OCTOBER 2023
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Table of
CONTENTS 03 Maintainer Spotlight
04 Division Spotlight
05 Employee Spotlight
06 Safety Feature
08 New Hires
09 Open Positions
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MAINTAINER SPOTLIGHT: DAVID ERICKSON FROM AEROSPACE TO SIGNAL MAINTENANCE
Meet David Erickson, a Signal Maintainer from Wellington, KS. David has been an integral part of the CDL family for the past two years. However, his journey to a career in signal maintenance is a story of unique professional transformation. He originally ventured into the field due to his passion for railroad and electrical work, which represented a different career path than his previous aerospace role. One of David’s remarkable achievements during his time at CDL is the improvement he made in his territory’s trouble calls. In just one year, he managed to reduce the number of trouble calls from 85 to an impressive 42. This feat is a testament to his unwavering commitment to delivering top-notch service. What surprised David the most about his role as a Signal Maintainer is the intricate technical side of things. He quickly learned that the root causes of problems often mirror those of other issues. This newfound knowledge has been a valuable asset in his daily responsibilities. Furthermore, he has been pleasantly surprised by the strong camaraderie that exists among different maintainers and railroads. The culture of mutual support extends to sharing spare parts when needed, ensuring everyone has what it takes to get the job done efficiently. Beyond his professional life, David enjoys a fulfilling personal life. He is married and a father of three children. His commitment to community and faith is evident as he actively participates in his local church. Outside of work, he indulges his passion for welding by undertaking various projects. Additionally, David is a member of the Army National Guard where he has served since 2014. We look forward to witnessing his continued growth and contributions to CDL in the years to come.
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REVOLUTIONIZING RAIL SAFETY: THE LOUISIANA BRD INSTALLATION PROJECT THE REMARKABLE DEDICATION OF CDL’S TEAM
In the world of railroad construction, innovation and adaptation are paramount. Recently, CDL embarked on an exciting endeavor, installing a cutting-edge Broken Rail Detection System (BRD) in Louisiana for CPKC. This remarkable project, led by Shawn O’Neal, with Trey Tobey and Rickey Berry as crucial crew members, not only marked a significant milestone for CDL but also showcased the exceptional dedication and problem-solving skills of our team. The BRD system, designed to monitor the integrity of railroad tracks and detect breaks and cracks, represented a new frontier for CDL. This project was unique, marking our first venture into this specialized field. As with any pioneering effort, we faced unforeseen challenges along the way. What sets our team apart is their ability to adapt and overcome obstacles. The unforeseen hurdles that presented themselves during the project were met with determination and ingenuity. Shawn, Trey, and Rickey displayed unwavering resolve, improvising solutions that kept the project on track. One of the standout achievements of this endeavor was the remarkable efficiency with which it was completed. The team not only navigated the uncharted territory of BRD installation but also managed to finish the project 20% under the total estimated hours. This remarkable feat made the Louisiana BRD installation one of the most profitable projects of the year. The Broken Rail Detection System is a critical component of railroad safety. By monitoring the tracks for breaks and cracks, it plays a vital role in preventing potential hazards. When a circuit is broken, it sends an immediate indication to the railroad authorities, allowing them to take swift action to ensure the safety and integrity of the tracks. The completion of this groundbreaking project not only demonstrates CDL’s commitment to innovation but also underscores the incredible talent and teamwork within our organization. We are proud of the accomplishments of Shawn O’Neal, Trey Tobey, and Rickey Berry, who have proven that, when faced with challenges, our team rises to the occasion, ensuring the safety and efficiency of the railroads we serve. We look forward to more pioneering projects in the future and continued success in our industry.
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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: CODY CLARK
A REMARKABLE JOURNEY OF DEDICATION AND LEADERSHIP AT CDL ELECTRIC Cody Clark, from Liberal Missouri is one of our longstanding and dedicated team members. Clark has been a vital part of CDL for almost 8 years. He shares his life with his wife and three amazing little boys, ages 4, 2, and 1. This employee made the journey to CDL Electric in pursuit of opportunities in the railroad industry. Over the years, he has been an integral part of numerous Railroad Construction corridor projects, Railroad switch yard automation projects, and Grade Crossing Warning System projects. However, one of the most significant milestones he has achieved during his time at CDL Electric was his involvement in all phases of the awe-inspiring Mega-Rail project at Georgia Port. Witnessing the entire project, from the first shovel in the dirt to its completion, was a surreal experience. His career at CDL Electric began as an Installation Signalman, where he gained invaluable experience in the Signal industry. He subsequently worked in various field positions on the Construction side of the business and later took up the role of Regional Director in our Railroad Signal Maintenance Division. This role helped him develop an even deeper understanding of the industry. Afterward, he returned to the Railroad Signal Construction Division to assist in managing projects. Clark has since been promoted to the Director of Railroad Signal Construction Division. One valuable lesson he wishes to share with his colleagues is to always keep an open mind when opportunities present themselves, as you never know which one might change your life for the better. When asked about what makes CDL Electric’s culture unique, he emphasized that it’s the team’s ability to work together to solve any issue. No challenge has been insurmountable when everyone collaborates to find solutions. Outside of work, this dedicated team member enjoys spending quality time with his family, passionately supporting the Dallas Cowboys, and indulging in his love for fishing. He lives by the motto, “A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go but ought to be.” We applaud his accomplishments and look forward to more milestones in his career with us.
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FROSTY AND FEARLESS: MASTERING WINTER SAFETY STAYING WARM, PREPARED, AND HEALTHY IN COLD CONDITIONS
3.
Drink Warm Liquids
Drinking warm liquids is a good way to keep yourself warm. You can add sugar to increase the energy you gain from the beverage. Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages and alcoholic drinks. Alcohol and caffeine can dilate your blood vessels, making it easier for your body to lose heat. Stick to warm water, milk or energy drinks.
1.
Dress Warmly
4.
Take Regular Warm Breaks
5.
When dressing for cold weather, choose the right fabric, like wool, polypropylene, and polyester fleece, which retain heat even when wet. Layer your clothing with three sufficient layers and add a windproof and waterproof insulating layer. Wear insulated boots and wool socks to keep your feet warm and dry in extremely low temperatures.
2.
Try to take a 10-minute break to warm yourself up for every two hours you work. These breaks allow the body to warm up before you go back to work, which can relieve cold-related stressors on the body. The best place to take a break is in a warm, dry shelter where you can move around and get your blood flowing.
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Get Enough Rest
Make sure you get enough sleep before attending to work. Proper rest helps you stay alert when at work in case of any emergencies. If you feel tired, ask for a short break in a warm area and take a nap to help your body re-energize. Getting enough sleep also lowers your chances of falling sick.
Keep A Cold Weather Safety Kit in Your Car Put your cold-weather safety kit in the car and include a spare set of dry clothes. The clothes will serve you in case your clothes get wet. Your equipment should have emergency blankets, a lighter and some candles. It’s also a good idea to keep some non-perishable food items in your car in case of an extended emergency.
6.
Prepare Your Vehicle for
9.
Keeping your vehicle in good shape can l help it keep running even in the cold weather. Always try to carry a fully charged mobile phone and a list of emergency contacts whenever you leave for work. If necessary, equip your vehicle with tires made to improve your traction on snowy or icy road surfaces.
7.
Check Weather Forecasts Find out what the weather forecast is for the day before leaving for work. It can inform you of passable roads and expected temperatures for the day. Weather reports help you plan for your day and prepare adequately for any weather-related challenges you may encounter.
8.
Attend First Aid and Cold Weather Training Enroll in a first-aid class that teaches response techniques for cold-related emergencies. Proper education on safety measures at the workplace will reduce reaction times and increase success rates in weather-related emergencies. You can also attend cold weather training through a certification program to gain more skills related to cold weather safety.
Seal Gaps to Keep out Cold Air Look for any gaps under doors, near windows and above doors that may let in cold air. Keep the wind out by placing mats under doors, using carpets on floors and using cardboard to seal broken windows and gaps above doors. When sealing gaps, make sure not to block doors or windows completely, as this can be a fire hazard and lead to poor ventilation.
10.
Stick to Familiar Driving Routes
When you leave for work, inform any close friends, colleagues or neighbors of your destination and preferred route if possible. Avoid trying new routes during cold weather, especially if you aren’t sure whether they’re passable. Try to use the same way as often as you can and choose a path with other motorists. This limits your likelihood of becoming stranded in an unfamiliar location.
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EXPANDING OUR TEAM
WELCOMING TALENTED NEW ADDITIONS
Name
Position
Kenneth McBride
Position Signal Maintainer
Wilbur Kern
HVAC Installer
Christopher Harrison
Signal Maintainer
Noel Posada
Signal Maintainer
Preston Osborn
Estimator
Darian Brede
Signal Maintainer
Sam Arnold
Plumbing Service Technician
Russel Horton
Journeyman Electrician
Name
Damion Roeder
Signal Maintainer
Kyle Rifenberg
Signal Maintainer
Jeffrey Lentscher
Signal Maintainer
CDL attended the blue collar career fair in Fort Scott in which we spoke with high school students about what a career in trades would look like.
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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
Location
Pittsburg, KS
Journeyman Electrician
Pittsburg, KS
Journeyman/Master HVAC Technician
Pittsburg, KS
Cad Operator
Pittsburg, KS
HVAC Service Electrician
Pittsburg, KS
Journeyman Linemand
Humboldt, KS
Master Plumber
Humboldt, KS
Plumbing Service Technician
Pittsburg, KS
Accountant
Pittsburg, KS
Master/Journeyman Plumber
Title
Humboldt, KS Journeyman Plumber Humboldt, KS
HVAC Service Assistant
Pittsburg, KS
Plumbing Service Technician
Humboldt, KS
HVAC Installer
Pittsburg, KS
Journeyman Plumber
Parsons, KS
HVAC Service Assistant
Pittsburg, KS
Railroad Signal Installer
Parsons, KS
HVAC Installer
Pittsburg, KS
Mechanical Engineer
Houston, TX
Journeyman Electrician
Pittsburg, KS
Commercial Electrician
Joplin, MO
Journeyman Electrician
Pittsburg, KS
HVAC Service Assistant
Joplin, MO
Service Electrician
Pittsburg, KS
HVAC Installer
Pittsburg, KS
Service Electrician
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