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Paul H. Reistrup

Former President of Amtrak
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Richard Davidson learned the value of hard work at a young age. His early years on the family's small farm near Allen, Kansas--population 200--were happy ones, but the family's world changed dramatically after his father was killed in a car accident when Davidson was just six years old. Necessity forced Davidson's mother to take a job outside the home, and he and his brother took over more of the farm chores. 

Davidson says the loss made him more self-reliant and motivated him to work hard. He brought that dedication to his railroad career when, at age 18, he took a job as a brakeman on the Missouri Pacific to earn money for college. That same drive fueled his rise through the ranks until, forty-seven years later, he retired as Chairman, President, and CEO of Union Pacific. 

Listen as Davidson reflects on the wisdom learned through life and railroading.

Interview Transcript And Outtake On The Way!

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