Hear the Whistle: The Story of Jack Haley, American Entrepreneur and Railroad Pioneer

by Kathy Haley Buhrman

"Jack, did you hear the whistle? Live your life with passion, son. Always listen for the whistle."

In 1984, the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad sold a 100-mile line of railroad track to retired USAF pilot and real estate entrepreneur, Jack Haley, who had a dream to buy a railroad. A year later on Christmas Eve 1985, Jack, as president and chief executive, took possession of their Iowa Division, renaming it the Chicago, Central & Pacific Railroad, having secured a $75 million cash loan with General Electric. It was the largest privately-funded American railroad company formed in the 20th century to a non-railroad entity. Overshadowed by controversy and his tenure short, he became legendary as the short line and regional operator in the United States who helped change the railroad industry forever.

Jack approached living with unbridled enthusiasm. As he entered the last decade of his life, working as CEO of his company, flying his airplane, and traveling like a gypsy, his desire to live every day to the fullest never dimmed. He never stopped hearing the whistle. This is his story.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 23, 2020

About the author

Kathy Haley Buhrman is a mom, family historian, instructor and author. She has taught classes in the genealogical field, written articles for publication and was the stateside researcher on the published eBook Where’s Merrill. Her first book, Washington County for Arcadia’s Images of America series, was published in 2017. Hear the Whistle is her second book. She lives in Nebraska.

Reviews

[Glen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads drawing.

The biography of a man who, after being raised on the railroads, tries to buy one. Pretty decent, if a bit adoring.

[Dwayne Roberts · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was impressed by the man, his dreams, his ambitions, his achievements. The book itself was an okay read, but at times seemed similar to an audit report.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rec'd Hear the Whistle as part of a kindle giveaway. Jack Haley is the author's father. Haley led an eventful life. He was a AF veteran, businessman, but deep down he loved railroads. He'd grown up around the rails because his father introduced him to them when he was a child. Haley was fortunate to use his business acumen to purchase a piece of the US rails. Unfortunately for Haley, he bought into a business that is full of regulation, competition and cost. His story is an interesting one. The moral: never give up.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Optimist Follows His Dream

Definitely a read for the Railroad Buff Enthusiast. I liked this man who followed his dream in so many career paths only to return to his first love—railroading. I received this ebook thru a Goodreads Giveaway and I voluntarily write my review.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chasing dreams

This is the story of a man that believes in himself and does whatever is ethically needed to get the job done. Trust in oneself, treating people correctly, and knowing how to do the job are necessary tools to be an effective leader.
#GoodreadsGiveaway

[Monica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this on a Goodreads Giveaway.

A story of Jack Haley, that started different businesses throughout his life. I found it boring, but that is just me. I felt like I was reading audits of a company a huge part of the time. Most definitely not my favorite book I have read this year.

[Laura H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an intensely thorough and in-depth history of Mr. Haley written out of love. Yet, it was also an entertaining read. I highly recommend!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughly enjoyed this book

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a very inspirational read. Enjoyed it.