Locations/Headquarters: Sugarland, TX
Business Accolades:
NaVOBA Certified
VBE Spotlight on: E-Railspot
E-Railspot
E-Railspot was founded in 2020 by Timothy Brake.
E-railspot is a procurement and asset management SaaS (software as a service) provider. They connect buyers, sellers, and shippers in an effort to increase industry awareness and conduct seamless B2B transactions within the railroad sector.
Learn more about E-Railspot by visiting their website at e-railspot.com.
About the Business - Making Management More Streamlined
What services do you provide?
"Procurement and Asset Management Software"
Who are your primary customers?
"Currently working in the Railroad industry globally, but the software can be used for any industry. Current customers are Union Pacific, BART, Watco, Railworks, etc.."
When and how did you start your business?
"'In July of 2020, I began to create my vision for a single location for Buyers to buy or sell anything in the railroad sector. I hired a technical team to code the entire site, and soon found that this platform can benefit other industries as well."
Business Growth Challenges - Growing Through Challenge and Change
What were some of the challenges in starting your business?
"Definitely the coding was the biggest challenge! Trying to get the User Interface clean, simple, and thorough enough to conduct business in a more efficient manner. We had to look at the entire process of Buy, Sell, Ship from a 10,000 foot view and realize not all problems can be solved at once. There was a lot of pain in that process, and then we switched from a "targeted" approach, to "casting a net". Another challenge was working with the right developer. Finding a partner that can balance our vision and offer technical foresight, as well as, doing it on a start up budget was very difficult. We had some trial and error!"
What is the key to the success of your business?
"Fixing one issue at a time instead of taking on the entire project shotgun style. The overall vision is a monster and can be overwhelming. So, while keeping our mind on the mission, we prioritize our targets and execute."
What lessons learned can you share with people to make their business succeed?
"Read the statement above, and learn to be frugal."
What pitfalls should they avoid?
"Don't work on too many tasks at once, learn to say no, and don't spend it if you aren't making it."
What other information about you and your business would you like to share with the NaVOBA community?
"Having our VBE certification was one of our best investments. We work with Public Transportation Agencies, and they can benefit by procuring their services and materials through our platform."
Service information
Branch:
US Army, US Army National Guard
Service Years:
1992-2003
Highest Rank Attained:
E-5p
Why did you join the military?
"Family tradition, needed the discipline, and service to my country."
Military Occupation:
"92Y & 88M; Plus temporary duty as MP/Game Warden"
Significant Achievements/Experiences:
"I was good at soldiering, overachieving in all aspects of military life."
Biography/Fun Facts
If you weren't a business owner, you would be?
"I would be a Marine Biologist. Glad I chose my current path because Marine Biology pays like shit!"
In 10 years, you see yourself?
"In 10 years, I see myself retired in Costa Rica."
How do you relax?
"To relax and stay in shape, I play competitive sand volleyball all around the Houston area."
Connect with NaVOBA on Social:
Veteran's Business Enterprise®: Headquarters: San Antonio, TX and Seatlle, WA Year Founded: 2016 # of Employees: 10 Website : www.opensecurity.com Service Overview: Cybersecurity assessment, training and education, expertise and consulting.
Meet Stuart
UPCOMING IVMF PROGRAMS & EVENTS Check out which IVMF programs and events are actively taking applications and registrations! Have questions about IVMF? Check out this video , or register for a free virtual consult with enrollment services on September 11th . Military Founders Lab Applications close August 17th! – Formerly the Veterans in Residence, Breaking Barriers in Entrepreneurship (BBiE), and Bunker Build Up (BBU) programs, these three virtual programs are now streamlined and combined into the Military Founders Lab! This ten-week workshop offers access to business tools, resources, mentorship, and a strong peer network. Applications close soon so apply today! IVMF Ambassadors Applications Open August 18th! – Become part of the 2026 IVMF Ambassador cohort! For 12 months, you’ll help veterans and military spouses in your neighborhood access the resources and networks they need to succeed. Add your name to the interest form to get notified when applications open. RSVP for Veteran EDGE 2026 – Fill out the interest form to stay informed about Veteran EDGE 2026 Conference as it happens! Veteran EDGE is a three-day event for growth-stage businesses filled with networking, keynotes, and training. Don’t miss it! EBV applications are OPEN! – Apply now for IVMF’s flagship program ! Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans combines a 30-day online business fundamentals course with a 9-day residency at one of our eight participating university campuses across the nation. RSVP to Military Entrepreneurship Forum in Williamsburg, VA on October 29 – Join us for a full day featuring insightful panels, fireside chats, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities powered by Fiserv and tailored for entrepreneurs at every stage of their business journey. Register today for this no-cost event! Register for Mission to Marketplace in San Diego on September 30th – Join us and sponsor Amazon for a day of learning and networking opportunities designed to help veteran entrepreneurs in the Philadelphia area connect and grow their businesses. RSVP today!
