A major dispute has erupted between a national supplier of railroad ties and one of its former general managers, leading to allegations of contract breaches and corporate misconduct. Akers Railroad Holdings, LLC filed a complaint in the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas on November 26, 2025, against Michael Strahlman and his company, Second Chance Salvage LLC. The lawsuit accuses Strahlman of violating his employment agreement by engaging in activities that directly competed with Akers’ business interests.
Akers Railroad Holdings is an Ohio-based company specializing in the supply and recycling of railroad ties. The company claims that it hired Michael Strahlman as a general manager in January 2023 to oversee key projects with BNSF Railway Company, one of North America’s largest freight rail companies. According to the complaint, Strahlman had disclosed at the time of hiring that he owned a side business named Second Chance Salvage LLC, which was allowed to act as a subcontractor for Akers under certain conditions.
However, tensions arose when Akers noticed a significant decline in their contracted work with BNSF. Upon investigation, they discovered that Strahlman had allegedly bypassed Akers and secured contracts directly with BNSF through Second Chance Salvage LLC. This action reportedly led to a drastic reduction in revenue for Akers from their BNSF projects—from over $1 million in one year to zero activity by summer 2025.
The lawsuit details multiple breaches of contract by Strahlman, citing sections from his employment agreement that prohibited the use or disclosure of confidential information for personal gain and forbade competition with Akers during his tenure. A particularly critical section titled “Corporate Opportunities” required Strahlman to present any business opportunities related to Akers’ field first to the company before pursuing them independently.
Despite being confronted about these actions in July 2025 and promising corrective measures, Strahlman’s alleged misconduct continued into November 2025. During this period, he reportedly secured additional work from BNSF that historically would have been awarded to Akers. As a result, his employment was terminated on November 18, 2025.
In addition to breach of contract claims against Strahlman, Akers also accuses Second Chance Salvage LLC of tortious interference with contractual relations. The complaint asserts that Second Chance was aware of the terms binding Strahlman but proceeded with actions detrimental to Akers’ interests nonetheless.
Akers seeks judgment against both defendants for damages exceeding the court’s jurisdictional minimums. They are also requesting attorney fees and costs associated with the litigation process as stipulated under Section 14 of the Employment Agreement.
The case is being handled by Matthew A. Rich from Katz Teller Brant & Hild law firm representing Akers Railroad Holdings. The case ID is 1:26-cv-00020-JPH.
Source: 126cv00020_Akers_Railroad_Holdings_LLC_v_Strahlman_Complaint_Northern_District_Ohio.pdf
