The Switch Point

Axiom Rail Services

The Switch Point is where the rail industry’s biggest conversations collide.

Hosted by Axiom Rail Services, this podcast brings serious energy to the world of ethics, auditing, and real-world rail operations, with a sharp focus on transload rail. Every episode puts you in the room with railroad experts, regulators, supply chain analysts, and railcar manufacturing executives who are shaping the future of the industry right now.

This is not surface-level talk. We dig into compliance, safety, accountability, and the tough decisions that keep freight moving. We challenge outdated thinking, question the gray areas, and push for higher standards across the board.

And then there is Off the Rails.

These episodes are raw, unfiltered, and built by the Axiom community. We bring guests on to vent, debate, joke around, and say what everyone else is thinking but will not say out loud. We open the phone lines, take live questions, and let the conversation go wherever it leads.

Whether you are on the ground, behind a desk, or running operations, The Switch Point is your place for honest insight, real accountability, and the kind of conversations this industry has been missing.

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Tuesday · 54 min
Ep. 19 - The Railroad Will Tell You: 36 Years of Track Inspection, Derailments & Rail Safety with Bill Pairman
This week on The Switch Point Podcast, Joe sits down with railroad industry veteran Bill Pairman, who brings 36 years of experience across track inspection, heavy equipment, derailment response, transit operations, maintenance, and railroad leadership. Bill shares what decades of hands-on experience have taught him about identifying track defects, preventing derailments, managing maintenance, and balancing new technology with boots-on-the-ground experience. The conversation covers: The differences between freight and transit rail What experienced track inspectors look for in the field How delayed maintenance can lead to derailments The role of technology, sensors, drones, and data in rail safety Why hands-on experience still matters The challenges facing the next generation of railroad workers Why becoming a great railroader is a marathon, not a sprint After 36 years in the industry, Bill's message is simple: learn the craft, respect the railroad, and pass your knowledge on to the next generation.
August 18 · 1 hr
Ep. 18 - OFF THE RAILS: Road Warriors, Sketchy Hotels & The Wild Side of Traveling for Work with Joe
What happens when your job has you constantly jumping on planes, driving through the middle of nowhere, staying in questionable hotels, and finding yourself in places you never expected to visit? This week on The Switch Point Podcast, Vegas takes over the host seat and puts Joe in the hot seat for an Off the Rails conversation all about traveling for work. Joe shares what life is really like as a road warrior in the rail industry, from navigating airports and rental cars to spending hours on the road with Mike, finding remote transload facilities, and dealing with some truly unforgettable hotel experiences. Along the way, the conversation gets funny, chaotic, and surprisingly personal as Joe and Vegas swap stories about road trips, questionable gas station food, Waffle House, TSA frustrations, customer relationships, and the unexpected friendships that come from constantly being on the road. In this episode, you'll hear: What a typical week of work travel looks like for Joe The debate between driving and flying Joe and Mike's most ridiculous road trip stories Getting lost while trying to find remote rail facilities Some of the wildest places work has taken Joe The best and worst hotels he's experienced on the road The surprisingly incredible Hotel Settles in Big Spring, Texas TSA stories, airport frustrations, and the art of surviving business travel The friendships Joe has built with customers, bartenders, and people he meets along the way Why traveling for rail can take you to some of the most unexpected places in America The food, culture, and experiences that make every trip different Joe's advice for anyone considering a career that requires constant travel Joe also explains why traveling for work is about more than collecting hotel points and seeing new places. When you're on the road, there is still a mission to accomplish, and learning how to balance work, rest, relationships, and a little fun can make all the difference. Whether you're a seasoned road warrior, someone who travels occasionally for work, or you're considering a career in the private side of the rail industry, this episode gives you a hilarious and honest look at life on the road. Pack your bags, grab your coffee, and buckle up. This one is going Off the Rails.
August 11 · 45 min
Ep. 17 - Beyond the Rule Book: Building a Safety Culture That Actually Works with Mark Perri
Safety is not created by thicker rule books. It is built through better leadership, stronger communication, and a workforce that feels empowered to speak up. In this episode of The Switch Point Podcast, Joe sits down with industrial maintenance and safety professional Mark Perri to discuss nearly three decades of experience in industrial operations, railroad adjacent industries, and safety leadership. Together, they explore why organizations that invest in people, not just policies, build stronger, safer, and more productive workplaces. From Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) principles to effective on the job training, Mark shares practical lessons on creating a culture where employees are trusted, managers become leaders, and safety becomes part of everyday operations instead of just another compliance requirement. In this episode, you'll learn: Why leadership creates better safety outcomes than rule enforcement alone The difference between management and true leadership How Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) changes workplace culture Why near misses should be treated as learning opportunities Building employee trust through good faith reporting and open communication The importance of practical, hands on training over checkbox compliance Why on the job training (OJT) is critical to developing confident railroad professionals Balancing productivity with safety in industrial rail operations Creating procedures that fit the operation instead of overwhelming employees How organizations can retain experienced employees while developing the next generation of railroad professionals Whether you're a railroad manager, transload operator, safety professional, or someone responsible for training new employees, this conversation offers valuable insight into building a workplace where safety, leadership, and productivity work together instead of competing with one another. The strongest safety cultures are not built by adding more rules. They are built by earning trust, investing in people, and leading by example.
August 4 · 44 min
Ep. 16 - Hazmat in Transloading: Explosives, Corrosives & The Compliance That Keeps Rail Moving
Hazardous materials move through the rail industry every single day—but what actually happens once those railcars arrive at a transload facility? In this solo episode of The Switch Point Podcast, Joe breaks down the critical role hazardous materials play in industrial rail operations and why transload facilities carry some of the biggest safety and compliance responsibilities in the supply chain. From explosives and corrosives to flammable liquids and radioactive materials, Joe explains how hazardous commodities are handled, what regulations apply, and why proper training, inspections, documentation, and safety culture can mean the difference between a successful operation and a catastrophic incident. In this episode, you'll learn: Why hazardous materials are the backbone of the transload industry The difference between moving hazmat by rail versus truck The agencies that regulate transload operations, including FRA, PHMSA, EPA, OSHA, the U.S. Coast Guard, and more The responsibilities operators assume when offering hazardous materials back onto the general rail system Understanding explosive, corrosive, and other hazardous material classifications Real-world stories of chemical incidents and the lessons they teach Why quality hazmat training goes far beyond checking a compliance box The importance of proper railcar inspections, placards, emergency response information, and PPE Building effective security plans, spill response procedures, and safety programs How proactive compliance protects employees, customers, and your business from costly incidents and enforcement actions Whether you manage a transload facility, supervise rail operations, oversee compliance, or simply want to better understand how hazardous materials safely move across North America, this episode offers a practical look at the systems, regulations, and responsibilities that keep people—and freight—moving safely. Safety isn't just about following regulations. It's about protecting your employees, your customers, your community, and the future of your operation.
July 28 · 1 hr
Ep. 15 - OFF THE RAILS: New Jobs, Rail Culture & Office Chaos with Jake and Joe
The Axiom crew is growing, and this week on The Switch Point, it’s time to introduce some new blood. In this Off the Rails episode, Harlee takes over the host seat alongside Axiom’s two newest team members: Jake, Inside Sales Representative, and Joe Butler, Enrollment & Outreach Coordinator. The two joined Axiom on the same day but came from completely different professional backgrounds—Jake from freight brokerage and sales, and Joe from education, museums, and public programming. They break down what brought them to Axiom, their first impressions of the team, and what it’s actually like trying to learn the railroad industry from scratch. From navigating FRA regulations and figuring out bizarre railroad terminology to discovering just how passionate lifelong railroaders are about the industry, Jake and Joe share what they’ve learned during their first few months on the job. Joe also dives into Axiom’s growing training and enrollment efforts and why introducing railroad careers—especially track inspection—to the next generation of skilled tradespeople could help build the industry's future workforce. But this is Off the Rails, so things don’t stay serious for long. In this episode, you'll hear: How Jake and Joe found their way to Axiom Their first impressions of the Axiom office and team Who intimidated them when they first started The biggest culture shocks of entering the railroad industry Learning FRA regulations and confusing railroad terminology Why railroaders will immediately know when you don’t know what you’re talking about Jake’s experiences making his first sales calls in the industry Joe’s mission to introduce more people to railroad career opportunities The personalities, inside jokes, and chaos of working at Axiom Who the crew thinks is funniest in the office Which coworkers they’d want as teammates on a game show Plenty of stories, tangents, and questionable conversations along the way Between railroad history, career advice, awkward sales calls, office stories, and plenty of friendly shots at their coworkers, this episode gives you a chance to meet the newest members of Axiom beyond their job titles. Because at Axiom, learning the railroad industry is one thing. Surviving the office is another.
July 21 · 39 min
Ep. 14 - How Relay Rail Keeps America's Railroads Moving with Brandon "Spike Sandbolt" Straub
What happens to railroad track after it's removed? Is relay rail really as reliable as new rail? And how does someone go from banking to becoming one of the rail industry's most recognizable personalities? This week on The Switch Point, Joe sits down with Brandon "Spike Sandbolt" Straub of SRC Industries for an entertaining and insightful conversation about the world of relay rail, railroad materials, and building relationships in one of America's most specialized industries. From the origin story behind his unforgettable nickname to the misconceptions surrounding reclaimed rail, Brandon shares the knowledge he's gained from years in the business and explains why "used" doesn't mean "worn out." Together, they discuss the grading process for relay rail, why industrial facilities can save money without sacrificing quality, the importance of preserving historic rail infrastructure, and how strong relationships continue to drive success throughout the railroad industry. Along the way, the conversation is filled with humor, personal stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at the people who keep America's rail network supplied. In this episode, you'll learn: How Brandon "Spike Sandbolt" Straub found his way into the rail industry The surprising story behind the "Spike Sandbolt" nickname What relay rail is and why it's still a reliable option How reclaimed rail is inspected, graded, and reused Common misconceptions about used rail materials Why relationship-building remains one of the industry's greatest assets The value of preserving historic rail while meeting modern operational needs Lessons from transitioning from corporate banking into the railroad business Whether you're responsible for purchasing rail materials, managing industrial track, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind the people shaping today's rail industry, this episode offers practical knowledge, industry insight, and plenty of laughs. Because sometimes the best way to understand the future of rail is by learning the history that's still supporting it every single day.
July 14 · 51 min
Ep. 13 - Mastering Transload Operations: The Training, Safety & Communication Every Rail Site Needs
What separates a well-run transload facility from one that's constantly fighting delays, safety issues, and operational headaches? In this episode of The Switch Point, Joe sits down with Axiom Director of Operations Mike Thomason to break down what they see every time they walk into a new customer site—and why training is about much more than simply moving railcars. Drawing from a recent training engagement in Alabama, Joe and Mike discuss the biggest mistakes they encounter at industrial rail facilities, from poor yard management and ineffective communication with Class I railroads to unsafe operating practices that can put employees and equipment at risk. They explain how proper training, leadership involvement, and standardized procedures can transform both safety and productivity. In this episode, you'll learn: What a proper transload training program should include The most common safety and operational mistakes seen at industrial rail sites Why communication—not equipment—is often the biggest safety risk How better yard organization improves efficiency and reduces delays The importance of red zone awareness, blue flag protection, and hands-on field training Why management involvement is critical to building a strong safety culture How stronger communication with serving railroads can improve operations Practical ways facilities can reduce turnover while creating a safer, more efficient workplace Whether you're managing a transload operation, supervising a rail crew, or looking to improve your facility's safety and compliance program, this episode delivers practical, real-world lessons from professionals who have spent years working both sides of the railroad. Because great rail operations aren't built by working faster—they're built by communicating better, training smarter, and creating systems that keep people safe while keeping freight moving.
July 7 · 1 hr 11 min
Ep. 12 - OFF THE RAILS: The Original Axiom Crew Shares the Stories That Started It All with Vegas, Tina, and Jess
This week on The Switch Point, the microphones are turned over to the original Axiom team as Vegas steps in to host a special Off the Rails episode featuring Tina from Accounting, Jess from Project Coordination, and producer Tom. Together, the crew takes a trip back to Axiom's early days, sharing what it was like working out of the company's first tiny office, wearing multiple hats, figuring things out on the fly, and watching the business grow into what it is today. From hilarious office stories and unforgettable "oh no" moments to behind-the-scenes memories that shaped the company's culture, this episode is a celebration of the people who helped build Axiom from the ground up. In this episode, you'll hear: How the original team found Axiom and what they expected on day one Funny stories from the company's first offices and early growing pains Behind-the-scenes moments that almost became disasters The projects each team member is working on today How Axiom has grown while staying true to its culture The importance of teamwork, adaptability, and wearing multiple hats Office traditions, inside jokes, and the personalities behind the company Why every milestone feels earned after years of hard work Whether you've followed The Switch Point from the beginning or you're just getting to know the people behind Axiom Rail Services, this episode offers a fun, lighthearted look at the friendships, memories, and teamwork that built the company. Sometimes the best stories aren't about railroads at all. They're about the people who keep them moving.
June 30 · 39 min
Ep. 11 - The Best of The Switch Point: Our Biggest Rail Safety Lessons, Funniest Stories & Top Moments
We've officially hit 10 episodes of The Switch Point Podcast, and to celebrate, we're looking back at some of our favorite conversations, funniest moments, and biggest takeaways from the journey so far. This special compilation episode features highlights from some of our most popular discussions covering rail safety, track inspections, compliance audits, rail security, railroad leadership, scale operations, company growth, and plenty of behind-the-scenes laughs from the Axiom Rail Services team. You'll hear memorable moments from guests including Ron Lord, Karl Gansen, Tina, Vegas, Harlee, Jess, Tom, and more as they share real-world stories, industry expertise, and the experiences that have helped shape The Switch Point into the show it is today. In this episode, you'll revisit: Why qualified track inspections are critical for industrial rail safety Real railroad near misses and lessons learned from the field The hidden security risks facing today's freight rail network How proper railcar weighing protects infrastructure and operations What goes into a professional rail compliance audit Building a stronger safety culture through leadership and accountability Behind-the-scenes stories from the Axiom team Some of the funniest moments and running jokes from the first ten episodes The biggest lessons learned from ten episodes of talking rail Whether you've been with us since Episode One or you're just discovering The Switch Point, this milestone episode is the perfect way to catch up on the conversations, insights, and personalities that have made the first ten episodes so memorable. Thank you for being part of the journey. Here's to the next ten episodes—and beyond.
June 23 · 1 hr 6 min
Ep. 10 - OFF THE RAILS: Fourth Generation Railroader, Military Service, Railroad Leadership & The Future of Freight with Ron Lord
In this Off the Rails edition of The Switch Point Podcast, Joe sits down with longtime rail industry leader Ron Lord for a candid conversation about family legacy, military service, railroad leadership, safety culture, and the future of the freight rail industry. As a third-generation railroader and father of a fourth-generation railroader, Ron shares how a family deeply rooted in the railroad industry shaped his career, despite originally swearing he'd never work for the railroad. From his early days at the Belt Railway Company of Chicago to leadership roles across the industry, Ron reflects on nearly three decades of railroading experience and the lessons learned along the way. The discussion also dives into Ron's time serving as a Military Police officer in the Army National Guard, how military service influenced his leadership style, and why many veterans naturally find success in the railroad industry. Along the way, Joe and Ron share memorable stories from both the military and the railroad, highlighting the unique camaraderie, humor, and resilience that define both professions. In this episode, you'll learn: What it's like being part of a four-generation railroad family How military service translates into railroad leadership The importance of mentorship and developing future railroaders Why safety culture starts with personal accountability How effective leaders create a "speak up" environment The evolution of railroad technology and operations The future of automation, remote control operations, and autonomous trains Lessons learned from decades of railroad management and operations Why railroading remains one of America's most essential industries Whether you're a rail professional, veteran, industry leader, or someone curious about the people behind America's freight network, this episode offers valuable insight into leadership, service, safety, and the future of rail transportation.
June 16 · 47 min
Ep. 9 - Inside the Audit: How Axiom Uncovers Risk Before It Becomes a Disaster
In this solo episode of The Switch Point, Joe pulls back the curtain on one of Axiom Rail Services' most requested offerings: rail compliance and operational audits. What actually happens when Axiom arrives on-site? What are auditors looking for? And why do so many rail facilities have hidden compliance, safety, and operational risks they don't even know exist? Joe walks listeners through the entire audit process, from the initial customer interview to field observations, employee interviews, compliance reviews, track inspections, and final reporting. He explains how Axiom identifies safety hazards, training deficiencies, regulatory gaps, infrastructure concerns, and operational risks before they result in injuries, derailments, violations, or costly fines. In this episode, you'll learn: What a rail compliance audit actually includes The difference between a gap analysis and a traditional audit Common safety and compliance failures found at transload facilities Why employee interviews reveal more than paperwork ever can The importance of FRA compliance, training, and oversight programs How track inspections complement operational audits Why proactive audits save customers far more than they cost The hidden risks many facilities overlook until it's too late How Axiom develops corrective action plans and long-term solutions Whether you're a facility manager, safety professional, railroad operator, or company executive, this episode provides an inside look at the processes, standards, and expertise that help keep rail operations safe, compliant, and efficient. Sometimes the biggest risks are the ones you don't know exist until someone takes a closer look.
June 9 · 1 hr 7 min
Ep. 8 - OFF THE RAILS: Office Chaos, Bird Feeders, and the People Behind Axiom with Vegas and Harlee
This week on The Switch Point, Joe is joined by two members of the Axiom team, Vegas and Harlee, for another candid and completely unfiltered Off the Rails episode. From customer relationships and company culture to office bird feeders, conference road trips, and the strange realities of corporate life, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the personalities helping drive Axiom forward every day. The team discusses: What customer success really means in the rail industry Why building relationships matters more than making sales The importance of company culture when hiring and growing a team How marketing is much more than social media and design Funny customer interactions and workplace miscommunications The realities of networking, conferences, and business travel Office life, bird watching, coffee preferences, and daily routines Why finding the right people matters more than checking boxes on a résumé Along the way, the conversation veers into everything from LinkedIn horror stories and conference mishaps to ducks nesting in front yards, strange customer encounters, and the unique personalities that make the Axiom team what it is today. If you've ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a fast-growing rail services company, this episode delivers plenty of laughs, honest conversations, and a glimpse into the culture that keeps the team moving forward. Because sometimes the best conversations happen when the rails disappear entirely.
June 2 · 42 min
Ep. 7 - Inside the Scale Industry: Rail Weights, Safety, and Why Accuracy Matters with Karl Gansen
This week on The Switch Point, Joe sits down with Karl Gansen, Rail Operations Manager at Weighing Technologies, for a fascinating deep dive into one of the most overlooked, but absolutely critical, parts of the rail industry: scales and weight certification. From railcar loading safety and hazardous commodity compliance to massive 80,000-pound rail scale calibrations, Karl breaks down how accurate weights keep railroads, trucking operations, and entire supply chains moving safely and efficiently. Inside this episode: How rail scales actually work and why they matter The dangers of overloaded railcars and trucks Why inaccurate weights can create major safety risks The hidden world of certified weights and scale calibration How commodities like grain, chemicals, plastics, and coal are measured The surprising connection between rail safety and scales What it takes to certify 80,000-pound rail scales across the country Wild stories from the field involving scrap yards, alligators, snakes, and scale pits Karl also shares his journey from commercial roofing into the highly specialized scale industry, along with insights into the future of rail infrastructure, industrial operations, and the importance of skilled trades that quietly keep the economy running every single day. If you’ve ever wondered how railcars are weighed, how facilities stay compliant, or why a few thousand pounds can make a huge difference in rail safety, this episode is packed with insight you probably never knew existed. Because in railroading, accuracy matters, and every pound counts.
May 26 · 44 min
Ep. 6 - OFF THE RAILS: Inside Axiom’s Culture, Chaos, and Rapid Growth with Tina and Jess
This week on The Switch Point, Joe sits down with Axiom team members Tina and Jess for another “Off the Rails” episode—an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at the people helping build the company from the ground up. From chaotic office stories and Nerf gun wars to company growth, leadership philosophy, and scaling a business without losing culture, this episode dives deep into what makes Axiom Rail Services different from the typical workplace. The team talks about: Growing from a tiny office into a rapidly expanding operation Building in-house railroad inspector training programs Why company culture matters more than résumés The balancing act between budgets, growth, and big ideas What it’s really like working inside a fast-moving rail company Conferences, branding, recruiting, and the future of Axiom Team bonding, Topgolf plans, office dynamics, and workplace humor Plus, things go completely off the rails with zombie apocalypse debates, office superlatives, expense-report arguments, and brutally honest takes on what makes people actually stay at a company long term. It’s funny, candid, chaotic, and probably the most honest look yet at the personalities behind the brand. Because at the end of the day, the culture behind the company matters just as much as the work itself.
May 19 · 28 min
Ep. 5 - Rail Security, Train Robberies, and the Hidden Risks Nobody Talks About
This week on The Switch Point, Joe dives into one of the most overlooked conversations in modern railroading: security. From train robberies and cargo theft to hazmat risks, border security, and protecting railroad crews in the field, this episode breaks down the real-world threats facing the rail industry—and why most companies are dangerously underprepared. Joe shares firsthand experiences from rail operations across the country, including incidents involving train theft, crew assaults, trespassing, and security failures that directly impact communities, customers, and the economy itself. Inside this episode: Why intermodal freight has become a major theft target How criminals study train schedules and exploit predictable operations The hidden dangers railroad crews face while working in isolated areas Why rail security impacts pricing, shipping times, and the national economy How hazmat transportation ties directly into national security concerns The role law enforcement should play in rail operations and emergency response Why most rail security programs are reactive instead of proactive How transload facilities are becoming one of the industry’s biggest security vulnerabilities Joe also explores how military veterans and law enforcement professionals can bring valuable insight into improving rail safety and security planning—and why the industry needs to start thinking differently before problems become disasters. This episode is a deep dive into the side of railroading most people never see—but one that affects everyone. Because security isn’t just about protecting freight. It’s about protecting people, communities, and the future of the industry itself.
May 13 · 44 min
Ep. 4 - OFF THE RAILS: Horror Stories, Bad Habits, and the Reality of Field Training with Mike Thomason
This week on The Switch Point, Joe sits down with longtime friend and newly appointed Director of Operations, Mike Thomason, for one of the most unfiltered episodes yet. From near misses and derailments to stubborn old-head railroaders and absolute chaos in the field, the two swap stories from years spent working in rail operations, training crews, and dealing with the reality of transload safety culture. This episode dives into: The dangerous habits railroaders develop over time Why bad training creates bigger problems down the road Near-miss stories that still stick with them today The chaos of radio communication during switching operations Why transload rail operations are becoming the “new face” of railroading The disconnect between ownership, management, and safety in the field What separates experienced railroaders from people just “playing railroad” But it’s not all serious—Joe and Mike also get into office Nerf wars, Texas vs. Midwest culture, road trip playlists, conference season chaos, and what it’s like bringing military-style camaraderie into the rail industry. This one is raw, hilarious, brutally honest, and packed with the kind of stories only railroaders can tell. Welcome back to The Switch Point.
April 28 · 28 min
Ep. 3 - Why Track Inspections Matter: Safety, Compliance, and Keeping Rail Moving
This week on The Switch Point, Joe is joined by producer Tom for an in-depth conversation on one of the most overlooked—but most critical—parts of the rail industry: track inspections. From safety risks and regulatory compliance to preventing derailments and protecting operations, this episode breaks down why proper track inspections are essential for any facility handling rail traffic. Joe shares real-world insight into what inspectors look for, the common defects that get missed, and how neglected infrastructure can create massive operational and financial consequences. Inside this episode: Why track inspections are crucial for safety and uptime The most common issues found during inspections How weather, seasons, and vegetation impact rail infrastructure Why qualified inspectors matter more than “just checking the track” How proactive maintenance saves companies from six-figure problems later What separates Axiom Rail Services from competitors in the industry Whether you work in rail, logistics, manufacturing, or simply want to understand how freight keeps moving across America, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the infrastructure most people never think about. Because when the track fails, everything stops.
April 14 · 1 hr
Ep. 2 - OFF THE RAILS: Culture, Chaos, and Building a Team That Actually Works
This week on The Switch Point, things get a little less formal—and a lot more Off the Rails. Joe is joined by Mike (HR), Vegas (Marketing), and Tom (Producer) for a behind-the-scenes look at what actually goes on inside Axiom Rail Services. From hiring challenges and rapid growth to office banter, Nerf gun wars, and unfiltered team dynamics, this episode pulls back the curtain on the people driving the mission forward. The team dives into: What it really takes to build (and protect) company culture The balancing act of hiring fast vs. hiring right Why energy, personality, and fit matter just as much as experience The chaos of scaling a growing business in real time Honest takes on workplace trends, communication, and leadership Plus, you’ll hear stories from job fairs, inside jokes from the office, and a glimpse into how Axiom is working to become a destination workplace—not just another job. It’s candid, it’s unfiltered, and it’s exactly what happens when you put the whole team in one room. Welcome to the other side of the business.
April 7 · 37 min
Ep. 1 - The Story Behind the Switch
In the debut episode of The Switch Point Podcast, we sit down with Axiom Rail Services President Joe Porro to unpack the real story behind the company—and the rail industry most people never see. From building a business through grit, setbacks, and a post-COVID reset, to redefining what employee-first training looks like in one of the most dangerous and overlooked sectors of the economy, Joe shares how Axiom is tackling the biggest gaps in rail: safety, compliance, and culture. This conversation dives deep into: The hidden world of freight and transload rail operations Why hands-on training is non-negotiable in this industry The massive knowledge gap between major railroads and smaller operators How poor communication and outdated training put lives at risk What it really takes to build a company that cares—about people, not just profits Joe also lays out his vision for the future: scaling Axiom nationwide, reshaping workforce development, and ushering in the next generation of railroaders the right way. If you’ve ever wondered how the goods that power our economy actually move—or what it takes to keep that system running safely—this episode is your inside look. This is where rail meets reality. This is The Switch Point.
March 23 · 1 min
Welcome to The Switch Point!
The Switch Point is where the rail industry’s biggest conversations collide. Hosted by Axiom Rail Services, this podcast brings serious energy to the world of ethics, auditing, and real-world rail operations, with a sharp focus on transload rail. Every episode puts you in the room with railroad experts, regulators, supply chain analysts, and railcar manufacturing executives who are shaping the future of the industry right now. This is not surface-level talk. We dig into compliance, safety, accountability, and the tough decisions that keep freight moving. We challenge outdated thinking, question the gray areas, and push for higher standards across the board. And then there is Off the Rails. These episodes are raw, unfiltered, and built by the Axiom community. We bring guests on to vent, debate, joke around, and say what everyone else is thinking but will not say out loud. We open the phone lines, take live questions, and let the conversation go wherever it leads. Whether you are on the ground, behind a desk, or running operations, The Switch Point is your place for honest insight, real accountability, and the kind of conversations this industry has been missing.

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