Damien Cantrell’s Leadership Paves Way for Team Success

Watco team member Damien Cantrell isn’t afraid of taking on a challenge. In fact, he embraces the opportunity to put his leadership skills to work.

It’s a work ethic that takes him places — five Watco locations in 10 years, to be exact.

Cantrell welcomes each change. He said, “Helping people and improving the business keeps me going. That’s why I go wherever Watco needs me. I’m grateful for the opportunities to work on many different teams. To my family, thank you for supporting me every step of the way.”

Cantrell’s compassion and vision make him a valuable leader wherever he serves. Take these examples.

After starting at the Birmingham Terminal Railway (BHRR), Cantrell joined the Alabama Warrior Railway (ABWR) in 2015. As trainmaster, he implemented several safety measures to improve workplace conditions. His efforts proved long-lasting. The ABWR has since received multiple Jake Safety Awards from the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association.

As general manager of the Louisiana Southern Railroad (LAS), Cantrell led clean-up efforts following a devastating flood that damaged most of the railroad. Together, the team worked around the clock to repair the tracks, offices, railcars, locomotives, and other equipment in 14 days.

His next stop took him to Michigan as general manager of the Grand Elk Railroad (GDLK). After a homeless camp took up residence near the GDLK line, he worked with local government officials to move camp residents to a safer location.

Now at Greens Port in Houston, Texas, Cantrell serves as Assistant Vice President of Rail and Liquids. Watco Sales Manager Jeff Linville credits Cantrell for taking a railroad approach to this former steel mill turned full-service terminal.

“Damien is the epitome of the Watco way, “Linville said. “He never looks for a way to say no to an opportunity. Instead, he always finds a way to say yes.”

Since joining the Greens Port team in 2019, Cantrell has turned the terminal’s stagnant storage business into a thriving rail operation handling 45,000-plus carloads per year.

Cantrell’s dedicated efforts do not go unnoticed. Last month, Railway Age recognized him as a Fast Tracker. This annual award recognizes industry professionals under the age of 40 who positively impact the rail industry and workplace.

Cantrell is the first to recognize that his achievements are not his alone. It’s a team effort. He said, “I’m nothing without my team. I’m here to provide a vision and support them along the way. They do all the hard work. The award and recognition truly belong to those men and women.”

Cantrell thanks each Watco team member who he’s worked with over the years. He’s grateful for the support and mentorship of Steve Coomes. P.J. Forbes, Garrett Bolyard, Jimmy Patterson, Brad Walker, and Tracy Wright for sharing their knowledge and support.

Jason Ford, Anthony Hoyte, and Justin Mead for their leadership and dedication at the ABWR, as well as Blake Smith, Brett Norris, Juddy Rogers, Randy Chaney, Michael Crosslin, and countless others at the LAS for their dedication to restoring service after the catastrophic flood.

The late Jason Stout and his mechanical team on the GDLK for their support and hard work.

Travis Wiley, Ashton Speckman, Pedro Barron, and Jeff Linville for their eagerness to dive in headfirst during the transformation of Greens Port to what it is today.

Lastly, the many other valued team members in support service roles like customer service, dispatch, people services, safety, locomotive support, purchasing, and others that make everything possible for the teams in the field.