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Howard Green
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RAILROADER: The Unfiltered Genius and Controversy of Four-Time CEO Hunter Harrison Kindle Edition

by Howard Green (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 248 ratings
Hunter Harrison, the revolutionary railroader from Memphis, dramatically turned four publicly traded companies into cash machines. Starting as a laborer when he was a wayward teenager, Harrison spent a half century in the rail business and nearly two decades running Illinois Central, Canadian National, Canadian Pacific, and CSX.

Never accepting the status quo, Harrison not only renovated established railroads, he forced an industry to shape up. As the pre-eminent proponent of Precision Scheduled Railroading, Harrison created approximately $50 billion in shareholder value. Charming, intimidating, and not afraid to make enemies, the no-bullshit CEO let nothing get in his way. At the same time, he was a talent scout and coach to thousands, and a devoted father and husband for more than fifty years.

Railroader offers insights into running all businesses. Howard Green's highly personal biography is deeply researched, based on conversations with Harrison over several years. It also includes candid stories from Harrison's family and colleagues - those who admired him and those who criticized him. Green's access and decades of experience give him the unparalleled ability to tell the story of this uncompromising leader who both inspired and infuriated.

* * * * * * *
Howard Green was a broadcast journalist for thirty-three years, best known as founding anchor at Canada’s Business News Network, where he hosted the flagship interview program, Headline with Howard Green. During his almost fifteen years at BNN, he conducted more than 14,000 interviews, many with leading CEOs and the biggest names in business and politics, including Sir Richard Branson, Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan, and former British prime minister Tony Blair. Prior to that, Green spent eighteen years as a correspondent, producer, and director making programs for a variety of networks, including the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and PBS. Green is a two-time Emmy nominee and winner of Canada’s top television prize for his documentary work, and his films have been broadcast worldwide. In 2013, Green became a bestselling author with the release of his first book, Banking on America: How TD Bank Rose to the Top and Took on the USA. His second book, Distilled: A Memoir of Family, Seagram, Baseball and Philanthropy, co-authored with Charles Bronfman, was also an instant Globe and Mail and Toronto Star bestseller and finalist for the National Business Book Award. Howard Green lives in Toronto.
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  1. Print length
    308 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
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  4. Publication date
    September 18, 2018
  5. File size
    19.1 MB
  6. Page Flip
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Hunter Harrison was a colorful man with a zest for life and a passionfor railroading. He was certainly the greatest modern manager of thesemassive networks of commerce that undergird industrial society. Railroader is the story of an interesting life and the intricacies of complexmanagerial challenges, woven into an enjoyable and highly informativebook."
Frederick W. Smith, chairman and CEO, FedEx Corporation

"Railroader presents both a fascinating business story with global resonance and avery personal tale of a life fully lived in a 'no-holds barred' fashionto the very end. It is a brilliant profile of an enigmatic, somewhatobsessed, railroad mercenary, who turned his industry on its head, withnew benchmarks for future generations of leaders. Lots of juicylearnings throughout."
Calin Rovinescu, president & CEO, Air Canada

"Precision railroading was his vision and unbending will his advantage. In this tightly written account of Hunter Harrison's fifty years ofextraordinary achievement, Howard Green has captured the essence of theman. A valuable history and, as well, a great read."
Bill Downe, former president & CEO, BMO Financial Group

"A riveting, up-close profile of one of the most successful and controversial CEOs of the modern era. Railroader is a master class in sharp-elbowed management in a fabled industry.Part hard ass, part mentor, part preacher, Hunter Harrison goes from one railroad to another to another to another, turning them all around andcreating conflict everywhere he went. You won't be able to put this book down."
Ali Velshi, anchor, MSNBC and business correspondent, NBC News

"Howard Green infuses his narrative with the passion and snap thatepitomized Hunter Harrison's consummate success running four differentNorth American railroads. Railroader is an affectionate but blunt portrayal that is a lively, compelling read, giving vibrant, humantexture to an exceptional business career."
Derek Burney, former Canadian ambassador to the United States

"This book energized me to approach business and life just a littlemore like Hunter Harrison. . . . Howard Green masterfully puts you upclose and personal with a man who's both utterly straightforward yetcomplicated, all while giving a great perspective on what was happeningin business at the time. . . . This is one of the best books I've everread."
Nicole Verkindt, founder and CEO, OMX

"Revered and reviled, Hunter Harrison was a CEO like no other. Hetransformed North American railroads. He repriced executivecompensation. He ignited debates about safety and competitiveness, andleft us all debating the price of precision. . . . In Railroader, Howard Green captures the man in full, with an intimate yet nuancedportrait of an uncompromising, compulsive executive whose legacy bothendures and confounds."
John Stackhouse, senior vice-president, RBC, and former editor-in-chief, the Globe and Mail

About the Author

Howard Green was a broadcast journalist for thirty-three years, bestknown as founding anchor at Canada's Business News Network, where hehosted the flagship interview program, Headline with Howard Green.During his almost fifteen years at BNN, he conducted more than 14,000interviews, many with leading CEOs and the biggest names in business and politics, including Sir Richard Branson, Federal Reserve chairman AlanGreenspan, and former British prime minister Tony Blair. Prior to that,Green spent eighteen years as a correspondent, producer, and directormaking programs for a variety of networks, including the CanadianBroadcasting Corporation and PBS. Green is a two-time Emmy nominee andwinner of Canada's top television prize for his documentary work, andhis films have been broadcast worldwide. In 2013, Green became abestselling author with the release of his first book, Banking onAmerica: How TD Bank Rose to the Top and Took on the USA. His secondbook, Distilled: A Memoir of Family, Seagram, Baseball and Philanthropy, co-authored with Charles Bronfman, was also an instant Globe and Mail and Toronto Star bestseller and finalist for the National Business BookAward. Howard Green lives in Toronto.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07GT4LHNQ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Page Two Books
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 18, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 19.1 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 308 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1989025246
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 248 ratings

About the author

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Howard Green

Howard Green

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Howard Green was a broadcast journalist for thirty-three years, best known as founding anchor at Canada’s Business News Network, where he hosted the flagship interview program, Headline with Howard Green. During his almost fifteen years at BNN, he conducted more than 14,000 interviews, many with leading CEOs and the biggest names in business and politics, including Sir Richard Branson, Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan, and former British prime minister Tony Blair. Prior to that, Green spent eighteen years as a correspondent, producer, and director making programs for a variety of networks, including the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and PBS. Green is a two-time Emmy nominee and winner of Canada’s top television prize for his documentary work, and his films have been broadcast worldwide. In 2013, Green became a bestselling author with the release of his first book, Banking on America: How TD Bank Rose to the Top and Took on the USA. His second book, Distilled: A Memoir of Family, Seagram, Baseball and Philanthropy, co-authored with Charles Bronfman, was also an instant Globe and Mail and Toronto Star bestseller and finalist for the National Business Book Award. Howard Green lives in Toronto.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
248 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book well written and engaging, with one noting it's a must-read for MBA students. Moreover, the biography provides interesting insights into Hunter Harrison's leadership style, and one customer highlights how it covers his life and career. Additionally, customers appreciate the knowledge presented, with one mentioning how it provides a more holistic view of the subject.

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ReadabilityBiographyKnowledgeStory quality
11 customers mention "Readability"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book extremely well written and easy to read, with one customer noting it's a must-read for MBA students.

"...You don't find many leaders (if any) like this anymore. The book is a must read, specifically for anyone in the transportation industry or who has..." Read more

"...railroads is almost incomprehensible. One of the finest biographies I have read. Mr Green has compiled a true classic." Read more

"This is an excellent book ( and a easy read ) about the life of EHH...." Read more

"...Overall, it is a very enjoyable read. Hunter Harrison is an amazing business CEO. He deserves to have his own biography and his story told...." Read more

7 customers mention "Biography"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the biography's coverage of Hunter Harrison's life and career, with one customer noting how it provides an interesting perspective on his leadership style and how to recognize talented individuals.

"...are also quite a few EHH leadership lessons that provide an interesting perspective on how he led...." Read more

"...I have come away with a greater understanding and immense respect for this man...." Read more

"...However, this book is supposed to be a biography and tribute to Hunter Harrison and his ways. In this sense, Green nails it 100%...." Read more

"This book is fascinating. It covers the life and career of E. Hunter Harrison...." Read more

5 customers mention "Knowledge"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's knowledge, with one customer noting it provides great insight into railroading, while another mentions it offers a more holistic view of the industry.

"...This book does a good job at providing a more holistic view of him and his life's work...." Read more

"...I have come away with a greater understanding and immense respect for this man...." Read more

"...He was arguably the best railroader in the modern era, and Green provides an interesting look behind the scenes...." Read more

"...The railroad industry is lucky to have his incite and enthusiasm for the railroad. He was also just as compassionate about the horses!!..." Read more

5 customers mention "Story quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's stories fascinating, with one noting how it comes to life.

"...Legends like him don’t pass through often. His story is worth remembering. It now (late 2019) the pain of lost customers due to late deliveries..." Read more

"This book is fascinating. It covers the life and career of E. Hunter Harrison...." Read more

"This book most railroaders will fine it very intriguing...." Read more

"Very interesting read. I’ve spent my career in transportation but NER s railroader. Fascinating stories. Read if, there is something to learn here." Read more

Underestimated Book
5 out of 5 stars
Underestimated Book
Some are suggesting that this book could have been better because it does not talk about business skills and other such academic topics. However, this book is supposed to be a biography and tribute to Hunter Harrison and his ways. In this sense, Green nails it 100%. The book is not called “How To Run a Railroad” it is supposed to be about his life and incredible successes as a CEO. Awesome book will be recommending to anyone who wants to understand this great man.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Earl Jackson
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Such a well written action packed read! I used to work in the rail industry and many that know of EHH have no shortage of opinions about him and the work that he's done. This book does a good job at providing a more holistic view of him and his life's work. Given being in the industry, I was at a high level aware of some of the major events that took place (CN absorbing IC, The CP proxy fight, the failed merger attempt with NS, etc.) but this book provides the "fly on the wall" detail of how many of those events transpired. There are also quite a few EHH leadership lessons that provide an interesting perspective on how he led. You don't find many leaders (if any) like this anymore. The book is a must read, specifically for anyone in the transportation industry or who has slightly more than a passing interest in the unique railroad industry.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • WILLIAM D BARCO
    5.0 out of 5 stars A major about face.
    Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I suppose I had only been exposed to the opinions of haters until I read this book. I have come away with a greater understanding and immense respect for this man. His accomplishments were nothing short of miraculous even if he it was completed once. The fact that he performed his magic on four class one railroads is almost incomprehensible.
    One of the finest biographies I have read. Mr Green has compiled a true classic.
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  • Nyeman
    4.0 out of 5 stars Just short of a "Puff-Piece" but you'll learn a few things.....
    Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2018
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    The book seems to be a little incomplete in that it says little, beyond a couple of antidotes, of how this man became the man he was. The writer does not know railroading, but relates what he was told by Mr. Harrison, his wife, and a few others in Mr. Harrison's circle. A railroad's operating ratio isn't everything, but you won't know that from this book. Interesting in that it exposes the reader to a couple of sharks of greed, to whom the share price is everything ("He's created value!") and from that point of view, Mr. Harrison's compensation was "a bargain!". Why didn't I try that on my ex-employer?
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  • laurie foster
    5.0 out of 5 stars Underestimated Book
    Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2021
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Some are suggesting that this book could have been better because it does not talk about business skills and other such academic topics. However, this book is supposed to be a biography and tribute to Hunter Harrison and his ways. In this sense, Green nails it 100%. The book is not called “How To Run a Railroad” it is supposed to be about his life and incredible successes as a CEO. Awesome book will be recommending to anyone who wants to understand this great man.
    Customer image
    laurie foster
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Underestimated Book

    Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2021
    Some are suggesting that this book could have been better because it does not talk about business skills and other such academic topics. However, this book is supposed to be a biography and tribute to Hunter Harrison and his ways. In this sense, Green nails it 100%. The book is not called “How To Run a Railroad” it is supposed to be about his life and incredible successes as a CEO. Awesome book will be recommending to anyone who wants to understand this great man.
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    2 people found this helpful
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  • Wayne Eisenman
    5.0 out of 5 stars Old Boss
    Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2023
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Worked with and for this man for years. Enjoyed most of them.
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  • Tron
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Book!!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2018
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    This is an excellent book ( and a easy read ) about the life of EHH. You may agree or disagree with his method of operations, but he got results .. and lord knows how many other businesses could benefit from tightening things up. You can't always be mister nice guy. His wife Jeanie, has to be a saint, all the way to the end.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Robert Coleman
    5.0 out of 5 stars A winning formula in a staid industry.
    Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Which industry is next? Banks, insurance or utilities are ripe for this type of dynamic change. Who’s the next Harrison is the question yet to be answered…
    One person found this helpful
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  • Stephen OBrien
    4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent procedure
    Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2018
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Original product was damaged during shipping. Damage was caught by shipper and returned for us and a new product was issued without us having to be involved. Thanks
    The book itself is pretty much the same info offered over and over again as the main character moves from RR to RR. This book is very high on memories of conversations but short on the real information about how Precision Scheduled Railroading actually works.
    6 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Senor Dave
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great business book about one of the greats
    Reviewed in Canada on April 21, 2024
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Great, inspirational book
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  • David Poulson
    5.0 out of 5 stars A well researched and entertaining read by highly experienced business journalist Howard Green
    Reviewed in Canada on January 27, 2019
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Great story about a born leader, value creator, workaholic. One of a kind ...
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  • Brian Mason
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good read, couldn’t put it down.
    Reviewed in Canada on November 3, 2018
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    More of a outside analysis of Hunter Harrison. The biography doesn’t really get into his head candidly, like other biographies I have read. As a description of his carreer and installation as CEO at several railways it’s very interesting.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting
    Reviewed in Canada on October 15, 2018
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    I have read his other books and also "Switchpoints". I just wish this would have included more about the challenges and specific times and examples of when Hunter exercised his way of doing things. He was known to be crude and blunt and I just wish there was more insight into how he faced difficult and recalcitrant people who challenged his mandate, especially in highly resistant cultures and organizations. I actually bought more CSX stock after reading this book.
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  • Ken Marshall
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good book.
    Reviewed in Canada on February 18, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Good book. Very intresting. That is all I have to say. Not idea why I have to get the submit button to work.
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