Track Profiles
- by Yvonne Lashmett

Of all the people who were employed by the D&SNGRR prior to the Roundhouse fire of February 1989, there are 21 full time employees still on the payroll 20 years later! Steve Jackson is the employee with the most years with the D&SNG. Actually, he came with the company when Charles Bradshaw purchased the Silverton Branch of the D&RGW in 1981!

For most of these employees, their longevity is a testimony to doing what they love. Maintenance of Way employees Leon Montoya and Michael (Moe) Rael patrol and maintain the tracks and keep the right-of-way clear. They work outside year-round in some of the best and worst weather conditions you can imagine and they wouldn't have it any other way. Steve Jackson and Larry Beam oversaw the rebuilding of the Roundhouse in 1989 and for over 20 years have been in the forefront, keeping the historic steam locomotives in operation with their knowledge, experience and their ability to pass skills on to new employees.

Most started their careers here as seasonal employees, never intending or expecting to stay 20 years. Paul Schranck was attending Fort Lewis College on a football scholarship when he started working summers cleaning coaches.

"Like any family we have our differences, trials and tribulations, and our ups and downs. But above all else, we work together to meet our personal and career goals and we are here together for a common cause. We are a railroad family."

After working in many departments, he is now Vice President and General Manager. Now Vice President and Superintendent of Operations, Evan Buchanan started working summers at the D&SNG as a brakeman, while working winters at Purgatory Ski Resort. Pam Ramsey, Kim Jones, Carol Peacock and Sharon Loose all started as seasonal Reservation Agents while raising their young children. Now with children no longer at home and some with grandchildren, they work year-round and remain in the same department as Managers and Supervisors. Yvonne Lashmett also started seasonally while raising children, and after working in Reservations, Accounting and Marketing, is now Event Manager as well as a grandmother of four.

Some have a career of railroading in their blood with their fathers and grandfathers having worked for a railroad in some capacity. If they didn't already have it in their blood, many have started their own railroading tradition with their children being seasonally employed by the D&SNG.

While each of these featured employees has been with the company for over 20 years, the D&SNG is also proud to have a very large and diverse group of returning seasonal employees who are passionate about their jobs at the railroad. Their experience and dedication is invaluable.

The owners of the railroad, Allen and Carol Harper, promote a family atmosphere among employees. Like any family we have our differences, trials and tribulations, and our ups and downs. But above all else, we work together to meet our personal and career goals and we are here together for a common cause. We are a railroad family.