A grandfather’s influence, a railroader’s journey

Jacob Elium, VP of Financial Planning and Analysis, didn’t just choose a career in railroading; he followed a path carved decades earlier by his grandfather, Robert “Bob” Elium. His grandfather's career was one of determination, pride, and decades of hands-on experience.

Bob began his 40-year railroad career with Southern Railway in Spencer, North Carolina, and retired in 1990 as a senior general foreman in Lynchburg, Virginia. Over the course of his career, he touched nearly every aspect of mechanical operations, including work on both freight and passenger trains, as well as leading derailment cleanups using a railroad derrick. He later settled in Durham, North Carolina, where he retired.

Jacob’s grandfather took great pride in being someone others could count on, especially in moments of crisis. Whether responding to derailments or assisting with emergency repairs, he saw his role not just as a job, but to support his fellow railroaders and the communities affected.

“He wanted to help,” Jacob said. “If something happened, he was ready to go — day or night.”

Bob also played a key role in maintaining the Crescent passenger train, a historic route now operated by Amtrak connecting New York City to New Orleans and one of the most recognizable in the system.

“I grew up hearing stories about how the railroad shaped communities and careers,” Jacob said. “My grandfather helped keep the railroad moving, and he cared deeply about the people behind it.”

Always at the ready

Jacob’s grandmother would tell him stories of his grandfather using a railroad scanner to monitor train movements at night in real time. If he heard a mention of a potential issue, he would wake up almost instinctively and head out in the days before cell phones and GPS.

That kind of commitment stays with you. Even in retirement, Jacob recalls how his grandfather still enjoys listening to rail traffic through a railroad scanner at home.

Carrying the name forward

Jacob’s career at NS spans more than 13 years, with roles across finance, operations, labor relations, customer service, and human resources. These experiences have given him a deep appreciation for the business and the people who keep it running.

His grandfather’s influence goes beyond inspiration. After Jacob graduated, his grandfather helped him make a connection at NS that led to an interview and his first role with the company. “He didn’t just inspire me to join the railroad,” Jacob said. “He helped open the door.”

Hard work, integrity, and a deep respect for the crafts continue to shape how Jacob leads today.

Jacob listening to presentation from longtime customer SA Recycling in Doraville, Georgia. 

Looking ahead

Jacob is proud of the work his team has done to strengthen financial planning and cross-functional collaboration across the company. “The finance team works hard to learn the operation so we can support the business in a meaningful way,” he said.

His advice to future railroaders? Stay curious and stay connected. “Learn the business from different angles, build relationships, and never lose sight of the people who make it all work.”

What’s changed and what hasn’t

“My grandfather always said, ‘A lot has changed, but a lot hasn’t,’” Jacob recalled. “The technology is different, but the heartbeat of the railroad is still the same: People working together to move something bigger than themselves, safely and efficiently.”

For Jacob, carrying the Elium name at NS is more than a personal connection. It’s a reminder that every railroader’s story is part of something bigger and built on those who came before.