NRC Chairman’s Column: The Pros Know There’s More than Meets the Eye to a Big Win

Joe Daloisio Chairman, National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC)

Courtesy of NRC

ATLANTA - From the May 2025 issue of Railway Track & Structures, Joe Daloisio writes the NRC Chairman's Column.

I was among the nearly 20 million viewers worldwide captivated by watching Rory McIlroy win a dramatic sudden-death playoff with Justin Rose in the final round of the 2025 Masters Tournament. It was both thrilling and emotional to witness the Irishman’s green-jack journey and his quest for a career Grand Slam. 

It would be foolish to assume it only took 280 strokes for McIlroy to finish on top. What viewers didn’t see during the broadcast was the preparation – the physical and mental conditioning, the travel, diet, practice rounds, equipment, sponsorships, and family obligations, not to mention the supporting cast, including the golf course designer and maintenance personnel, tournament organizers, clothing and equipment manufacturers, and broadcasters – who contributed to the awe-inspiring outcome. 

I can appreciate that fact when it comes to railway construction, especially what it takes to successfully complete a job. Before work commences at the project site, hours and hours of preparation are required involving a supporting cast of employees, suppliers, contractors, and owner personnel. 

During my tenure on the NRC Board of Directors and now in service as the chairman, I have learned to appreciate all the behind-the-scenes preparation required for the NRC to sponsor and deliver impactful events and services for it members and the industry. As a proud Italian American, I can now say that I know “how the sausage gets made.” I know the complex planning, steps, and hours involved are not apparent on the surface. Like McIlroy’s victory, the work by NRC staff and our volunteer committee members to deliver big wins leaves me both emotional and proud. 

The NRC recently executed three indicative examples. 

In early April I represented NRC members at the North East Association of Rail Shippers (NEARS) annual conference in Baltimore. Our participation is part of a new, broader NRC initiative to provide greater exposure for our members and to connect them with rail shippers and outside industries seeking rail construction and maintenance resources. 

The NRC’s 21^st annual Railroad Equipment Auction in late April has translated into a significant investment in safety resources for our members, which has totaled more than $1 million over the past 22 years. Led by Chairman Daniel Daugherty, our Auction committee – with support from buyers and companies donating or consigning equipment or parts – invested hours to catalog items and organize this worthwhile and fun networking event.  

Railroad Day on the Hill followed in early May. That’s when hundreds of railroad industry professionals gathered on Capitol Hill to advocate for our industry. Thanks to the ASLRRA staff who hosted the event, industry representatives attended hundreds of meetings with elected officials and their staff members and provided first-hand perspectives on rail-related legislation. This event built on prior work by our NRC staff, Policy & Legislative Committee Chairman Kevin Hicks, and our members to strengthen existing relationships on Capitol Hill and cultivate one ones. 

Just like our projects in the field, NRC work ramps up as the temperature rises. Over the summer, the NRC will coordinate with member contractors and suppliers who will host Members of Congress for grassroots events at their facility or project site. All parties agree these events are valuable ways to exchange information and provide real-world examples of the impact of rail on local communities and their economy. 

Our Education & Scholarship Committee, led by Chairwoman Maggie Vuono, will solicit applications from promising undergraduate and trade school students for valuable NRC scholarships. Our Veterans Committee, under the leadership of Chairman Bob Hirte, will attend job fairs and develop apprenticeship programs to recruit veterans and transitioning military for job opportunities with member companies. And, of course, planning for the 2026 NRC Annual Conference in NRC-REMSA Exhibition Hollywood, Florida, will build up a head of steam. 

These examples are just the tip of the iceberg. They affirm that winning in our industry is not about luck. It’s about preparation. 

“We aren’t just in this industry. We are this industry!”