Safety is 100% important because your life is important and the life of the other people you are on the road with is important. I’m proud to say that I’ve never gotten a ticket or been in an accident.

At my company, we were asked to write our own safety motto. Mine is: “We all share a unique skill and license. Our CDL allows us to drive serious, heavy equipment on the nation’s roads. As a Semi Driver, we are held to a higher standard than the average vehicle driver. If you speed, tailgate, cut off other drivers, it reflects on all semi drivers. Instead of hurrying to make a delivery, leave earlier. Remember that the load you haul is not worth your life or the life of others on the road with you. Come back safely.”

As someone who trained new drivers at my company, I would always tell them: It doesn’t matter how fast you go, there will always be someone going faster. Slow down, look ahead and pay attention to your surroundings. Don’t just look over the hood of the truck – look down the road too to spot and avoid any potential situations.

The people. I have always enjoyed dealing with people. Everyone you meet is unique and different. You get a different perspective from meeting new people, and you get to learn how to deal with different personalities and types of people.

It was a total surprise! I was not expecting it. My company knew but they couldn’t tell me, so when my name was called, I was totally surprised. I thought, “That’s me!” It was a great moment. I received a plaque signed by the Governor of Wisconsin and other items that truck drivers need, like jackets and belt buckles. I even got a personal call from the Governor! That was pretty neat.