 He began his career with the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad and was offered a better position in 1873 with the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad.With the latter firm he rose from assistant superintendent, to general manager, and then vice-president.Potter served successively as vice president of the St. Louis and Keokuk Railroad, the Chicago, Burlington and Kansas City Railroad, the Chicago and Iowa Railroad, the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad, and the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad.