A longtime relationship between two Pittsburg-based companies began when Watco, still in its infancy, needed help with railroad signals. CDL Electric, a mom-and-pop, offered up that help and in doing so, provided growth for both.
Now, 30 years later, CDL still maintains and repairs Watco’s signals in 22 states and added design work and vinyl lettering for locomotives to its services.
Last week, Team members from both companies got to know each other even better: CDL attended a three-day Watco U 101 instructor-led course. It marked the first time for an outside company to participate.
“We’re happy to expand and offer what we do for our Team to another, to help them become stronger,” said instructor Cris Hatcher. “They can learn from each other and continue to build the working relationship we already have.”
Hatcher, along with Nick Weber and Amanda Whetzell, led the CDL and Watco Team members from a variety of departments through classroom and outdoor discussions and activities to explore the five areas of trust, conflict, commitment, accountability, and results.
The activity “Stepping Stones,” for example, challenged groups to work together to navigate a section of parking lot using rubber circles. Not all groups were successful right out of the gate. Weber and Hatcher provided coaching, inviting them to discuss what worked and what didn’t and to then start again using a different approach.
Along the way, they used teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and how to find solutions while being safe. In turn, they gained leadership competencies and approaches that will improve their work environment and relationships, Hatcher said.
“It gives you a sense of accomplishment to work together to find a solution,” said Ryan Sodamann, director of electrical services at CDL.
Afton Lundy, director of railroad services at CDL, said she plans on taking what she learned back to her office to present to others.
For Josh Beaudry of WSOR, it was the first time to visit Watco’s home base.
“It was good to put faces with names,” he said.
SKOL Trainmaster Dustin Coester said he was eager to use what he learned to build a better Team.
And Darin Price, who is new to his role as assistant general manager on the Stillwater Central, said it was helpful to learn more about the Watco culture.
Surprise visitors included Kaye Lynne Webb, widow of Watco founder Dick Webb, as well as David Rankine, vice president of Safety and Customer Service, who came all the way from Australia.
Watco COO Dan Smith dropped in to address the group, as well.
Attendees included Afton Lundy, Ron Hampton, Mike Ramsey, Michael Relph, and Ryan Sodamann of CDL. Watco Team members representing the KO, SKOL, WSOR, KAW, as well as IT, Recruiting, and Service Assurance included Matt Bixler, Josh Beaudry, Chadd Thimesch, Stacey Wilberding, Lance Cullen, Jeff Linville, Dan Roth, Darin Price, Dustin Coester, Jason Wetta, and Laura Bolt.
#