Tar Heel Railroad

Tar Heel Railroad Construction Co., Inc. is headquartered in Winston-Salem, N.C. It was founded in 1974 by Max W. DeBruhl, Jr. He was a 1966 graduate of the University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill, and began his railroad career in the management training program of Southern Railroad (now Norfolk Southern). The company was designed to specialize in new railroad track construction, design build projects, and inspection of existing spurs. Max, Jr. was joined in the business venture by Max W. DeBruhl, Sr., and Joyce DeBruhl Linton, a graduate of the University of Georgia. The company expanded to serve other southeastern states with clients that included industry, governmental agencies, mainline railroads and the U.S. military. Following the unexpected death of Max DeBruhl, Jr. in 1992, the management and operation of the company was transferred to his sons, Marty DeBruhl and Max W. Debruhl, III. Joyce Linton was President until her retirement in 2011. Marty DeBruhl now serves as President. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri, and has twenty four years of track experience in a variety of capacities. His administrative ability and attention to detail keep the business running smoothly. After attending the University of Georgia, Max W. DeBruhl, III joined the company in 1987. His extensive railroad background is a vital asset to the business. He is able to provide clients with cost saving alternatives and design options. The brothers continue the tradition of running the family business. They have not strayed from their father's goals of providing reliable railroad services in a safe and professional manner.