Curtis Bilow Chairman, National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC)

NRC

WASHINGTON, D.C. –– From the May 2026 issue of Railway Track and Structures.

It’s that time of year when commencement speakers attempt to inspire and offer wisdom to graduates who are transitioning their studies into the next phase of life. For most graduates, that means starting work at a job that they hope will be a springboard to a satisfying career.  

Although my first stop wasn’t in our industry, I found my way and would encourage any graduate looking for a challenging and dynamic career – with the added bonus of lifelong friendships – to set your sights on the railway industry. 

Growing up in Michigan as the son of a surveyor, I was always drawn to the outdoors and to the land. After graduation, I was eager to put my degree into action. Unlike so many of my peers, I don’t come from a multi-generational railroad family. My only exposure to the industry was a Lionel model train set my grandfather gave me as a child.  

When I relocated to Arizona for an opportunity with a heavy highway civil contractor, I gained experience on a grade separation project involving BNSF and the Arizona Department of Transportation. It was a great experience that ignited my passion for railroads. Eventually my career led me to Ames Construction and I haven’t looked back in more than 20 years. 

There’s something about the railroads – and about railroaders – that leads to real connections. I didn’t know anyone in the railroad industry when I started at Ames, but that quickly changed. 

I was fortunate to find valuable mentors early on who taught me about railroad geography, networks, and how the industry actually works. Numerous superintendents and managers guided my early development in the field, but one person in particular, Gene Tonsager, a retired railroader who had worked at Ames in government relations, was generous with his time and knowledge, and eager to make introductions that really advanced my career.  

My connections multiplied exponentially, especially as I became involved in the NRC, first as a conference attendee, later on a committee, and then as a board member. Past NRC chairmen – Mike Choat, Jim Hansen, Steve Bolte and Joe Daloisio – have been invaluable coaches who modeled leadership and involved me in efforts to foster stronger, safer, and innovative practices between contractors and suppliers and their railway and industrial customers. 

The NRC is an indispensable resource for not only cultivating a valuable network, but also for professional development, through its annual conferences, webinars, and committee activities. Our association also draws graduates and other jobseekers to our industry through scholarships, grants, veterans outreach activities, and our jobs database. 

You don’t have to be an active NRC member to conveniently access the job postings of all our member companies. Simply click on the “Jobs” tab at the top of our website or go to nrcma.org/jobs to find links to the careers pages of nearly 400 railway contractors and suppliers. It’s no surprise that this database is among the most visited pages on our website. And you don’t have to wait for graduation. Many of these companies also post internships that offer a chance to try out the industry and various jobs in it before making a longer-term commitment. 

I don’t remember my commencement speaker. What stuck with me came afterward:  the first tough call, the first mistake, and the first time I realized no one was coming to solve it for me. 

That’s where your education really begins. 

Railroading will challenge you. It will test your judgment, your resilience, and your ability to work with people who see the world differently than you do. But if you lean into it—if you listen, learn, and take pride in the work – you’ll be part of something that quite literally keeps the country moving. 

The people who succeed here aren’t the ones chasing titles. They’re the ones who stay curious, take ownership, and keep showing up when it’s hard. 

Congratulations to the graduates. The path ahead isn’t simple or clearly defined, but it’s worth it. I’ll see you down the track. 

“Change is constant. Leadership is a choice.” 

 Curtis