Following his dreams from the Marines to a career freight rail
Gary Adkins
Manager of Signals and Communications
Canadian National
Chicago, IL
17 years in the industry
6 years in the military
Base: Twenty-nine Palms, CA
As a small child, Gary Adkins remembers wanting to grow up to be in the military and work for the Illinois Central Railroad where his father, a Vietnam War veteran, had operated trains and was later an assistant superintendent. So after leaving the U.S. Marines in 1994, Gary continued to follow his dream and took a job with the Illinois Central as a trackman laborer. Responsible for maintaining track, he steadily climbed the ranks to his current job as manager of signals and communications for Canadian National (CN), which merged with the Illinois Central in 1999. “My dad set the table for me, I just followed in his footsteps,” says Adkins, who spent only two years in most positions before each promotion. “It took him close to thirty years to become an assistant superintendent of transportation, and I did it in 16 years. He was extremely proud of me.”
With a resume highlighting a strong work ethic, a willingness to relocate and an unshakable dedication to freight railroads, Adkins is now responsible for the safe and efficient movement of CN trains in and around Chicago, IL, the biggest railroad hub in North America. Managing a diverse group of approximately 70-80 employees presents challenges at times, but his team can all unite behind one goal: leading CN into the future in terms of safety and efficiency. Adkins is quick to credit the military for preparing him for his career with the railroads. “The Marine Corps was the best and worst job I've ever had, all rolled into one, but it helped me adjust to freight rail work,” he says. “Both require dedication to your country and dedication to your company. No matter what's going on you've got to get out there and do your job.”
Earning an Associate Degree in Applied Science and DC Motor Controls under the G.I. Bill, Adkins, the father of two young daughters and a passionate follower of Louisiana State University sports, learned to take advantage of opportunity early. He advises anyone considering a freight rail career to follow suit. “Every day in this industry is an education, and the opportunities are unlimited when you're willing to work hard,” he says.