CDL Monthly Newsletter: June 2023

JUNE 2023

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

EXPANDING OPERATIONS & ENSURING RAILROAD SAFETY

TAKING CHARGE OF SEMINOLE GULF RAILROAD SIGNAL MAINTENANCE IN FLORIDA

CDL is taking over the signal maintenance operations for Seminole Gulf Railroad in Florida. This new endeavor marks a significant milestone in our commitment to providing top-notch railroad services across the country. We are confident that with our expertise and dedicated team, we will excel in maintaining and improving the signal systems for Seminole Gulf Railroad.

As part of this transition, we are thrilled to welcome three exceptional individuals to our team. Juan Jimenez and Joel Arreguin have joined us as new hires, bringing their extensive knowledge and experience in signal maintenance. Their expertise will be invaluable in ensuring the smooth operation of the signal systems. Additionally, Stacy Baum has been appointed as the Senior Supervisor, overseeing the signal maintenance operations. With his wealth of experience and leadership skills, Stacy will guide our team to deliver outstanding results.

We are also delighted to announce that Juan Jimenez has been appointed as the Working Supervisor, taking on a pivotal role in managing day-to-day activities and ensuring effective communication between the team members. His dedication and strong leadership qualities will contribute to the success of our operations.

Under the guidance of our esteemed Director, Justin Coody, and with the exceptional skills of Maintainer Joel Arreguin, we have already made significant progress in maintaining and improving the signal systems of Seminole Gulf Railroad. Their commitment to excellence and attention to detail ensure that every task is executed with precision and efficiency.

In line with our expansion plans, we are in the process of hiring one more Signal Maintainer to strengthen our team. This additional resource will enable us to effectively manage the growing demands of Seminole Gulf Railroad and provide uninterrupted signal maintenance services.

The contract is a total of 106 crossings, with 79 crossings currently under our supervision and an additional 27 crossings scheduled for takeover within the next year. This expansion demonstrates our dedication to enhancing railway safety and efficiency throughout Florida.

The successful takeover of Seminole Gulf Railroad’s signal maintenance wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and expertise of our talented team members. We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the following individuals who played a key role in the initial testing for the 89 crossings in just an 8-day span:

Rick Hasbrouck: RRSM GM

Tim Waldroup: Signal Supervisor – BLU, CER, KNR, JXPT, SVHO, GSR

Robert Morrison: Signal Supervisor – BHRR, AUT, ABS, MSR, RNA, MSCI, IP

Christopher Dowd: Signal Maintainer - GSR

Mike Brewer: Signal Maintainer – CSS/Relief

We would like to express our gratitude to each member of the CDL team for your hard work, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. It is through your efforts that we continue to grow and succeed in our mission. Together, we will continue to make a positive impact in the railroad industry.

MAINTAINER SPOTLIGHT:

EDWARD JOHNSON

A DECADE OF DEDICATION

Edward Johnson, an extraordinary employee who has dedicated ten years of service to CDL. Hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, Ed started with us in July 2013, fresh out of Industrial Maintenance school. Initially expecting a temporary position, he soon became an invaluable member of our team.

Although Ed’s main focus is rail crossing maintenance, his passion extends to working with construction crews during new crossing installations and serving our non-WATCO customers. His troubleshooting and maintenance skills have grown immensely since joining CDL, benefiting both his professional and personal life.

Ed’s advice to all is simple: Pay attention and do the task right. His current position has taught him that there’s always something new to learn. In his spare time, he enjoys quality family time and engaging in hands-on activities.

Dreaming of a trip to Dubai and aspiring to meet renowned custom car builder Gene Winfield, Ed constantly seeks knowledge and personal growth. Interestingly, he may not be talkative, but his reserved nature allows him to absorb valuable insights from others.

If he could have one superpower, it would be to fly like Superman, bypassing traffic and experiencing the freedom of the skies.

We commend Ed for his unwavering commitment, adaptability, and remarkable growth during his tenyear tenure at CDL. His journey exemplifies the importance of embracing challenges and continuously evolving.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT:

JOSH KARLESKINT

A DEDICATED TEAM MEMBER MAKING AN IMPACT

Join us in honoring Josh Karleskint, HVAC Installer. Josh is from Ft. Scott, Kansas, and has spent the past 17 years happily married to his wife Amanda. Together, they have two boys named Connor and Easton.

Prior to joining CDL, he worked for two other heating and cooling companies. However, for the last 15 years, he has been a part of the CDL family. During his time time with CDL, Josh states that he has gained valuable experience working on various HVAC installation projects, both big and small.

Outside of work, Josh and his wife and built their forever home on a small piece of property south of Ft. Scott five years ago. This has been a very fulfilling endeavor for them.

When he first started at CDL, he began in the service department before eventually transitioning to the installation team. Over the years, he has worked alongside several skilled installers, learning from them and hopefully passing on his knowledge to others.

One piece of advice Josh always shares with my colleagues is the importance of taking your time and not rushing through tasks. Sometimes, slowing down can lead to better results.

In his free time, he enjoys hunting with his boys. Connor is particularly fond of waterfowl hunting, while Easton eagerly anticipates deer season in the fall. Josh also makes it a point to travel to Montana every year for a hunting trip with his brother.

According to Josh, “my dream vacation is simply to spend quality time with my family, relaxing together and enjoying good meals at nice restaurants. I have enjoyed various vacations in the past, whether it’s been by the pool, at the beach, or in the mountains.”

Josh likes to remind his coworkers that dedication is key in our trade. Even on tough days, it’s important to push through and complete each job with enthusiasm, knowing that it sets us up for success in the long run.

“Josh has been here for 15 years and is always willing to step up to the plate to get a job done. He will travel if needed, and work with other divisions if they need his help. He is a very valuable to the success of HVAC. His knowledge and willingness to help train the younger team members is also very crucial for our success.”

-Bob Hawkins, HVAC Manager

PREVENTION AND EARLY DETECTION: An annual physical allows for the early detection of potential health issues or risk factors, enabling timely intervention and treatment.

ESTABLISHING A BASELINE: Regular physical exams provide an opportunity to establish a baseline of your overall health, making it easier to track changes and identify deviations in the future.

PERSONALIZED HEALTHCARE: An annual physical allows your healthcare provider to understand your unique medical history, lifestyle, and risk factors, enabling them to provide personalized recommendations and interventions.

HEALTH MAINTENANCE: Routine check-ups help ensure that you are up to date on necessary vaccinations, screenings, and preventive care measures, reducing the risk of future illnesses or complications.

MONITORING CHRONIC CONDITIONS: If you have existing chronic conditions, an annual physical allows your healthcare provider to assess the progress and management of these conditions, ensuring they are under control and minimizing potential complications.

PROMOTING HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CHOICES: Your annual physical provides an opportunity to discuss and receive guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including diet, exercise, stress management, and overall well-being.

EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING: An annual physical encompasses not only physical health but also your emotional well-being. Discussing any mental health concerns or stressors with your healthcare provider can lead to appropriate support and resources.

COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH ASSESSMENT: An annual physical includes a thorough evaluation of vital signs, body systems, and laboratory tests, providing a comprehensive overview of your health status and allowing for early detection of any abnormalities.

PROTECTING YOUR SKIN

BRINGING AWARENES TO UV SAFETY MONTH AND SHIELDING YOURSELF FROM HARMFUL RAYS

Embracing the long-awaited summer months, we find ourselves captivated by the allure of sunny weather, envisioning exciting vacations, outdoor adventures, lively summer festivals, and blissful trips to the pool or beach. Amidst this whirlwind of activities, it’s easy to overlook an essential aspect—protecting ourselves from the invisible threat of ultraviolet (UV) rays.

As we welcome a new month, let us remember that July holds a special significance as UV Safety Month. While we revel in the joys of summertime, it’s crucial to acknowledge the profound impact of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. Sunshine, undeniably delightful, plays a vital role in our body’s Vitamin D production and has even been linked to combating depression in individuals lacking exposure. However, excessive sun exposure can pose a wide array of health risks. Today, we will explore some surprising dangers associated with sun exposure and uncover valuable strategies to shield ourselves from harm.

When it comes to UV light, there exist two main types: UVA and UVB. UVB rays are responsible for causing sunburns and certain types of skin cancers, while UVA rays can contribute to the premature aging of the skin, resulting in a leathery and wrinkled appearance, along with an increased risk of specific skin cancers. A simple mnemonic to remember is that “A” stands for aging and “B” for burning, underscoring the distinct hazards each type poses.

While many of us are familiar with the detrimental effects of UV light on our skin, it is equally crucial to recognize its potential harm to our eyes. The delicate structures within our eyes, including the cornea, retina, and lens, can suffer damage due to UV radiation. Therefore, safeguarding our eyes becomes an indispensable part of our comprehensive sun safety regimen.

EXPANDING OUR TEAM

WELCOMING TALENTED NEW ADDITIONS

Name Position

Joel Arreguin Signal Maintainer

Juan Jimenez Signal Supervisor

Adam Shireman Aprprentice Electrician

Dylan Bruner Apprentice

David Harn General Manager of Manufacturing

Wesley Hazlett Signal Maintainer

Trysten Williamson HVAC Service Technician

Andre Strong Signal Maintainer

Chase Sanborn Intern

Name Position

Lukas Wilson Signal Maintainer

Randy Donahoo Signal Maintainer

Pamala Ludlow National Account Manager

Davis Davenport Welder

Rodney Leard

National Account Manager

Maurice Horn Signal Maintainer

Elaina Mitchell Assembler

Juan Rodriguez Signal Maintainer

OPEN POSITIONS

Refer a new employee and be paid up to $500 per employee hired based on position. You must fill out a candidate referral form. Payout is in two increments of 60 days of employee hired and 90 days of employee hire date.

Location Title

Pittsburg, KS Inventory Specialist

Pittsburg, KS Forklift Operator

Pittsburg, KS Quality Assurance Inspector

Humboldt, KS Journeyman Plumber

Pittsburg, KS Fiber Optic Technician

Houston, TX Journeyman Electrician

Pittsburg, KS Master/Journeyman HVAC Technician

Pittsburg, KS Railroad Signal Installer

Humboldt, KS Master Plumber

Pittsburg, KS HVAC Service Technician

Humboldt, KS HVAC Lead Installer

Location Title

Joplin, MO Journeyman Electrician

Humboldt, KS HVAC Installer

Pittsburg, KS Journeyman Plumber

Pittsburg, KS Journeyman Electrician

Humboldt, KS Plumbing Service Technician

Pittsburg, KS Journeyman Lineman

Pittsburg, KS Plumbing Service Technician

Pittsburg, KS Directional Boring Tracker/Operator

Pittsburg, KS Directional Boring Tracker/Operator

Houston, KS Master/Journeyman Plumber

Houston, TX Boring Operator

Pittsburg, KS Cable Plow Equipment Operator

Pittsburg, KS Boring Locator