RCR Rail Co.

Hydie McAlister is a seasoned professional in the commercial real estate realm. Her career commenced in 1991 with the McAlister Company, marking the beginning of a legacy of excellence. In 2008, she channeled her vast knowledge into founding McAlister Investment Real Estate, a move that diversified the investment landscape within the McAlister family of businesses. Her foresight continued to manifest with the establishment of McAlister Assets in 2018, introducing new rail-served opportunities to the market.

Throughout her career, Hydie has been instrumental in the acquisition of over $300 million in land assets, a testament to her strategic prowess. Her leadership from February 2018 to August 2022 led to the successful raising of over $139 million in private equity, earmarked for long-term capital gain land holdings and the development of rail-served industrial parks.

Ms. McAlister’s portfolio of achievements includes the structuring, building, and management of industrial Class I rail-served business parks. Notably, she has developed two significant parks—a 137-acre and a 755-acre site. Within the RCR Taylor Park, she has adeptly negotiated and closed land transactions exceeding $69 million with end users. Over the last five years, Hydie’s vision and determination have brought the Hempstead and Taylor parks in Texas from concept to reality.

Now, with an eye towards the future, Hydie McAlister is set to propel McAlister Assets into new business sectors, promising continued growth and innovation.

Bruce Mann is the Vice President of Operations for RCR Rail company. He oversees the day-to-day management of operations activities, as well as the development and execution of strategic initiatives and operating P&L. He is further responsible for the oversight, direction and procurement of contractors and ensuring industry leading customer satisfaction and deepening client relationships. Lastly, Bruce is also involved in revenue generating activities, client development and business development. Mr. Mann is a Past President for the North American Rail Shippers Association (NARS), the Vice President for the Southwest Association of Rail Shippers (SWARS), on the Board of Directors for the Gulf Coast Rail District (GCRD), Chair of the Houston Area Rail Transformation (The HART) Committee, on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee for the Center for Houston’s Future, and Co-Chair of the Greater Houston Freight Committee.  Bruce is also a past Chair of the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) Transportation Systems Mgt and Ops Subcommittee, past Vice Chair of the H-GAC Regional Transportation Plan Committee, a past member of numerous other H-GAC’s and Greater Houston Partnership committees. Additionally, Bruce has served numerous steering committees for TxDOT and H-GAC studies. Bruce is a dynamic public speaker that is recognized as a freight and transportation industry expert, he was recently recognized by both the NARS and the SWARS as their 2020 Person of the Year. As well, Bruce was recognized at the 2022 Diversity & Inclusion Leader of the Year and the 2021 Global Port Executive of the Year by TMSFirst/Global Supply Chain Leaders. Mr. Mann is also actively involved in engaging in the fight against Human Trafficking in the Houston region and has been recognized for this work by the Center for Houston’s Future as their 2018 Impact Person and by Global Supply Chain Leaders’ 2018 Compassionate Executive of the Year. Bruce has an MBA from the University of Phoenix Houston Campus and an undergraduate degree from Jacksonville University.

Cody Poteat joined RCR Rail Co in February of 2023. Cody’s primary responsibilities consist of leading RCR Rail Company’s rail commercial development and managing day-to-day park operations. He is tasked with targeting new clients and developing those relationships through the entirety of the rail sales process. His commercial strategy primarily leverages his rail industry contacts to complement his understanding of how materials and products are shipped by rail. His additional responsibilities focus on executing RCR’s lean operating strategy through managing the Operations Teams.
Cody joined RCR following 11 years with the Union Pacific Railroad. Cody’s experience in the rail industry spans across the intermodal, chemicals, and automotive business segments. While at Union Pacific, Cody’s responsibilities included commercial development, strategic account negotiation and strategy, project management, and operations. Cody graduated from Hastings College with a degree in Marketing and acquired his MBA from University of Nebraska, Omaha in 2021. Cody lives in Franklin, TN with his wife who owns her own small business marketing company.

Julie Ward is an accomplished professional who recently joined RCR in 2024 with the primary responsibility of managing and overseeing land development.  Prior to joining RCR, Julie worked at notable real estate firms such as Partners Real Estate and Read King, Inc. There she participated in all aspects of commercial real estate development, including acquisitions, entitlement, finance, design, construction, leasing, and dispositions.  With an impressive 18-year career, Julie’s project experience spans Build-to-Suits, Institutional, Industrial, Retail, and Office Developments. She has successfully completed over 4 million square feet and $500 million in development.Julie holds a license as an Architect and is a record holder with the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).  Additionally, she is a certified Construction Document Technologist and worked as an accredited LEED professional with a specialty in Building Design and Construction. Julie earned both her Bachelor and Master of Architecture from Tulane University.

We honor the memory of Jeff Pittman, one of the major forces behind RCR Rail Co. Jeff was more than a leader; he was a mentor, a friend, and a tireless advocate for both our team and our community.

Jeff had a true passion for solving customer logistics challenges and played a key role in developing two of the most successful rail logistics parks in Texas. His vision, dedication, and care have left a lasting impact on our company and the communities we serve. Jeff’s legacy stretches far beyond the rail industry. He was a generous supporter of causes close to his heart like Wreaths Across America, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, 29 Acres, and the Washington County Fair.

Jeff’s legacy lives on in every railcar moved, every customer helped, and every life touched.