Page 130 - Rukert - 100th Anniversary

RIGHT:This2021Portof Baltimore magazine article celebrating the Rukert Terminals centennial shows the current management team: Frank Olszewski, Jason Loveland, Scott Damasiewicz, Brody Blessing, Ron Shaney, Kirsten Northway, Andrew Gray, Shaun Rukert, Steve Landess, Eric Malone, John Coulter, Keith Mooney, Norm Rukert, Walter Straw, Evan Nastalski, Yvonne Ismael, Joe Gallup,
Matt Lafleur, John Littleton, Andy Nixon, Matt Miller, Jerry Price and
Tobey Godwin.
BELOW: Norm Rukert and Dave Miller
RUKERT TURNS 100
‘We’re NOT Going Anywhere’
AS RUKERT TERMINALS CORPORATION CELEBRATES ITS CENTENNIAL, COMPANY LEADERS REFLECT ON WHAT HELPED IT GO THE DISTANCE
scale houses and several shops. Along the shoreline, Norm directed construction of the PECO crane, the rebuild and extension of Pier 5, the rebuild of “A” berth by the state of Maryland, and the refur- bishment of “C” pier. He was also the main driver behind the company’s 100-year pier at “B” berth.
More than its buildings, piers or equipment, Rukert Terminals’ most valuable asset has always been having a core group of talented employees with 25, 35, even 45 years of experience. The knowledge and relationships these employees accumulate over time is the foundation of the company’s success and longevity. Norm cites his role in hiring and retaining the people who truly built the company as his biggest accomplishment. For example, Norm called the day he interviewed Master Mechanic David (Dave) Miller one of the luckiest in his career. May 27, 1977 was a memorable day for Dave too. He graduated from high school in the morning, and after being hired, worked the afternoon in the Mechanic Shop. Forty-four years later, Dave is still maintaining
and repairing the equipment that keeps cargo and employees on the move.
As the common denominator through 61 years of company history, Norm carries the lessons of four generations. With each decision, he must strike a balance between embracing yesterday and shaping tomorrow. Striving to maintain tradition while also moving beyond it is a tall order. Though Norm has yet to pass the torch, anyone can see that it is brighter than ever.
When asked to reflect on the company’s tremendous growth during his career, Norm empha- sized the slow and steady progress. He described it as “like building a brick wall, adding one brick at
a time.” Then he added, with a well-earned smile, “but the bricks have gotten bigger.”
As it excitedly approached a century in
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