Prior to founding Rio Grande Pacific Corporation in 1986, Richard Bertel helped co-found Trax Engineering & Associates, Inc., and served as president and chief operating officer for a regional railroad track rehabilitation and construction firm operating in Texas, Oklahoma and the southwestern United States. In addition, he has been involved in short line and regional start-ups, turnarounds, and transition management for both public and private railroad owners. Rick completed his graduate studies with an MBA in Economics and Finance from Texas Christian University.