Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/671344
Driver Feature larly one-sided when it comes to music. Q: What do you like about GTI? A: I like the people. Trust me, I wouldn't be here if I didn't like the people. The cohesiveness of the group is really good. We all get along and work together well. I've had a lot of jobs from working at Taco Bell to installing cable and janito- rial work at Wal-Mart. In the infantry, I did everything from drill sergeant to recruiter. I found that no matter what your job, it's the people who make the difference. Q: What would you say makes you a successful driver? A: Attention to detail and time manage- ment. I do a thorough pre and post trip check. This morning—I got here at 5:30 and waited for the shop to open at 7:30 because I needed a new tire. Otherwise I could have been a hazard on the road. I found it when I did my regular pre- check inspection but because of good time management, I was still able to get a good solid sleep and get my load there on time. Q: Do you have any advice for new drivers? A: From people I've talked to and from my own experiences, when you're new, you try to rush because you think every- thing's in a hurry. Slow down and think about the trip, and plan it out. If you can do it, then do what you've planned out. Communication is key and will make you successful. Q: How do you stay healthy on the road? A: I try to get at least eight hours of sleep, especially when I know I'm going to be driving at night. I make a point to maintain proper hygiene, take vitamins and try to eat right. Eat some green stuff. As much as I hate to say it, the green stuff is good for you. And if my mom heard me say that, she'd probably drop dead of a heart attack! Q: How did you react when you found out you were GTI's Driver of the Month, and what are you planning to do with the award money? A: I was like, 'Yeah right.' I knew my name had been put in the hat, but I haven't been here that long, so I wasn't really expecting it. I appreciate the rec- ognition, even though that's not why I'm here. I'm here to do my job, and if I can help the next guy, then I'll do it. I'm going to use the money to take my wife out to dinner wherever she wants to go. I look at it like this—she's there for me when I get home. She's holding down the fort, so to speak. So when I get home, I like to take her out and let her do some of the things she wants to do. Q: What hobbies do you enjoy when you're off the road? A: I like to go fishing. I like the relax- ation, the tranquility and the quietness. I do a lot of catch and release. bdj 24 May 2016 BestDriverJOBS www.bestdriverjobs.com