Steven Hawkins is the owner and President of Western Carolina Railway Service Corp., which consists of Aiken Railway and Greenville & Western Railway. Hawkins began his career on the Carolina Piedmont short line in train service but soon became part of a team to aid in startups around the country. His work there led to a job on the Missouri & Northern Arkansas, where he met his future wife Cheryl, the CFO of WCRS. Hawkins moved on to Norfolk Southern as a road foreman of engines then trainmaster. In 2003, he moved back to SC and began his shortline career. Hawkins participated in the startup of 5 Class III railroads and on 3 divisions of Norfolk Southern, in both labor and management. He moved 15 times in 12 years and learned how railroads function in different regions and climates.
Steven is not all business though. The Greenville & Western Railway Co. hosts an annual “Santa Express” which runs from Honea Path to Pelzer. At each stop, children will have an opportunity to step on board to see Santa, receive a treat and maybe even get a special gift from Santa’s magic bag.
