Railway Consulting Services

Branch Line Railroad, Inc., provides expert railway consulting services and customized solutions for the rail and transportation industries across the Midwest. Our experienced team takes an individualized approach to solving complex logistical challenges, ensuring your business is positioned for growth and operational efficiency.

We offer a comprehensive range of services, from rail yard site planning and private railroad establishment to regulatory guidance with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Our team is equipped with a robust network of industry partners and cost-saving strategies to keep your project on schedule and within budget.

Get on track today with Branch Line Rail!

Let’s discuss how we can support your rail infrastructure and logistics needs.

Call us at: 630-251-0365

Our Services

Rail Yard site planning and development
Transload facility solutions
Track construction and expansion
Private railroad establishment
Tax-saving strategies with fast implementation
Locomotive and railcar sourcing
Leasing and financing options
STB and FRA compliance guidance
Practical, cost-effective solutions tailored to your needs

Meet the Team

Daniel J. Mottl, BSME, MBA

President

Dan Mottl serves as President and Business Development Officer for Branch Line Railroad, Inc. His expertise with organizations of all sizes can be applied to find clever solutions for today’s needs. Dan concurrently acts as Chairman and owner of Atlas Tool Works, a 107-year-old family-owned precision manufacturing company in Lyons, Illinois. His technical training began in high school, where he honed Tool & Die Maker skills under the mentorship of his father and experienced journeymen in the family’s metal stamping business. His education in Mechanical Engineering and subsequent MBA studies facilitated his transformation from Engineer to Entrepreneur over a 50-year career.

Dan has successfully founded or revitalized five manufacturing companies and one industrial real estate holding firm. At Atlas, he oversees a 100,000-square-foot precision machining facility, incorporating advanced technologies such as laser cutting, water jet cutting, multi-axis machining, and wire EDM. Coupled with award-winning customer service, these capabilities position Atlas as a leader in serving major clients in the Military/Aerospace, Telecom/Electronics, and Medical sectors.

A practical problem-solver, Dan specializes in innovative supply chain solutions, out-of-the-box thinking, and profitability strategies. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Bradley University along with post graduate studies at Rosary College (Dominican University).

Dan’s business experience and love of railroads comes together in the value he adds to the consulting group at Branch Line Rail. America needs dependable and affordable rail service to serve the reshoring efforts of Made in America economics.

David C. Dillon, MBA, JD

Chief Legal & Financial Officer

Dave Dillon brings over 40 years of expertise in real property taxation and railroad law. As a partner at Dillon and Nash since 1981, he has specialized in property tax incentives, legislative strategies, and working with Class 1 and Class 2 railroads.

Dave’s railroad career began with Chesapeake and Ohio Railway as a yard clerk and locomotive fireman, before advancing to leadership roles at Chicago and Northwestern Railroad and Illinois Central Railroad. His extensive experience in the industry includes forming over a dozen Class 3 shortline railroads and providing strategic legal and financial guidance on complex tax matters.

Dave holds a BS in Business and an MBA in Finance from DePaul University, as well as a JD from Illinois Institute of Technology’s Kent College of Law.

Dave’s extensive experience in property taxation law and railroad law has directly supported the development of numerous Class 3 (shortline) railroads, ensuring they remain viable components of America’s transportation network. His work with Class 1 and Class 2 railroads has helped shape the financial and operational frameworks needed for rail expansion and sustainability.

Ty S. Penca, Conductor & Engineer

Founder & Chief Operating Officer

Ty Penca is an entrepreneur and rail operations expert with an extensive background in Wisconsin and Michigan rail systems. His career began at the original Wisconsin and Southern Railroad (WSOR), where he developed commuter rail proposals and biodiesel fuel acquisition plans. At Canadian National (CN), Ty contributed to redeveloping Northern Wisconsin’s rail service and played a significant role in the Northwoods Rail Transit Commission since its inception in 2012, an organization that continues to support regional rail development.

In 2024, Ty helped establish the Snowbelt Transit Commission, collaborating with Upper Peninsula counties and legislators to strengthen regional rail infrastructure. He has completed professional development courses at the University of Wisconsin, focusing on rail infrastructure, grade crossings, and bridge design.

As Founder of Branch Line Rail Inc., Ty continues to drive sustainable rail system development, leading profitable operational plans and securing government and public support.

Ty’s lifelong passion for railroads and extensive industry experience drive his commitment to rebuilding and revitalizing rail infrastructure. His leadership at Branch Line Rail focuses on restoring essential freight corridors in the upper Midwest and nationwide to maintain robust and sustainable rail service for economic growth.

Robert E. Quick Jr., MBA, MA

Chief Administrative Officer

Bob Quick is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in economic development across the energy, natural resources, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors. A passionate advocate for natural resources industries, he has spearheaded initiatives in oil & gas, mining, timber, and agriculture, with expertise in public policy, permitting, marketing, and stakeholder relations.

Bob has held leadership roles at Technology Solutions Partners and Quick Link Partners, where he advanced energy technologies and secured funding for innovative projects. As President of the Arizona Mining Association, he modernized operations, doubled membership, and led legislative and regulatory efforts. Previously, Bob held senior positions at Asarco, Chevron, and Gulf Oil, where he managed public policy and permitting initiatives while representing industry interests before Federal, State, Local and Tribal governments.

A retired USAF Lt. Colonel with 24 years of service in logistics and transportation, Bob is a graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He holds a BS in Industrial Management from Fairfield University, an MBA from American University, and an MA in Applied Economics from Stanford University.

Bob’s expertise in economic development and natural resource industries intersects with rail infrastructure planning, as efficient freight movement remains critical to resource extraction and processing. His advocacy for smart public policy ensures that rail remains a central component of regional economic strategies. He is also a strong proponent of public-private partnerships and innovative funding solutions to ensure long-term rail viability, leveraging investment to support infrastructure improvements and regional economic growth.