Celebrating 30 Years and Counting

In DeRidder, Louisiana, Watco team members recently celebrated not one but two 30-year work anniversaries.

Watco Vice President of Operations Tony Clark and Timber Rock Railroad (TIBR) Trainmaster James Belsha started a week apart in the fall of 1991 as boxcar cleaners at Boise Cascade, now known as DeRidder PCA Switching.

For Clark, he still remembers and lives by the advice he received during the early days of his Watco career.

“From day one, we were taught that our customers come first,” Clark said. “At Watco, training isn’t just about learning how to do your job. It’s about how to take care of your customers.”

As their careers advanced, Clark and Belsha both relocated to Houston, Texas, to work at Greens Port. There, Clark served as location manager and Belsha as a conductor/engineer assisting as contractors with setting up switching operations.

Clark said, “Job titles look great on business cards but don’t matter much to me. When we were at Greens Port, we all switched cars. We all pitched in to get the job done.”

After three years at Greens Port, Clark and Belsha returned home to the Pelican State to work as a regional manager and conductor/engineer. Belsha welcomed his chance to return home to continue doing a job he loved at TIBR.

Belsha said, “I’ve always taken great pride in knowing my line. I know my customers. I can look at a train and tell you which cars go to which customers.”

Now a trainmaster, Belsha enjoys mentoring his team of engineers and conductors. With zero incidents or injuries reported during his career, Belsha stresses to team members the importance of safety and customer service.

“I always tell my team to take the safest course and be cautious of what they are doing,” Belsha said. “I also push them to communicate with customers. Be open and make sure they are taken care of.”

Pictured above (l-r): James “KB” Belsha and Tony Clark recently celebrated their 30-year work anniversary at Watco.