Previous Norman W. Seip Award Winners

The Norman W. Seip Award For Industry Excellence in the rail finance industry is awarded each year at Rail Equipement Finance.

See the most recent winner and the story behind the award.

James Earl, 2010 Recipient

In 2006, Mr. Earl was elected Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for GATX. Mr. Earl had been elected Executive Vice President - Rail of GATX Corporation in 2004 and served GATX's senior Rail executive. Previously, he was Executive Vice President - Commercial for GATX Rail from 2001 to 2004. Mr. Earl joined GATX Capital's Rail Group in 1988 as Director. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Earl served as Director - Service and Equipment Planning - with Soo Line Railroad, and with Southern Pacific Railroad as a Terminal Superintendent, Assistant Terminal Superintendent and Assistant Trainmaster. Mr. Earl received his BSBA from Washington University in St. Louis in 1979 and his MBA from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School in 1981.

James Earl receives Seip Award

Rail Equipment Finance Chairman Tony Kruglinski presents the Norman W. Seip Award for Industry Excellence
to James Earl.

Desmond P. Hayes, 2009 Recipient

Desmond P. Hayes—2009 recipient of the Norman W. Seip Award—is President of Trean LLC.

Desmond has been one of the true giants of the Rail Leasing Industry for the past 30 years.

Highlights of his career include:

Desmond created, built and managed Rail Equipment Portfolios that were known for their balance from a standpoint of equipment type, quality of credit, lease term and return on investment—all of the things that matter.

More than anything else his companies have been known for high quality, fairness and always putting the customer first. His teams have carried themselves with a high degree of character and integrity—striving for excellence.

One of the best measures of his success has been his ability to protect his investors’ interests. He was always able to sell the portfolios, if necessary!

Desmond is truly one of the best businessmen in our industry.

Desmond P. Hayes receives Seip Award

Rail Equipment Finance Chairman Tony Kruglinski presents the Norman W. Seip Award for Industry Excellence
to Desmond P. Hayes.

Jack Thomas, 2008 Recipient

Jack Thomas, President of First Union Rail was awarded The Norman W. Seip Award For Industry Excellence at Rail Equipment Finance 2008 in La Quinta in March of 2008. Jack is and has been a regular participant in Rail Equipment Finance for many years, during which he regularly advocated positions designed to inform and challenge industry thinking on a number of subjects. Jack's career at The Milwaukee Road, TTX, and Chrysler Rail prepared him for his most dramatic achievement.........the creation and growth of First Union Rail. Rail Equipment Finance 2008 was proud to honor Jack with our first "Normie".

Jack Thomas receives Seip Award

Rail Equipment Finance Chairman Tony Kruglinski presents the Norman W. Seip Award for Industry Excellence
to First Union's Jack Thomas.

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