Working “9 to 5″…
Working auto transport from “9 to 5” is what I do full time. It not only fills my day, it can consume it.
My husband, Rich and I own and operate Bullseye Auto Transport. It is one division of Carla’s Transport Services. We opened for business on January 31, 2005. I work six days a week, “9 to 5” out of a small home office.
No, I don’t drive a semi-truck But, I am an auto transport broker. I help clients who are looking for trucks to move their cars.
I’ve shipped everything from riding lawn mowers to a Zamboni (that is an ice rink grooming machine). Our clients have shipped their vehicles from northern Maine to southern California and all points in between. We have several clients who are exporters and ship to Australia, Europe and Russia.
Think on your feet or die a slow death…
When Hurricane Katrina hit the state of Louisiana we saw a dramatic shift in the market. No one had told or taught me that you have watch the market. You must change your rates to reflect what the market will bear.
I almost lost the business that quarter. It was at that moment that I learned what it meant to be a business owner and not an employee. I had to make some hard and fast decisions to keep Bullseye Auto Transport.
I had gotten very accustomed to the freedoms of working for myself. There was no way I was going back into corporate America working “9 to 5”. I was too independent to be told what to do by someone else.
Making those decisions, I was out of my comfort zone. I had to find and use my critical thinking to stay in business. That’s when the dispatch center, a division of Carla’s Transport Services was born. It is also the sister division to Bullseye Auto Transport.
To serve my customers to the best of my ability takes patience and skill. It took a while to learn the ins and outs of the industry. It is a high-stress business and can raise your blood pressure if you aren’t careful.
It is only because I use nutritional supplements that I am able to stay healthy. Being self-employed I can’t afford to be sick, at all. If I don’t work, we don’t eat or pay the bills. In seventeen years I’ve missed one week of work thanks to the supplements. If I feel stressed I go make a glass of iced water with a drop of Peppermint essential oil, I roll on Adaptive and get back to work. Within 5 minutes my nerves are calm, my blood pressure lowered and I’m feeling better.
To work “9 to 5” six days a week, in a high-pressure business takes all the good nutrition and health tips I can learn. Plenty of sleep, exercise, and fun keep me at the top of my game.
For all of your transport needs, Carla’s Transport Services will provide you with stress-free service, a song, and a smile, too!
"Very well put. I've been with a health and nutrition company for over 26 years and I understand exactly what you are going through. I shiver to think what my health might be today at age 68 had I not stuck to my guns as far as practicing what I preach. Yes, I fall off the wagon regularly but my daily routine life reflects taking care of my health. That way I can keep up (somewhat) with my 7 grandchildren. You keep it up, Carla". 
"For most people the thought of venturing out there in pursuit of your dreams, in a place outside of your comfort zones is just what stops them. But I could sense your excitement not resentment in going against the competition. In planting your stake and truly making a difference in the clients experience. That's ultimately what matters, the rest just falls so easily into place. Thanks for that reminder"! 
Carla, I’ve got to say that I LOVE your focus on the joys and challenges facing women over 50. I’m definitely in that camp! I’ve been inspired by your candor, practical ideas, and refreshing determination to joyfully tackle life. The hours we’ve spent on the phone, in person, and through social media have enriched my life immeasurably. YOU are one Fiery Grandma, and I love your style! 
I have known Carla Gardiner for 6+ years. We met at a business training for bring business online. She is a business women at heart and willing to do the hard things to make the results show up. I have watched her run a business, work a job and take care of her family. She is a go getter when it comes to putting in the work to build her business to the level of being able to enjoy her grand kids.
She is the example that age is not a limit it is a tool for sharing knowledge to those she empowers to use their own skills and talents. Excuses are fuel to push her to learn and apply. I have seen her scared to death about implementing new technology and rock it out despite the learning curve.
I love watching you grow into your greatness Carla! Don’t slow down. 
"Carla, you are a model for me to follow. I love your site. And, I like what you have to say - very kind, very gracious. I have to say though that nothing in my life has ever been crystal clear". 
"I've known Carla for 5+ years and can tell you that she has lived every bit of this and more. We shared tears and laughs and hard work....you will enjoy getting to know Carla."