Career path: Operations management trainee-Union Pacific Railroad, Desoto, Missouri, 2012; manager of mechanical maintenance-UP, Chicago, 2013; manager of mechanical maintenance-UP, Council Bluffs, Iowa, 2015; director of mechanical maintenance-UP, Chicago, 2016; director of mechanical maintenance-UP, Los Angeles, 2018; senior manager of terminal operations-UP, Chicago, 2020; superintendent of mechanical-The Belt Railway Co. of Chicago, 2020.

How did you get into the rail industry? I attended a college career fair at the University of Missouri and ended up getting job offers from both BNSF Railway Co. and Union Pacific, so I guess I was meant to work for the railroad.

What is the best career advice you’ve received so far? Don’t let your job or title change who you are as a person.

What advice would you give to a new railroader? Your success depends on the success of those you lead.

What was your first job? Farming and detasseling corn for Pioneer Hybrid.

Share a fun fact about yourself. I grew up in a small town of 235 people in the middle of Missouri where I said I would never live in Los Angeles or Chicago because they were too big. I ended up living in both because of the railroad.

If you could have dinner with anyone alive in the world, who would it be and why? Elon Musk. I am fascinated by his ability to turn a concept into reality and his tenacity and resilience to achieve his vision.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career and why? My family. The railroad life has many challenges, but they have supported me in all of my decisions and relocations across the nation.

Describe a major obstacle in your career and how you surmounted it. The COVID-19 pandemic was extremely challenging. We were able to overcome the obstacles we faced by staying calm and challenging ourselves to think and operate in a different capacity than what was normal. I think it revealed weaknesses in many areas but taught us the power of adaptation and working outside our comfort zones.