Steadfast Dedication to Community with Greg Carmon
From a one-room schoolhouse near De Smet to building one of the most advanced railcar repair operations in the nation, 2025 Inductee Greg Carmon’s life reflects an unwavering commitment to people and place. Greg inspires others not only with his business success but also with the lasting impact he has made through philanthropy, conservation, and mentorship across the state.
Rooted in Resiliency
Greg grew up on a farm just outside De Smet, South Dakota, where hard work and responsibility were part of everyday life. With no running water and long walks or bike rides to a one-room schoolhouse, those early years shaped a mindset rooted in resilience and humility. “Everybody was hardworking,” Greg shared. “There wasn’t any job that you were above doing.”
After graduating from high school, Greg pursued autobody repair at Springfield VoTech, followed by work in commercial construction. His path eventually led him to the railroad industry, where he began working in railcar repair near the Sioux Falls stockyards. While employed by General Electric, Greg traveled across the country helping struggling rail operations, gaining firsthand insight into what worked and what did not.
Honesty and Integrity
In 1988, Greg took a significant risk by purchasing a failing railcar repair shop in Sioux Falls rather than watching it close. With determination, integrity, and a willingness to learn, he rebuilt the operation into what would become Midwest Railcar Repair. Over time, the business grew into one of the most modern railcar repair facilities in the country, earning national recognition while remaining firmly rooted in South Dakota.
Greg later expanded into railcar leasing, launching CarMath, Inc. with just two railcars. That operation has since grown to hundreds of cars and remains family-led today. Even after stepping back from day-to-day operations, Greg continues to stay engaged, emphasizing that success is never achieved alone. “Nobody builds a business alone,” he said. “Partnerships are a wonderful process as long as you use honesty and integrity.”
Values and Lessons
Greg shared the importance of values instilled by his parents, grandparents, and early mentors. Integrity, hard work, and treating people well have guided every decision. “If you don’t treat your people the way you want to be treated, you’re missing the boat,” he said.
Those values carried him through difficult moments, including economic downturns and hard decisions that affected employees and their families. “If you don’t make those tough decisions, you don’t survive,” Greg reflected, noting the emotional weight leadership often carries.
His philosophy on giving is equally grounded. “If you’re lucky enough to have more than you need, give a hand up where you can,” he shared, a belief that continues to guide his philanthropy.
Strengthening Communities
Greg’s influence reaches far beyond business. He and his wife, Sheri, have dedicated themselves to strengthening communities across South Dakota, from supporting Main Street revitalization projects in De Smet to investing in education, workforce development, and conservation. A passionate advocate for technical education, Greg has served on the Build Dakota Scholarship Board, helping students access career pathways that support small towns and keep communities thriving. He is also deeply committed to conservation, restoring wildlife habitat on his family farm and supporting regional environmental initiatives. “We just love Mother Nature,” he said. “I want to be part of it.”
Family remains central to everything Greg does. As a father and grandfather, he encourages future generations to value South Dakota’s beauty, opportunity, and sense of purpose, while continuing to mentor young professionals and support missions and nonprofit work locally and globally.
Greg Carmon’s story is a testament to integrity, generosity, and community-centered leadership.
Watch the full interview with Greg Carmon, hosted by 2021 Inductee Angela Kennecke, below to hear these stories in his own words.