Drive

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!

No one is just a number, and no one exemplifies this more than the dedicated transportation professionals behind Wreaths Across America. In this episode, Zac and Chelsea are again joined by Courtney George, Director of Transportation and Industry Relations for Wreaths Across America, a non-profit organization committed to honoring and remembering veterans through the laying of wreaths during the holiday season, to discuss the company’s mission.   Courtney shares the logistics and monumental efforts behind the initiative, highlighting the contributions of the trucking industry, the emotional stories that fuel their mission, and the growing community of volunteers, donors, and industry partners. She also discusses touching anecdotes, logistical challenges, and the joy of building a family-like community, ensuring that each veteran’s legacy is honored and remembered. Listen to learn how you can be a part of this noble cause, whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word. This episode is a tribute to the power of collaboration, respect, and remembrance.   In this episode, you’ll learn: The heartfelt origins and mission of Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit dedicated to honoring veterans through the placement of wreaths on their graves The essential role the trucking industry plays in ensuring wreaths reach their destinations, with countless truckers and companies volunteering their time and resources Personal stories and experiences that emphasize the emotional impact of the organization's work on both the volunteers and the families of the veterans they honor.   Resources: Wreaths Across America Courtney George’s LinkedIn   Connect with Zac, Chelsea, and HandledNow: HandledNow’s website HandledNow’s Facebook page Zac’s LinkedIn Chelsea’s LinkedIn   Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Welcome to Drive Podcast (06:21) Ensuring quality and fostering friendships in the trucking industry (07:00) Spending Thanksgiving together as a new family (13:11) Father's load supports community, family, and kindness (16:09) The Holiday begins with Wreaths Across America tradition (19:45) Supportive trucking industry solves problems collaboratively (22:37) Prompt confirmation for hauling loads and better planning (24:36) Honor loved ones through Wreaths Across America website

We all know that the trucking industry is male-dominated. But nothing beats a badass woman who completely transformed her life and now drives the world’s largest trucks. In this episode, Zac and Chelsea are joined by Kathy Tuccaro, a woman who beat all odds in a male-dominated field to become a true industry icon.  Kathy shared her astonishing life story in this episode, from overcoming severe trauma and homelessness to driving the world's largest trucks. She also shares her passion for giving back through initiatives like “Operation Hydration” and the powerful impact of using one’s voice to break the chains of shame and guilt. Plus, get an inside look at her unique brand, "Designer Miner," and hear how she balances her tough-as-nails job with a creative side.   In this episode, you’ll learn: Kathy Tuccaro's inspiring journey from homelessness and addiction to becoming a successful heavy equipment operator and motivational speaker. Kathy’s efforts in giving back to the community, including founding "Operation Hydration" to assist the homeless and creating educational resources for young girls and kids. The significance of using one's voice to combat shame and guilt and the transformative power of sharing personal stories to inspire and empower others.   Resources: Woman Road Warriors Kathy Tuccaro’s LinkedIn Get Kathy’s book here   Connect with Zac, Chelsea, and HandledNow: HandledNow’s website HandledNow’s Facebook page Zac’s LinkedIn Chelsea’s LinkedIn   Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Welcome to Drive Podcast (08:47) Kathy’s jaw-dropping story from her younger years (12:18) Psych doctor advises addressing abuse and trauma (18:00) Midlife career change led to an unexpected path (21:51) How Kathy overcame doubt to succeed in heavy equipment operating (37:50) Empowering kids against abuse (48:44) Kathy’s book helped spread mental health awareness (50:27) Being authentic online can change industry narratives (55:22) How Kathy finds rest and play

The world of lease purchase programs can be tricky for truck drivers. Think about it… understanding the financial and operational aspects of leasing is similar to maneuvering a fully loaded rig through unpredictable terrain.   In this episode, Zac and Chelsea are again joined by Brad Hackett, Director of Recruiting and Retention for C1 Transportation and a veteran with 15 years of trucking experience, to discuss the complexities of lease purchase arrangements.   Brad shares the importance of building financial reserves before diving into lease purchase agreements, the impact of market fluctuations, and offers crucial tips on contract transparency and proper financial planning. He also emphasizes the need for honest recruiting practices, the challenges lease purchase drivers may face in 2024, and the different mindsets required for company drivers versus lease purchase drivers aiming for an owner-operator mindset.   Listen to learn why research, proactive planning, and understanding industry dynamics are essential for success in lease purchase programs.   In this episode, you’ll learn: Why Brad advises against immediately jumping into a lease purchase program without first building financial reserves for handling unforeseen expenses and emergencies The importance of understanding tax laws and proper financial planning essential for success in lease purchase programs. The various red flags and important considerations, such as pre buyout terms, equipment value, and transparency, when evaluating lease purchase contracts. The challenging market conditions facing lease purchase drivers in 2024 and the need for thorough financial commitment evaluation and market research before embarking on a lease purchase arrangement   Resources: C1 Transportation Brad Hackett’s LinkedIn   Connect with Zac, Chelsea, and HandledNow: HandledNow’s website HandledNow’s Facebook page Zac’s LinkedIn Chelsea’s LinkedIn   Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Welcome to Drive Podcast (05:11) Panel seeks expert on lease purchase insight (09:26) Building financial cushion is key for success (12:21) Understand lease agreements before signing a contract (16:35) Benefits and drawbacks of leasing used trucks (18:16) Success long term is small but impactful (26:19) Understanding the different approaches to freight partnership (29:54) Recruiting focuses on positive, not negative aspects (32:25) Tough market for lease drivers in 2024 (35:46) Impact of lease purchase in trucking industry (37:49) Truck drivers' attitudes affect industry satisfaction

Have you ever considered switching your job to becoming a trucker? What’s holding you back? In this Road Reflection episode, guest Bill Babcock, a part-time trucker, shares his journey from being in landscape, to taking the leap to becoming a trucker. Did he regret it? Not at all.   Bill shares the impact that truck driving has had on his life, his favorite on-the-road stories, and what it’s like to balance driving with other responsibilities. he also touches on the camaraderie within the trucking community, how to navigate changing regulations, and tips for younger generations contemplating a career in trucking.    In this episode, you’ll learn: Bill Babcock's transition from the landscape business to part-time truck driving and how it has broadened his perspectives Insights into the importance of safety and mental health considerations for truck drivers from Bill's experiences and advice   Connect with Zac, Chelsea, and HandledNow: HandledNow’s website - www.handlednow.com HandledNow’s Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/handlednow1  Zac’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-elsts-981953108/  Chelsea’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-faulkner-6673288b/    Jump into the conversation: 00:59 - Welcome to Road Reflections with Bill Babcock 05:25 Diverse truck drivers come from all over 09:28 Encouraging career change to truck driving profession 11:59 CB radio's usage has changed over time 14:50 Concerns about driverless trucks, improving truck technology 17:55 Emphasizing safe driving for well-maintained equipment 21:10 Closing