Richard Jay “Rick” Corman (1955–2013) was more than a railroad entrepreneur – he was a force of nature whose life story continues to inspire generations of railroad professionals. Born in Nicholasville, Kentucky, Corman’s roots were humble, yet his dreams were anything but. From the very beginning, Corman embodied the spirit of possibility, believing that with hard work, ingenuity and a little luck, anything was achievable.
Corman’s professional journey began in 1973, just after graduating high school. With a rented backhoe, a dump truck, and fierce determination, he founded R. J. Corman Construction Company. He took on the jobs that others didn’t want, including rebuilding road crossings in all weather. Corman’s fearless and adept operator skills quickly set him apart. He modified his equipment to climb atop gondola cars, revolutionizing how railroad ties were unloaded. Over time, his signature red trucks and machinery grew to become a symbol of quality, ingenuity, and reliability, recognized across the country.
As the years passed, Corman’s company expanded from local projects to major contracts with Class I railroads. By the late 1970s, he was performing derailment work for the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, and soon after, for the Seaboard System. His hands-on leadership and unwavering commitment to customer service led CSX to retire their own derricks, entrusting full-time derailment work to contractors like R. J. Corman.
The passage of the Staggers Rail Act in 1980 was a turning point. Corman saw opportunity where others saw risk and he acquired his first short line, the Bardstown Line, in 1987. This move marked the birth of R. J. Corman Railroad Company, which currently owns 19 short line operations stretching over 1,400 miles. Corman’s business model became a prime example of the short line railroad industry’s vital role in America’s infrastructure through its commitment to high-touch service, innovative rail solutions and partnership philosophy.
Corman was a pioneer in vertical integration, founding subsidiaries to serve every aspect of railroad operations: rail transportation, construction, derailment services, signaling, material sales, switching, distribution centers and even the My Old Kentucky Dinner Train, an excursion train. His company became renowned for its emergency response efforts, carried out by the Storm Team, notably leading recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
One of Rick Corman's earliest jobs was unloading railroad ties from gondola cars, a task he approached with his signature innovative spirit and fearless determination. He modified his backhoe to go on the cars to unload them, rather than doing the work by hand.
At the heart of Corman’s leadership were his “Big Rocks” – five core values that shaped the company’s culture and success:
These principles remain embedded in the corporate ethos of R. J. Corman Railroad Group, guiding its operations and inspiring every employee to strive for excellence.
Corman’s legacy extends beyond business. Corman was known for quietly assisting individuals and communities, offering help and support without seeking recognition or publicity for his acts of kindness. After being diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2001, Corman established the Richard J. Corman Multiple Myeloma Research Fund, supporting groundbreaking research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Corman’s generosity touched his hometown as well. He funded the creation of the Saint Joseph’s Jessamine R. J. Corman Ambulatory Care Center, providing the county’s first full-service, 24/7 emergency room. His commitment to giving back was woven into the fabric of his company and community.
Despite battling cancer for over a decade, Corman remained actively involved in his company, leading major projects and inspiring employees with his resilience and warmth. Corman’s relationships with policymakers, executives, and industry organizations helped shape the future of short line railroading. His commitment to excellence and innovation made R. J. Corman Railroad Group a trusted partner for Class I railroads and shipping customers nationwide.
Corman passed away in 2013 at age 58, but his spirit lives on in every mile of track, every red locomotive or red truck and every employee who carries forward his legacy. Today, R. J. Corman Railroad Group employs approximately 1,400 people across 70 locations, setting the standard for service and reliability in the railroad industry.
As R. J. Corman Railroad Group recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, Corman’s legacy endures in the company’s ongoing commitment to safety, customer service, and community engagement. For those in the short line railroad industry, Rick Corman’s journey is more than a blueprint for success – it’s an invitation to dream big, work hard, and make a difference.
To learn more about Rick Corman's life and career, see "Working Hard to be Lucky: the R. J. Corman Story" on YouTube or visit the R. J. Corman Railroad Company website.
