Drive

A teacher from Kentucky started his class in a single high school. Now at 55 across the country, Dave Dein is striving for more. From the classroom to the national spotlight, Dein (co-founder of the Next Generation in Trucking Association) has shifted the trucking industry's reputation and inspired thousands to view trucking as an opportunity. Dave shares Next Gen Trucking's education, growth, and diversity goals on the latest episode of Drive.

When it comes to building wealth there are lots of options out there—and we believe it's important for you to know all of the options so you can make the best financial decisions for you and your family. That's why on this episode, we're demystifying one of the most buzzworthy investing options of our time: cryptocurrency. Josh Rhodes is a 7-figure CEO and crypto coach, and the founder of Crypto Y'all—a coaching service to help people level up their investment game, especially in cryptocurrency. Tune in as Zac sits down to discuss the misconceptions and opportunities in crypto in today's modern economy with Josh.

Road Pro Family of Brands creates numerous products that help drivers stay safe and comfortable. But for Kim McDonnell, it goes beyond products–it's all about creating an impact in the trucking community. In addition to working for RoadPro, Kim is an advocate for many nonprofits associated with the trucking industry. So listen in as Zac and Kim discuss all things, from comfort on the road to safety to inclusion.

The trucking industry is made up of people behind the wheel and others behind desks. And sometimes this relationship can be rocky. In this episode, Cody Thacker, Director of Contract Relationships at ReedTMS Logistics, breaks down the importance of the relationship between the contractor and the driver, and how technology is changing the trucking industry for the better.

Feelings of missing life at home are what brought couple Melissa Cheshire and Vincent Louque on the road together. Not only are they a trucking couple, but they are also vloggers with a successful YouTube channel where they document their journey together on the road and share some of their tips on expedited driving. In this episode, we talk to Melissa and Vincent about connecting with the trucking community and their YouTube followers, how they stay connected to their family at home, and how to lean into creativity while on a haul.

Our industry has been making headlines a lot lately–between the Trucker Convoy and the president's Trucker Action Plan, there's been plenty of chatter around what we should care about. But, as we all know, there's usually more than just the headlines. This episode, we've brought back our friend Jeremy Reymer, industry expert and CEO at DriverReach, to tell it to us straight: what are the 5 things that every driver should be thinking about right now? Go beyond the headlines with us on technology, hiring and retention, driver diversity and more.

There are some incredible people doing incredible things within our trucking community. In this very special bonus episode, we wanted to feature a worthy cause that is impacting our community and thousands of others. The Make-A-Wish Mother's Day Convoy is an event that draws in 500+ Big Rigs and thousands of spectators—all to support the meaningful mission of the Make-A-Wish foundation. In this episode, we're hearing from this year's convoy chairperson Terry Finch on the inspiring story behind the event and how you can get involved—virtually or in person. You can register and begin fundraising, either as a participating truck driver or as a fundraising fan. You can donate to the event or to support one of the fundraising drivers or fans. You can bid on an auction item when the auction opens in May. You can plan to join us on Mother's Day either along the route or at the Convoy Carnival at the Manheim, Pennsylvania Auto Auction.

The trucking industry is facing a hiring crisis–there's no way around it. The driver shortage is making national news and calling for new federal initiatives. But, guess what? We're not the only industry facing tough times with hiring and retention right now. The service industry as a whole is right there with us. That's why on this episode, Zac is joined by Tersh Blissett and Josh Crouch–hosts of the Service Business Mastery podcast, which helps home service industry business owners and managers succeed in business. Josh, Tersh, and Zac chat about their perspectives coming from different blue collar industries, how service-based companies can start to focus on hiring well (instead of just getting "butts in seats"), and how to retain employees with benefits that matter to them. To listen to the Service Business Mastery podcast, click here. Compelling Quotes: [7:17] So getting into the people business, really understanding what people need Is not necessarily what the general population has done for 30 years, just because that's the way we've done it. Taking a step back and looking at–this is what people need today. [10:16] You're pushed towards, 'let's go to college and have a professional degree'. And then the individuals who aren't, then they assume 'okay, well, you can't do this, so let's do this (service-based job)'. And that's not the case. I mean, in reality, there are some people who are very, very intelligent that are in the trades. [17:54] Hiring is marketing and marketing is hiring. Always be marketing towards the hiring. [24:14] If you don't have the right management structure in place and the managers don't care about their employees, they're just a number. [29:19] It's not all about profits. It has to be people first. And if it's not people. I said, these other things are going to come and it's going to wipe it all out. And you're not going to have the same business model you do now.

What are your professional goals? How about your personal ones? Are you taking steps to achieving them or are you making excuses as to why their not attainable? In this episode, Craig P. Anderson, President and founder of Clear Path Coaching and Consulting, joins us to offer some expert advice on not just setting goals, but reaching them as well. It will take some effort on your part but if you're willing to dig deep and understand what's holding you back, then you'll be able to overcome those roadblocks and begin making positive changes. As you listen, you'll pick up tips and tricks for your personal and professional development.

After working with truckers in a physical therapy clinic and seeing the toll a lifetime behind the wheel can take on a body, Dr. Mark Manera was inspired to found The Trucking Fitness Company. In this episode of Drive, Mark and Zac discuss the small changes drivers can make to their diets and routines that will have a huge impact on their health. Mark says consistency is the name of the game which is why he's not looking to get you to go from 0 to 60. Instead, Mark is advocating for drivers to make sustainable choices, like switching to zero calorie drinks and stocking your truck with nutritious snacks. Are you ready to prioritize your health? Listen in to hear where to start.

We know your life isn't your work, but a lot of your life is spent on the road at work. So we're going to be getting really specific on season 2 of the Drive podcast, talking about cooking on the road, finding great hobbies while you're out driving, emerging technologies that are going to affect our work, and tons more.

Thanks to all of the incredible guests who joined us for season 1 of Drive. Zac Elsts is joined by HandledNow co-founder, Aaron Robertson, and seasoned driver and previous Drive guest, Heath Melton, to chat about their favorite episodes of the season and what they're looking forward to in the next season of Drive.

Ellen Voie, President and CEO of the Women in Trucking Association, shares that 83% of women who join the trucking industry do so after hearing about it from a family member or friend. The organization's mission is to increase the ranks of women employed in transportation careers. In this episode of Drive, Ellen dives into steps that trucking companies can take to make sure more folks across genders are aware of the opportunities in the trucking industry and why gender diversity makes companies better.

Truck drivers embody independence. But even the most independent folks want to come home to the same thing— a strong and healthy relationship. Whether you're in a long-term marriage or just dating, the long hours spent driving can affect the relationships established back home. On this episode of Drive, Dr. Karin Anderson Abrell, an acclaimed psychologist, author, and podcaster specializing in relationships, joins Zac Elsts to discuss relationships on the road. Listen to learn more about how important personal relationships can still be successful ones and why independence is a major component of any healthy relationship.

Truck drivers and police officers? You might be surprised by how much both of these professions have in common. Safety to hours away from friends and family, to the importance of training and transparency — the similarities outweigh the differences. To help us again is Steve Kellams. Steve spent 30 years as a police officer, and he now travels the country training officers and departments. In part one of our conversation, Zac and Steve talked about the similarities between officers and drivers. Now you'll hear the biggest misconceptions about police officers that Steve often encounters. Resources: Learn more from Steve and his team at bluecanaryconsulting.com Make sure to listen to stories from Steve's career on the Blue Canary podcast.

Truck drivers and police officers? You might be surprised by how much both of these professions have in common. Safety to hours away from friends and family, to the importance of training and transparency — the similarities outweigh the differences. After 30 years of service working with citizens directly as a police officer, Steve Kellams has a new focus, ensuring all law enforcement and public safety organizations receive the best training and support possible. With safety top of mind and long shifts as the norm for officers and drivers, Steve and Zac chat through the misconceptions drivers often have about officers, and how both groups can partner for safer roads and advocate for more training and resources for these two vital professions. Resources: Learn more from Steve and his team at bluecanaryconsulting.com Make sure to listen to stories from Steve's career on the Blue Canary podcast.

Sticking to your budget and staying true to your financial goals is a lot like dieting. When you're good about your diet all week and reward yourself with a piece of cheesecake, you blow all the progress you've made. It's the same thing with money. So where do you start to build good financial habits? Damian Dunn is the Vice President of Advice at Your Money Line Powered by Pete the Planner®. In this episode he shares steps you can take to get a hold of your finances and create stability for your future. In the end, it's not about immediately putting away 40% of your paycheck. It's about getting organized with your bills, setting realistic goals, and sticking to the small steps you've identified. It's never too late to start saving, but habits take time to build, so you might as well start now. Listen in to find out how.

So far in season one we heard from great guests with valuable insights related to truck driving. Whether it be health, mindset, safety, or choosing truck driving as a career, these episodes provided invaluable, tangible advice on being successful and healthy in the industry. For this episode, host Zac Elsts is joined by Aaron Robertson, Co-founder of HandledNow. While Zac and Aaron wanted to take a step back and reflect on some of their favorite moments from the first half of the season, they break down key takeaways, highlighting what you can learn from the guests' stories. Tune in to hear their favorite quotes, then follow Drive on your favorite podcast platform to listen to the full conversations.

On this week's episode of Drive, Zac Elsts sits down with Argie Bellio, President and CEO of 6 Logistics to talk about his history as a driver and how that's informed his view on driving for a living. Thanks to more than a decade of experience, Argie breaks down how his experience from starting to drive as a necessity in 2008 translated to running his own trucking business. With simple acts like celebrating safety on Facebook or limiting hours, Argie has seen major positive ripple effects for his drivers and the business. Listen now to learn from Argie's story.

For many, truck driving can be a second career, but with more emphasis on better opportunities for drivers, training, and expansion of opportunity, drivers can start their careers sooner. With innovation in technology, truck driving continues to be a great career option for young people. Jeremy Reymer is the Founder and CEO of DriverReach, where he helps companies hire better drivers faster. Listen now to learn more from Jeremy.

"You are not in control of 95% of your thoughts until you learn to reprogram your mindset." As a truck driver, you're alone with your thoughts for the majority of the day. On this episode of Drive, Zac Elsts dives deep with Kevin Bailey, founder of Dreamfuel, a company helping teams and individuals realize their full potential through proven mindset and mindfulness techniques. Having studied neuroscience, Kevin blends science with coaching to help you feel more in control. Listen to learn more about how you can master the mental programming of your brain to create the life you want and accomplish more than you thought was possible.

Sometimes a job is just a job to start. But what happens when the job you've chosen leads to some bad conscious habits? The small choices we make can change the course of our lives for better or for worse. On this week's episode of Drive, Zach Elsts sits down with Heath Melton, a driver and father of four, to discuss his habits and life on the road. Heath has created a thriving career from behind the wheel. His journey to get there was hardly a straight shot, and it came with sacrifice - his health. Here's Heath's story.

Driving all day brings about a unique challenge for the body: your mind must stay alert and focused, working overtime for long stretches of the day while the body is mostly inactive, leaving it craving movement and stretching everybody needs to thrive. On this episode of Drive, Zach Elsts sits down with Erica Ballard, healthy living expert and coach, to talk about this unique challenge and her best tips for drivers to live healthy while behind the wheel. Erica breaks down some misconceptions about healthy living while on the road and offers tangible tips and tricks for drivers to start implementing on their next drive.

Drive is for truck drivers, unpacking the why behind the drive. Each episode aims to empower listeners to make the most out of every route for any road ahead. Addressing topics like healthy living, wellness, career progression, self-improvement and everything in between, Drive is designed to help aspiring truck drivers and current truck drivers to the next level of success. Buckle up and enjoy Drive!