He began his railroad career in 1990 at the North Carolina & Virginia Railroad as an Engineer/Conductor for RailTex. In 1994, Ed attended the University of Tennessee and received his certification as a FRA Certified Track Inspector. In 1995, Ed accepted the position as Train Master at the Virginia Southern Railroad in Keysville, Virginia, for RailTex. Also, in 1995, Ed received his certificate for DSLE training and in 1998 received his certificate of completion for Hazardous Material Operations in Pueblo, Colorado.

In 2005, Ed accepted the position as President of the Kettle Falls International Railway in Kettle Falls, Washington, with OmniTrax of Denver, Colorado. As President of the Kettle Falls International Railway, Ed communicated with Canadian and U.S. Customs, U.S. Border Patrol, Transport Canada, and facilitated Canadian Operating Rules. In 2009, Ed was offered the opportunity to move closer to home and accepted the position of Superintendent of Operations with the Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway. During this time, he has maintained his skills as a Track Inspector, Engineer/Conductor, and DSLE.