Episode 8: Shifting Gears: From Trucking to YouTube with Gary Thompson

In this episode of The Miles and Mentors Podcast, we sit down with Gary Thompson, a former truck driver turned YouTube producer. Gary shares his incredible journey from over a million clean accident-free miles on the road to his transition into producing car audio content on YouTube after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

With roots in trucking that began in 2012, Gary’s career took him through CRST, TransAm, and RBX Trucking, where he worked as both a company and lease driver. He opens up about the realities of life on the road, offering practical advice for new drivers, including the importance of time management, staying safe and legal, and why leasing can be a double-edged sword for inexperienced drivers. Now, Gary has shifted his focus to his YouTube channel, Audio Enthusiasts, where he shares his passion for car audio systems with a growing community.

Join us for this insightful episode as Gary reflects on his years in trucking, discusses the challenges and rewards of the industry, and offers valuable mentorship for those just starting their journey behind the wheel. Whether you’re a veteran driver or new to the industry, Gary’s experience and down-to-earth perspective will inspire you.

Episode Timestamps:

01:00 – Gary’s start in trucking and family roots in the industry
03:50 – Transition from warehouse work to driving school at CRST
06:15 – Life as a company driver vs. lease driver: Gary’s experience
08:30 – Managing the stress of paperwork, regulations, and life on the road
10:45 – Practical advice for new drivers: Safety, legalities, and staying ahead
13:00 – The importance of time management and finding parking on the road
15:45 – Gary’s shift from trucking to YouTube after a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis
18:00 – Car audio passion: Gary’s YouTube channel, Audio Enthusiasts
20:15 – Final thoughts: Embrace the journey and the challenges ahead

Discover More About The Miles and Mentors Podcast

Stay updated with The Miles and Mentors Podcast for more insightful episodes! Follow us on social media to never miss an episode. We bring you real-life advice and insights from industry professionals who have put in the miles and are here to mentor you.

• Website: www.milesandmentorspodcast.com

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/milesandmentors

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast

Interested in being a guest on the show or sponsoring an episode? Reach out to us at milesandmentors@gmail.com. Join us on this journey and become part of a community dedicated to growth and success in the trucking industry.

Episode 7: Dante Doss – A Second Chance at Life on the Open Road

In this episode of The Miles and Mentors Podcast, we sit down with Dante Doss, owner-operator of SCL (Second Chance at Life) Trucking. Dante shares his incredible journey from growing up in California to becoming a successful owner-operator in the trucking industry. With over 10 years in the business, including three years over the road, Dante has seen and experienced it all. His story is one of resilience, inspired by his uncle, who worked for Swift for over 25 years and showed Dante the world through trucking.

Dante discusses his passion for the road, the perks of the trucking lifestyle, and why he believes it’s his calling. From traveling the country to meeting new people and experiencing different cultures, Dante offers a unique perspective on the freedom and opportunity that trucking provides. He also shares practical advice for new drivers, emphasizing the importance of protecting your CDL, building a business, and staying positive.

Join us as we dive deep into Dante’s experiences and hear firsthand how trucking gave him a second chance at life. Whether you're a seasoned driver or just starting out, this episode is packed with inspiration and insight to guide your journey in the industry.

Episode Timestamps:

• 01:01 - Dante's early exposure to trucking with his uncle
• 02:30 - From heavy machinery to trucking: Dante’s transition
• 03:50 - Advice for new drivers: Start as a company driver
• 06:00 - The perks of trucking: travel, freedom, and financial security
• 08:15 - The financial realities of owner-operator life and emergency funds
• 10:20 - Building relationships with dispatchers and brokers
• 12:40 - Bringing family into the business: Dante’s partnership with his fiancée
• 14:50 - Challenges of life on the road and work-life balance
• 16:00 - Final thoughts: Focus, plan, and build your own success

Discover More About The Miles and Mentors Podcast

Stay updated with The Miles and Mentors Podcast for more insightful episodes! Follow us on social media and never miss an episode. We bring you real-life advice and insights from industry professionals who have put in the miles and are here to mentor you.

• Website: www.milesandmentorspodcast.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/milesandmentors
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast

Interested in being a guest on the show or sponsoring an episode? Reach out to us at milesandmentors@gmail.com. Join us on this journey and become part of a community dedicated to growth and success in the trucking industry!

In this episode of The Miles and Mentors Podcast, we sit down with Charles Gracey, President of Hot Seat Services and Host of Sense Per Mile. Charles shares his incredible journey from growing up in a trucking family to becoming an executive and advocate for both drivers and carriers. With his extensive background as a truck driver turned executive, Charles provides unique insights into the challenges and opportunities within the trucking industry.

Join us as we discuss the importance of mentorship, the role of drivers as their own advocates, and why listening is a crucial skill for anyone in the industry. Charles also offers valuable advice for new drivers entering the industry, emphasizing the significance of experience and the benefits of learning from seasoned professionals. Hosted by Alex Powers, this episode is packed with practical tips, industry knowledge, and inspiration for all trucking professionals.

Episode Timestamps:
02:30 - Transitioning from the military to trucking
04:00 - Building driver training programs and moving into recruiting
06:15 - The importance of the recruiter-driver relationship
10:00 - Transition from culinary to trucking and recruitment
13:00 - Advice for new drivers: "Complacency kills"
16:30 - Trends and challenges in the trucking industry
20:00 - The decision to become a company driver or owner-operator
23:00 - Importance of mentorship in the trucking industry
26:00 - Work-life balance and avoiding burnout
28:00 - Final thoughts and resources for new drivers

Links and Info: To connect with Charles Gracey and learn more about Hot Seat Services and Sense Per Mile, visit: Hot Seat Services: www.hotseatservices.com Sense Per Mile Podcast: www.sensepermilepodcast.com

Stay connected with Charles Gracey:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/charles-gracey
Instagram: www.instagram.com/dr_phil_of_trucking
X (formerly Twitter): x.com/dr_phil_truckn
Facebook: www.facebook.com/drphiloftrucking
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@dr_phil_of_trucking

Discover More About The Miles and Mentors Podcast

Stay updated with The Miles and Mentors Podcast for more insightful episodes! Follow us on social media and never miss an episode. We bring you real-life advice and insights from industry professionals who have put in the miles and are here to mentor you.

Website: www.milesandmentorspodcast.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/milesandmentors
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast

Interested in being a guest on the show? Do you have a story to share or insights that can help others in the industry? We'd love to hear from you! If you would like to become a sponsor, reach out to us at milesandmentors@gmail.com. Join us on this journey and become part of a community dedicated to growth and success in the trucking industry!