Address: 1524 Frederick St. Racine, WI 53404
Website: www.racinerailroad.com
Year founded: 1970
Product or service offered: Manufacturer of railway track construction equipment, gasoline and hydraulic power hand tools for the railway maintenance.
Projected 2012 revenue: $18.5 million
Leadership: George Christiansen Jr., owner; Stephen Birkholz, president
Target clientele: Class one railroads, railroad contractors, shortline RR, transit authorities
Business organization memberships: MRA
What has fueled your company’s growth? “New product line growth.”
What is the biggest obstacle to your company’s growth? “Finding qualified employees.”
Do you plan any changes in your company in the upcoming months? “We are moving to a larger property and building location in 2013.”
Who are the business people, locally or nationally, whom you admire? And what traits do those people exhibit that make you admire them? “Entrepreneurial spirited companies with good reputations in business and in the community that provide good employment opportunities.”
What is the outlook for the business conditions of your industry over the next several months? “Business will be steady over the next several months.”
What is your company’s key strategy for rising out of the recession? “Continued new product development that adds value to our customers. Manufacturing quality products and shipping on a timely basis. Develop annual and 3-year business plans and quarterly forecasts that allow us to properly plan for the short and long term.”
