WHAT WAS YOUR BACKGROUND BEFORE ATTENDING CDL SCHOOL?
I drove a semi truck for a short time back in the early eighties, but that was before CDL licenses were a requirement to drive and all you needed was your chauffeur’s license. Then I started working in warehouses operating a forklift, cherry picker, you name it. Always operating equipment. I’ve been in the industry for many years. Now I’m at a new company for two years driving a straight truck. The company recently started expanding and they were looking to hire more CDL drivers for the semi trucks and bigger. The opportunity presented itself to receive my CDL and it was something I said I’d get for years, so I pursued it.
HOW HAS CFI AFFECTED YOUR CAREER PATH?
I was looking for a CDL school that wouldn’t affect my weekly work schedule. CFI was the only local truck driving school that offered a weekend course. It allowed me to study without interfering with my income. They taught me a lot and they have great people educating. I quickly received my certification and I’m currently in the transition process between straight truck driving to semi truck driving. I know the investment will make a significant difference in my life.
HOW DID MIA SHARE HELP YOU ON YOUR EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY?
Without Mia Share I would not have been able to afford to go back to school to get my CDL. I was never in a position to pursue my certification, but it gave me the extra motivation I needed. I heard about the plan through leadership at CFI. They helped me set it up, explained the process, and the rest is history. I recently completed my first payment. I missed my first payment, and Mia Share’s support was absolutely wonderful. They helped me set up a new due date that worked for me. They work with you to provide all sorts of different options and make sure to take the time to explain each one to you. I really appreciate how they help.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS?
I may not be with this company anymore because I would like to make a living on the road. I’m in a good position for it and it gives me the chance to see the country. I really like driving, of course the pay is nice, but I just enjoy the peace that comes with driving.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR THOSE PURSUING A TRADE SCHOOL EDUCATION?
First of all, I would tell them to make sure that is the path they want to take and what they want to do. Once they’re sure of that, I would strongly recommend to pursue it because it's a wonderful field to be in. I've been in the trades all my life and it’s much more rewarding when you can say you’ve completed something with your own hands. I’m proud to earn my living with my hands, it’s a fulfilling career.