05/14/2024

Trailblazers: Recognizing A Pioneer of the Railcar Repair Industry!

Ryan Schaffer

In the heartland of Ohio, a small-town boy named Joe Schieszler. laid the foundation for an extraordinary journey that would leave an indelible mark on the railcar industry. Hailing from a town near Cincinnati with a graduating high school class of just 66, Joe’s story is a testament to the power of determination and hard work. Fueled by a full academic scholarship, he earned a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Cincinnati, setting the stage for a remarkable career ahead.

In 1969, Joe took a bold step by co-founding Resco, a company specializing in the reclamation and repair of box car load restraining equipment. Armed with an initial personal investment of $3,000.00, Joe’s entrepreneurial spirit and vision paved the way for a new chapter in railcar maintenance. In 1975, he went on to establish Rescar, a company that would become the largest privately owned provider of railcar maintenance in North America, offering services ranging from cleaning and repairs to painting and lining. Joe’s legacy extended beyond business success as he created a family legacy, with all seven of his children contributing to Rescar, and three overseeing daily operations after his semi-retirement.

Not content with resting on his laurels, Joe Schieszler’ s impact on the industry expanded further with the formation of AllTranstek in 1999. This company has grown to provide fleet management services for over 300,000 railcars, offering a comprehensive suite of technical services, including engineering support, regulatory compliance, non-destructive testing (NDT) support, training, and education. AllTranstek has become a prominent presence on industry committees and task forces, solidifying Joe’s reputation as a visionary leader.

As the recipient of the American Railroading – Lifetime Achievement Award, Joe Schieszler, Sr. stands as a beacon of inspiration in the railcar industry. With 38 years of marital bliss alongside his wife LaVerne, the couple continues to reside in the Chicago suburbs, a testament to the enduring success of a man who turned a small investment and big dreams into a transformative force in the world of railcar maintenance.

Joe Sr. was recently a guest on the American Railroading Podcast, to listen to the entire episode please follow the link below!

https://www.americanrailroading.net/difference-makers-joe-schieszler-sr-founder-of-rescar-companies/

 

We also encourage everyone to follow their LinkedIn account and to follow Don Walsh on LinkedIn it to receive notifications for the latest episodes!

https://www.linkedin.com/safety/go?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.americanrailroading.net%2F&trk=flagship-messaging-web&messageThreadUrn=urn%3Ali%3AmessagingThread%3A2-YWUxMDdkYTMtNWQyZi00OGI2LThhNDQtNDFlOTYxNmZlZTJjXzAxMA%3D%3D&lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_notifications%3BWTvaLgKlS4KarXOirJRzDg%3D%3D

https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-walsh-76452911/

Rescar would like to thank Don Walsh and the American Railroading Podcast for recognizing a man who means so much to all of us and has truly inspired us to become the best in the industry!

Keep Your Fleet Moving!

 

 

 

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Trailblazers: Recognizing A Pioneer of the Railcar Repair Industry!