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!

In Episode 5 of The Miles and Mentors Podcast, we sit down with Hoyt Moore, the owner of Hoyt's Truck Center. Hoyt shares his incredible journey from working in his father's tire shop to running a successful multi-faceted business in the trucking industry.

Join us as Hoyt talks about his experiences in rebuilding motors, transmissions, and trailers, and how he expanded his business to include a trucking company that specializes in hazardous waste transport. He offers practical advice on starting and growing your own company, understanding cost per mile, and navigating the challenges and opportunities in the industry.

Whether you're in the trucking business or thinking about getting into it, you won't want to miss Hoyt's valuable insights and tips for success. Hosted by Alex Powers, this episode is packed with inspiration from someone who's been there and done it all in the world of trucking.

01:15 Introduction and Hoyt's Backstory

03:45 Expanding to Multiple Businesses

06:30 Starting and Growing a Company

09:15 Understanding Cost Per Mile

12:50 Navigating Industry Challenges

16:20 Evolution of the Trucking Industry

19:05 Advice for New Entrepreneurs

22:30 Maintaining Business Success

25:00 Future Trends in Trucking

28:10 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

To get in touch with Hoyt Moore and Hoyt's Truck Center, visit their websites:

• https://hoytstruckcenter.com/

• http://www.hoytstrailercenter.com

For service and repair inquiries, you can call (785) 235-3131. Hoyt's Truck Center operates 24/7 for emergency breakdowns and is ready to assist with any issues you might have.

Stay connected with Hoyt's Truck Center for updates and more information:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hoytstc

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoytstruckcenter/?hl=en

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: https://milesandmentorspodcast.com/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milesandmentors

• LinkedIn: https://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!

In Episode 4 of The Miles and Mentors Podcast, we sit down with Rob McCutcheon, the Vice President of Strategy & Growth at TAFS Factoring. Rob shares his journey from college athletics to the logistics industry and offers valuable insights into the world of factoring. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the role of marketing and branding in trucking, and provides practical advice for new and seasoned trucking professionals alike.

Join us as Rob delves into the intricacies of factoring, the financial lifeline it provides to trucking companies, and how TAFS supports their clients with comprehensive services. Whether you're in the trucking business or thinking about entering the industry, you won't want to miss Rob's expert advice and tips for success. Hosted by Alex Powers, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and Rob's Backstory
01:03 - Rob’s Career Path: From College Athletics to Logistics
02:17 - Appreciation for the Logistics Industry
03:17 - Importance of Trucking
04:10 - Financial Support in Logistics
05:03 - Value of Mentorship
06:29 - Factoring Explained
07:24 - Common Misconceptions About Factoring
08:59 - TAFS' Role and Services
10:14 - Impact of Branding and Marketing
11:20 - Tips for New Trucking Companies
12:35 - Fuel Cards and Financial Management
14:16 - Additional Insights
16:01 - Closing Thoughts
17:46 - Episode Wrap-Up

Links and Info:

To get in touch with Rob McCutcheon and TAFS Factoring, visit their website:
tafs.com

Or give TAFS a call at (913) 393-6100

Stay connected with TAFS Factoring for updates and more information:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TAFSINC
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tafs-factoring

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: https://milesandmentorspodcast.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milesandmentors
LinkedIn: 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!

Join us for an insightful episode of The Miles and Mentors Podcast as we sit down with Chris Polk, Fleet Manager at Blue Ribbon Logistical Solutions. Chris shares his extensive journey through the trucking industry, from his humble beginnings to his current role, where he manages a fleet and an innovative 18-month master class program for aspiring owner-operators. With over two decades of experience, Chris offers invaluable advice on running a successful trucking business, the importance of mentorship, and the future of the industry.

01:10 - Podcast Overview

03:21 - Meet Chris Polk of Blue Ribbon Logistical Solutions

05:10 - Chris's Background and Journey in the Trucking Industry

11:10 - Initial Challenges and Overcoming Failures

15:11 - The Turning Point and Reflecting on Past Mistakes

19:30 - The Manifesto and New Beginnings

24:30 - Joining Blue Ribbon Logistical Solutions

29:20 - The 18-Month Master Class Program

34:00 - Challenges and Realities of Being an Owner-Operator

38:15 - Understanding the Business Side of Trucking

42:00 - The Importance of Business Education in Trucking

46:20 - Chris’s Early Days in Trucking

50:45 - The Need for Comprehensive Training Programs

55:05 - Teaching Basic Skills: Reading Maps and Math

58:50 - The Disconnect in Basic Skills

01:02:30 - Challenges of Modern Trucking

01:07:00 - The Need for Practical Skills and Knowledge

01:11:45 - Success Rate of the Master Class Program

01:16:20 - The Reality of Self-Employment

01:21:00 - The Hard Work Behind Business Success

01:25:50 - The Unique Challenges of Running a Trucking Business

01:30:20 - The Importance of Mentorship

01:35:15 - Customer First Mentality in Business

01:40:30 - The Role of Experience and Mentorship

01:45:15 - Learning from Experienced Mentors

01:50:45 - Key Advice for New Entrants in the Trucking Industry

01:54:20 - Steps for Starting a Successful Trucking Career

01:58:05 - The Importance of Staying with Your First Job for One Year

02:02:15 - Building Relationships and Learning the System

02:05:45 - The Future of Trucking: Blockchain Technology

02:10:00 - Understanding Blockchain and Its Impact on Trucking

02:12:00 - Embracing Opportunities and Turning Off Distractions

02:14:15 - Running a Successful Trucking Business Without Your Own Numbers

02:18:00 - When to Consider Getting Your Own Authority

02:21:45 - Debunking the Myth of Older Trucks for Avoiding ELDs

02:25:00 - The Practicality of Running Older Trucks

02:29:00 - The Misconceptions About ELDs and Trip Planning

02:32:00 - Chris's Advice for New Entrants and Plugging Blue Ribbon Logistical Solutions

For more about Chris Polk and Blue Ribbon Logistical Solutions:

• Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-polk-046817116/

Find more about The Miles and Mentors Podcast! Stay updated with our latest episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and more. Follow us on social media and visit our website:

• Website: https://milesandmentorspodcast.com

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milesandmentors

• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMilesandMentorsPodcast

Interested in joining us as a guest or becoming a sponsor? Reach out to us at milesandmentors@gmail.com.

Welcome to Episode 2 of The Miles and Mentors Podcast! In this episode, Alex Powers sits down with Mark Reeder, the General Manager of Hoyt's Truck Center. Mark shares his journey in the trucking industry, starting from working with his grandfather on heavy equipment to managing a multifaceted truck service and repair business.

Tune in as Mark discusses the evolution of the trucking industry, the importance of preventative maintenance, and the value of building strong relationships within the industry. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to trucking, Mark's insights and practical advice are invaluable for anyone looking to succeed in this field.

00:23 Introduction and Overview

01:26 Mark’s Background and Entry into Trucking

03:09 The Growth of Hoyt's Truck Center

04:56 Importance of Customer Relationships

06:30 Evolution of the Trucking Industry

09:09 Transition to Electronic Logs and Automatic Transmissions

11:31 Benefits of Preventative Maintenance

13:38 Educating Yourself on Small Repairs

15:40 Building and Maintaining Industry Relationships

19:06 Industry Changes and Future Trends

26:14 Mark’s Dream Truck Setup

27:15 Final Thoughts and Advice for New Drivers

30:37 How to Get in Touch with Hoyt's Truck Center

To get in touch with Mark Reeder and Hoyt's Truck Center, visit their websites:

• https://www.hoytstruckcenter.com/

• http://www.hoytstrailercenter.com/

For service and repair inquiries, you can call (785) 235-3131. Hoyt's Truck Center operates 24/7 for emergency breakdowns and is ready to assist with any issues you might have.

Stay connected with Hoyt's Truck Center for updates and more information:

• Facebook:

  • https://www.facebook.com/hoytstc

  • https://www.facebook.com/hoytstrailercenter

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: https://milesandmentorspodcast.com/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milesandmentors

• LinkedIn: https://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!

Welcome to the introduction episode of The Miles and Mentors Podcast! In this short introductory episode, host Alex Powers sets the stage for what you can expect from this exciting new podcast journey. Alex shares his background, the purpose of the podcast, and what listeners can look forward to in future episodes.

Join Alex as he discusses the mission of The Miles and Mentors Podcast – to humanize trucking by getting real-life advice and insights from logistics professionals across the industry. Whether you're a new driver, an owner-operator, or an industry veteran, this podcast aims to provide valuable mentorship and knowledge to help you succeed.

00:22 Introduction and Overview

01:10 Who is Alex Powers?

01:43 The Mission of The Miles and Mentors Podcast

02:32 Target Audience and Interview Plans

03:22 Alex’s Experience in the Logistics Industry

04:08 Invitation to Join the Journey

Discover more about The Miles and Mentors Podcast and stay updated with our latest 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: Miles and Mentors

• Facebook: Miles and Mentors Podcast

• LinkedIn: 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!