by Idiot Railfan
Sometimes one person can come to personify a company. Depending on the size and the dynamics of the organization, some can survive the loss of that person and others don't because that person was the embodiment of the company.
Wendy's survived Dave Thomas' death because by then he was more of a figurehead and was not running the day-to-day operations.
Martha Stewart Omnimedia, however, suffered greatly when Martha went to jail.
Walter Rich is clearly the embodiment of the NYSW, it's greatest cheerleader and lobbyist. The railroad got to where it is because of his tanacity. And the company is small enough that a single pivotal person can make a difference. Sadly, if he is no longer able to do his job, I do fear for the railroad.
My other big concern is with the mounting efforts in the US Senate to modify federal railroad rules to allow states to regulate solid waste transfer stations--the current bread and butter of the NYSW.
I'm not so sure the NYSW could survive both the lost of Walter Rich AND changes in the garbage-hauling business.
Wendy's survived Dave Thomas' death because by then he was more of a figurehead and was not running the day-to-day operations.
Martha Stewart Omnimedia, however, suffered greatly when Martha went to jail.
Walter Rich is clearly the embodiment of the NYSW, it's greatest cheerleader and lobbyist. The railroad got to where it is because of his tanacity. And the company is small enough that a single pivotal person can make a difference. Sadly, if he is no longer able to do his job, I do fear for the railroad.
My other big concern is with the mounting efforts in the US Senate to modify federal railroad rules to allow states to regulate solid waste transfer stations--the current bread and butter of the NYSW.
I'm not so sure the NYSW could survive both the lost of Walter Rich AND changes in the garbage-hauling business.
"But Dad. It's Smokey!"