There’s something inspiring about people who start from the very bottom and work their way up brick by brick, year by year. Claude Edward Elkins Jr is one of those people. Long before he stepped into the boardroom as Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern, he was out on the tracks, hands covered in grease, learning how the railway really worked. His journey isn’t just a corporate success story; it’s a reminder that leadership doesn’t always start in an office—it often starts in the field.
Early Life and Humble Beginnings
Claude Edward Elkins Jr grew up in the rugged hills of southwestern Virginia. Life there wasn’t easy, but it taught him two things early on: the value of hard work and the importance of patience. He didn’t come from privilege or big-city connections. Instead, his education came from long days, physical labor, and watching people who worked with quiet pride.
After finishing school, he attended The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English. Later, he pursued his MBA from Old Dominion University, and even completed management programs at Harvard Business School, UVA Darden School of Business, and The University of Tennessee Supply Chain Institute.
Those credentials didn’t just give him academic strength they shaped his ability to communicate, lead, and strategize.
The First Step on the Tracks – A Career That Started from the Ground Up
Most executives start with a fancy title or an office badge. But Claude Edward Elkins Jr started with a hard hat and a timetable. He joined Norfolk Southern Corporation in 1988 as a road brakeman, one of the most demanding jobs in rail operations. It meant long hours, unpredictable weather, and a constant test of endurance.
But that’s where his foundation was built. Working in the field, he learned every detail of how the trains ran, how teams operated, and what made logistics tick. That real-world experience later became his biggest advantage when he moved into management.
He didn’t stay in one place for long. From brakeman to conductor, locomotive engineer, and yardmaster, Claude climbed every rung of the ladder the old-fashioned way—by earning it.
Building Expertise – From Fieldwork to Leadership
After years in operations, Claude Edward Elkins Jr transitioned into the marketing and commercial side of Norfolk Southern. This is where his strategic mind started to shine. His early work in Intermodal Marketing gave him insight into how rail freight connects with global supply chains.
He later took on leadership roles including:
- Group Vice President of Chemicals Marketing (2016)
- Vice President of Industrial Products (2018)
- Chief Marketing Officer before becoming Chief Commercial Officer (2021)
Each role added a layer to his understanding of business from how to optimize customer logistics to building long-term relationships with industrial clients. He became known not just for his deep industry knowledge but also for his calm, people-first approach to management.
“When you’ve spent time on the ground, you never forget what it takes to keep the wheels turning,” one colleague once said about him.
That statement pretty much sums him up—steady, humble, and focused.
A Leader Who Knows Every Level of the Business
The unique thing about Claude is that he’s one of the few top executives who’s actually worked nearly every operational role in the company. He understands both the workers and the shareholders. This balance helps him make decisions that don’t just look good on paper but work in real life too.
He’s responsible for leading teams across multiple business divisions: Intermodal, Automotive, Industrial Products, Real Estate, and Short Line Marketing.
That’s a huge scope but what makes him stand out is how approachable he remains. People describe him as a “listener first, leader second,” and that’s rare in corporate America.
Leadership Style and Vision
When you read about Claude Edward Elkins Jr, one thing stands out his leadership isn’t about ego; it’s about efficiency and empathy. He doesn’t chase headlines or crave attention. Instead, he focuses on results, teamwork, and consistency.
His philosophy seems simple: understand the system, respect the people, and never forget where you came from.
He’s deeply involved in shaping Norfolk Southern’s commercial strategy, focusing on innovation, customer experience, and sustainability. In today’s world—where environmental responsibility and logistics efficiency go hand in hand his leadership helps keep the company competitive and forward-thinking.
Beyond the Office – Boards, Mentorship, and Community
Outside of corporate life, Claude serves on several boards including:
- National Association of Manufacturers
- TTX Company
- North American Rail Shippers Association
- Traffic Clubs of Virginia and Atlanta
He’s also involved in community development through organizations like the East Lake Foundation, where he contributes to programs that uplift underprivileged families.
His commitment to mentorship and education shows his belief that leadership doesn’t stop at the company gate—it extends to society.
What Makes Claude Edward Elkins Jr Different
There are many executives in the logistics and rail industry, but few have the kind of full-circle experience Claude does. He’s a perfect example of how understanding every level of a business from the most basic to the most complex can make you a stronger, more grounded leader.
He’s not a headline chaser or social media personality. Instead, his success is quiet, built on decades of consistency. And maybe that’s what makes his story worth telling—it’s proof that real success doesn’t need noise; it just needs results.
Lessons from His Journey
If there’s one thing young professionals can learn from him, it’s this: every stage matters.
The early jobs, the small roles, the hard lessons they all add up. Claude’s story proves that humility and patience are still powerful tools for growth.
It also reminds us that leadership built on empathy is more sustainable than leadership built on authority. The rail industry may be built on steel and motion, but its heart is still human.
Conclusion
So, when people ask what makes Claude Edward Elkins Jr special, the answer isn’t found in his title. It’s in the way he earned it. From his first day as a brakeman to his position as Chief Commercial Officer, his journey reflects discipline, loyalty, and quiet ambition.
He represents a generation of leaders who prove that success doesn’t need shortcuts—it needs persistence. And maybe, in a world chasing instant results, that’s exactly the kind of reminder we need.
FAQs About Claude Edward Elkins Jr
Q1. Who is Claude Edward Elkins Jr?
He’s the Chief Commercial Officer of Norfolk Southern Corporation, one of the major freight rail companies in the United States.
Q2. Where did he start his career?
He began in 1988 as a road brakeman at Norfolk Southern, eventually working his way up through multiple operational and executive positions.
Q3. What is his educational background?
He holds a bachelor’s in English from UVA’s College at Wise, an MBA from Old Dominion University, and certificates from Harvard and Darden School of Business.
Q4. What makes his leadership style unique?
His deep operational background gives him empathy and practicality—he leads with experience, not just theory.
Q5. What can professionals learn from him?
That starting small doesn’t mean staying small, and that leadership is more about understanding people than commanding them.
