These York Students Get Funding To Examine Local Railroad Issue

ELMHURST, IL — York High School Business INCubator student entrepreneurs Barry Carta, Connor Polomsky, Chris Markuson and Luigi Allegrini partnered to develop their own business startup, known as Kroy Railway Group, according to a York news release.

This past spring, competing against dozens of other York INCubator teams, Kroy presented their final pitch to a Board of Advisors, ultimately winning first prize in funding to further their business venture, the release said. On July 29, Kroy Railway Group was officially registered as a limited liability company, naming Carta and Polomsky as Kroy’s business managers.

Last fall, York Business INCubator teams were initially challenged to identify and evaluate everyday problems in need of a solution. Living in Elmhurst, Team Kroy knew residents frequently encountered traffic backups due to trains blocking local roadways. Having witnessed fire truck and ambulance delays, it was apparent to the team that this was not only a business opportunity, but also a life safety issue worth exploring, the release said.

Under the mentorship of Jim Dondlinger, former president of Auto Truck Group, the students began developing a marketable, tech-driven solution to the problem, according to the news release. They sought to use real-time data to improve emergency response times and routes in communities where rail lines cause unpredictable traffic delays, the release said. The students envisioned producing and deploying tech-based safety tools and apps for first responders, municipalities, and consumer markets nationwide.

Team Kroy initiated partnerships with the city of Elmhurst, Superior Ambulance, Auto Truck Group, and other business leaders. They interviewed first responders, conducted research, and collected data throughout the business development process.

Carta and Polomsky additionally wrote a grant seeking funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation. They’ve garnered attention from the Federal Railway Administration and elected officials for their efforts.

In partnership with INCubatoredu, Steve Haderlein teaches York’s Business INCubator course. Local business experts and entrepreneurs serve as volunteer coaches.