I was born and raised in Bay City, Michigan, and have always been familiar with Tri-Area Trucking School. I got my CDL 19 years ago and started my career with the city of Bay City as a trashman. I worked on the back of the truck for six years, and after that, I started doing heavy haul work. If it had a steering wheel, I was the guy driving it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019ve always been the \u201cyes man.\u201d If something needed to be done, I did it. But after 10 years in waste hauling, I started to get bored and wanted something more challenging. That\u2019s when I moved into the explosives hauling industry working as a propane hauler. It was a dangerous but rewarding job, requiring a hazmat endorsement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
During my career, I transitioned to the fuel hauling industry. The money was great, but during COVID, I was working 16-hour days, seven days a week, with no breaks, and eventually burned out. Around the same time, in 2020, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which became a turning point for me. I realized I didn\u2019t want to drive as much anymore and instead wanted to give back to the industry that had given me so much. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2022, I joined Tri-Area Trucking School, first as an instructor, eager to share my knowledge and experience with new drivers. Through hard work and dedication, I quickly advanced to lead instructor, and in September 2023, I stepped into the director role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How did you navigate that period of burnout ? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It was a rough time. We had a team of 10, but eight of them decided to stay home on unemployment, leaving just two of us to handle all the work. I\u2019m not one to sit idle, so I worked nonstop for two years. I was local, so I\u2019d come home to sleep, but that was about it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Eventually, my wife suggested I take a break. That\u2019s when I realized that the money wasn\u2019t worth sacrificing my health and quality of life. At some point, you have to ask yourself, \u201cWhen is enough, enough?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n What advice would you give to students pursuing a similar career path?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/strong>Don\u2019t give up. There will be hard times, and you won\u2019t start at the top. It takes time and dedication to build a successful career. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But remember to take time for yourself and your family. You can spend years chasing a bigger paycheck or a bigger house, but at the end of the day, what\u2019s it all for? Find balance and appreciate where you are in the moment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, be humble. When I was younger, I was cocky and didn\u2019t always listen to advice from those with more experience. That arrogance got knocked out of me pretty quickly in this industry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Has anyone inspired you along the way?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n My father was a big inspiration. He did so much for our family, and I strive to emulate his work ethic and kindness. I lost him in 2018, but his lessons have stayed with me. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another inspiration is my mother. She\u2019s faced a lot in life but continues to push forward. Beyond that, I draw inspiration from anyone who works hard and keeps going, even when life throws challenges their way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n What do you enjoy doing outside of work?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n My wife and I love to travel. We take trips twice a year, and our favorite destination is Mackinac Island. We go there every October to unwind and recharge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019m also a big fan of working on vehicles. Anything with a motor, really. Trucks are my passion, and I enjoy working on them in my free time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s one thing you wish you knew before entering the trucking industry?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I wish I had understood just how many hours the job demands. In trucking, you know when you clock in, but you never know when you\u2019ll clock out. It\u2019s not a nine-to-five job; it\u2019s a 3 a.m.-to-whenever-you\u2019re-done kind of job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I also wish I had listened more when I was younger. Advice from seasoned professionals can make a world of difference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n What achievements are you most proud of?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Honestly, just being here today. After 19 years in the industry, I\u2019m proud to still be standing and to have the opportunity to give back. Becoming the director at Tri-Area Trucking School is an achievement, but more than that, I\u2019m proud to help students achieve their dreams. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When someone walks through our doors, they become family. We\u2019re here to help them succeed, and seeing them reach their goals is the most rewarding part of my job. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You mentioned working with organizations like the Michigan Department of Corrections. How does that fit into the school\u2019s mission?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s a big part of what we do. We\u2019re giving people opportunities they might not have had before. Partnering with organizations like the Michigan Department of Corrections allows us to help individuals get back on their feet and create a better future. It\u2019s incredibly fulfilling to see how this work directly impacts lives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Can you share a success story that really stands out? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Absolutely! One that comes to mind is Adolfo\u2019s story. He started from a place where he was ready to quit multiple times, but we believed in him. We supported him every step of the way. Now, he\u2019s out there thriving, making good money and doing what he loves. It\u2019s a complete transformation, and knowing we played a role in that is what makes this work so rewarding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ve mentioned in the past that you live with multiple sclerosis. How has that shaped your journey?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n MS has definitely been one of the biggest challenges I\u2019ve faced. There are days when it feels like everything is an uphill battle, but I\u2019ve learned to push through and keep going. I think living with MS has made me more empathetic, it helps me understand what it\u2019s like for people who feel like life is stacked against them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It also gives me a sense of urgency. I don\u2019t take time for granted, and I\u2019m more motivated than ever to make an impact while I can. Sure, there are tough days, but I\u2019ve learned to focus on what I can control and to keep a positive outlook. When I see our students succeed, it reminds me why I fight so hard to keep going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you could give advice to your younger self, what would it be? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s a tough one! I\u2019d tell my younger self that the ride is rough, but you\u2019ll get there. Keep striving and never give up. I\u2019m a firm believer in manifesting positivity and speaking things into existence. Life has its challenges, but staying focused on your goals is key. <\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s a fun fact about you that most people wouldn\u2019t know? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I love spending time with my dogs. I have a St. Bernard-poodle mix, and they\u2019re like family to me. Another fun fact? I make custom farmhouse furniture! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Jason\u2019s journey reflects the power of determination and passion. Having navigated both the challenges and rewards of the trucking industry, he now uses his experience to guide and inspire the next generation of drivers. His story is a reminder that success isn\u2019t just about hard work, it\u2019s also about balance, growth, and giving back.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rosseducation.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Untitled-design-12-1.png\")
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