Representing
Recently, I was asked to give a speech to a group of marathoners. It seems a little strange for a truck driver to give a speech about running to a group of marathoners. The fact is that I am a marathoner and a trucker. Speaking helps break the stereotype of a trucker. I never miss a chance to represent the industry in a positive matter.
The truth is that we don't have the most positive image out there. Outsiders think of us as a little slovenly. That is the stereotype. Most stereotypes have a bit of truth behind them. People might walk into a travel center and see truckers dressed in sweat pants, and a dirty shirt. That image sticks. Turning our image around is not an easy task. It is a one step at a time proposition.
Giving this speech led to two TV appearances. The first one was shot outside on a 14 degree day. I dressed in 
layers with a clean pair of jeans and my Team Run Smart jackets. The piece got a lot of positive public reaction. People don't think of truckers as runners. When we can show that we do normal everyday things like running, it personalizes us.
The second TV appearance was shot live in studio. The publicist for the company sponsoring the speech wanted me to wear a marathon finisher's shirt. A marathon finisher's shirt is a prized possession for a runner. It signifies all of the effort it took to train for and finish a marathon. It is not to be taken lightly. When you line up for a local 5k in a marathon finisher's shirt you get immediate respect. It is not a normal T shirt. That is to runners it is not a normal T shirt. The majority of people watching that show would not recognize the significance of the shirt. It would be “just” a trucker wearing a T shirt.
I insisted on dressing more professionally. The publicist did not even put up an argument. She respected my choice and understood why I was doing it. I also rejected wearing jeans for the speech itself. The speech was a casual event. I chose to wear business casual, dress pants and a polo shirt. Most of the audience was wearing jeans and running shirts. It worked well and I felt represented the industry in a positive manner.
Henry and the Caffees were recently honored by TA/Petro with citizen driver awards. That is outstanding. They are all trucker buddies. Henry also does work with make a wish. All of the award winners represent drivers in a positive manner. We all should step back and applaud them. More than that, we need to emulate them.
The more that we get out there and represent drivers in a positive light the better. Don't be shy. If you run or walk a 5k, tell people that you are a truck driver. If you give blood, be proud to tell them that you are a professional driver. Teach Sunday School. Do positive things. You don't need to wear “in your face” trucker gear. Just do good things and tell them that you are a professional driver.