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Nov. 22, 2023

Difference Makers – Joe Schieszler, Sr., Founder of Rescar Companies

Difference Makers – Joe Schieszler, Sr., Founder of Rescar Companies
Season 1

Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh, is joined by the man who gave him his start in the industry, guest Joseph F. Schieszler, Sr., Founder and Chairman of Rescar Companies, based in Downers Grove, IL. Together they discuss Joe’s journey from growing up in a small town near Cincinnati, OH., to the creation of railcar maintenance company Rescar; the formation of railcar fleet management, engineering, and technical services company AllTranstek; and the impact Joe has had on the industry as a Difference Maker. Tune in to this episode now to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading. You can find the episode on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net . Welcome aboard!

KEY POINTS: 

  • Joe Schieszler, Sr. came from a small town near Cincinnati, OH with a HS graduating class of 66.
  • Joe attended the University of Cincinnati on a full academic scholarship, graduating with a degree in chemical engineering.
  • In 1969 Joe co-founded a company called Resco, who specialized in reclaiming and repairing box car load restraining equipment, with an initial personal investment of $3,000.00. 
  • In 1975 Mr. Schieszler founded Rescar, to clean, repair, paint, and line railcars, which has since grown to be the largest provider of railcar maintenance in North America.
  • Joe has 7 children, all of whom have worked for Rescar, 3 of whom have overseen the daily operations since his semi-retirement.
  • AllTranstek was formed in 1999, who today provides fleet management services for over 300,000 railcars, and provide tech services including engineering services, regulatory and NDT support, training, education, and more, with a large presence on industry committees and task forces.
  • Joe has quite the success story and has made a significant impact on the industry and to those in it.
  • Mr. Schieszler has enjoyed 38 wonderful years of marriage with his wife LaVerne, and they continue to reside in the Chicago suburbs today.
  • Joe Schieszler, Sr. is the first recipient of the American Railroading – Lifetime Achievement Award.
  • The American Railroading Podcast has now been downloaded in 22 countries!

LINKS MENTIONED: 

https://www.americanrailroading.net/ 

https://therevolutionrailgroup.com/ 

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshX 

https://www.rescar.com 

https://www.alltranstek.com 

Joseph F Schieszler Sr.Profile Photo

Joseph F Schieszler Sr.

Chairman

Joe Schieszler Sr., founder and Chairman of Rescar Companies, has over 54 years of experience in the railcar industry. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a degree in chemical engineering, Mr. Schieszler formed Rescar in 1975 to clean, repair, paint and line railcars which has grown to be the largest provider of railcar maintenance in North America providing mobile railcar services and in-plant services, as well as fleet management and technical services via their sister-company, AllTranstek. Joe has seven children, all of whom have worked for Rescar, three of whom have overseen the daily operations of Rescar since his semi-retirement. Joe has enjoyed 38 wonderful years of marriage with his wife LaVerne, and they continue to reside in the Chicago suburbs.