Shane Boatright, President and CEO
Boatright Companies
Shane Boatright began his career as a railroad industry entrepreneur fresh out of college from the University of Alabama. He started what is now Boatright Vegetation Management, LLC, in 1990 with one spray truck. Since then, Boatright has branched out into safety equipment sales, crosstie production and railcar repair and now owns a shortline railroad in southeast Georgia.
In 2000, Boatright secured an exclusive contract to sell crossties to the shortline industry, and since that year company revenues have expanded to 40 times what they were at the turn of the century. Under Mr. Boatright’s leadership, Boatright Companies has become one of the most well-known and trusted supply and service companies in the railroad industry. He is a regular guest speaker at industry gatherings and is active in governmental affairs within the industry.
In his rare spare time, Mr. Boatright can be found on the golf course. He continues to reside in his hometown of Birmingham, Ala.
John Steven Bookout, Vice President and CFO
Boatright Companies
Steve Bookout joined Boatright Companies full time in 2008 after serving as Mr. Boatright’s accountant since the day he founded his first company. Mr. Bookout completed his B.S. in Accounting from the University of Alabama in 1975 and started his own firm in 1984. He sold the firm in 2008, just before coming on board as Chief Financial Officer for Boatright Companies.
It was Mr. Bookout who advised Mr. Boatright in the early days of the company and helped develop expansion strategies. As CFO, he continues to direct acquisition efforts.
Mr. Bookout is an avid fly fisherman and golfer. He is the proud father of three children and one grandchild.