Has the economy turned for you?

[Wes Tausend]

...

Of 756 Conductors in my senority district, all are back to work, as of the last two weeks. Conductors are the least and youngest senority class of road operations employees since the elimination of the brakeman. But then vacations are starting.

Still, it represents the company's estimate of railroad manpower requirements through this summer. Most (95%) are marked up (employed in) to presently available jobs. It is said that continental tranportion is an indicator of the rate of the US economy.

Hope it holds true. In the past, this country has been amazingly resilient. Hope that holds true also.

Wes

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[Scott S]

Originally Posted by Wes Tausend

...



Hope it holds true. In the past, this country has been amazingly resilient. Hope that holds true also.

Wes

...

Wes I think it was a bit over a year ago that you mentioned the slowdown would make me better. I have found efficiencies that I was missing and have learned to do with less employees. I am excited that every employee I laid off has come back every one quit their current employers to work for me again.

Scott S

[Wes Tausend]

Originally Posted by Scott S

Wes I think it was a bit over a year ago that you mentioned the slowdown would make me better. I have found efficiencies that I was missing and have learned to do with less employees. I am excited that every employee I laid off has come back every one quit their current employers to work for me again.

Scott S

I remember, Scott. It's just great you've not only kept your chin up, but likely outran a few competitors that fell by the wayside in the "grizzly" process.

That is somewhat amazing that you were able to get all your employees back. First of all, they must have all been worth keeping, remarkable in itself. Second of all, that is nearly unprecedented combined loyalty on their part. I say only somewhat amazing because it is kind of obvious you care about your guys and I am sure they know it. Sure they came back when they could. You are the kind of boss everybody wants, but not everybody gets. America is still a great place to live and work because of men like you. Thank you.

With new-found efficiencies, and all these good men, you might bring in the kind of future reserve to weather the next crisis even better. There are no false promises in the world of self-employment. My hats off to you Scott, and I wish you and yours the very best.

Wes

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[Ron61]

Scott,

That is great that all of your employees like working for you enough to come back like that. It is hard to say if the economy around here is improving or not. A couple of places are hiring, but three more went out of business in the past month. They reported that housing starts had taken a big jump, but when I saw what they counted that just isn't so. One of the bigger businesses had gotten a permit to add a huge addition and they were counting that as part of new housing permits. There are some being issued but there are also foreclosures still going on. I see maybe one or two logging trucks a week so the mill hasn't picked up much.

Ron

[Scott S]

Originally Posted by Wes Tausend

Sure they came back when they could. You are the kind of boss everybody wants, but not everybody gets.

Wes

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Thanks Wes,

Three of my past employees that came back have been working for Mike Phil of "Axman" fame. http://www.history.com/shows/ax-men/...l-logging-crew

I get a real giggle about shooting a cannon through one of his logging crews.

Scott S

[HI Cobra]

I'm over here in Hawaii (not like the real world, granted) but construction has
been in the pits since last year. I have all my home equity line in the company at this point and using personal savings to keep things going - just hope I have enough to make it through. Been through this before. To add insult to injury someone broke into my warehouse/office and stole a van and $20k worth of power tools used for installing fire sprinkler systems. Got the
van back and discovered they had cut the fuel and vent hoses and punched
the gas tank. Just nasty thieves here here in the land of "aloha"!

Things may be starting to turn here but not really sure of that yet. We sub
under general contractors and they are playing the Maytag man too.

I do hope this turns around soon.

Glad it is getting better for you Scott and that the improvement continues.

[Ron61]

Originally Posted by Scott S

Thanks Wes,

Three of my past employees that came back have been working for Mike Phil of "Axman" fame. http://www.history.com/shows/ax-men/...l-logging-crew

I get a real giggle about shooting a cannon through one of his logging crews.

Scott S

Scott,

Now that is funny. I normally watch the Axeman shows, but the ones in Florida and elsewhere seem to be getting more Hollywood than actual fact. I hope that your business continues to go well.

Ron

[K.Amber]

Originally Posted by Scott S

Wes I think it was a bit over a year ago that you mentioned the slowdown would make me better. I have found efficiencies that I was missing and have learned to do with less employees. I am excited that every employee I laid off has come back every one quit their current employers to work for me again.

I like your never say die attitude Scott. Am sure your employees were greatly motivated by your determination in the face of crisis. Lesson learnt well!”