Baby Boomer, Truck Driver, Story Teller Retires To Dream Life
An email from a friend
The other day I received an email from a friend. Gary just happens to be an owner-operator of Straight Roads, LLC and one of our sub-contractors. He drives an auto transport tractor trailer and specializes in high end classic cars.
I learned something about baby boomer trends and my truck driver friend that I did not know…he loves to tell stories. I have to tell you, his deep voice pulled me right into the story. The pictures painted the story right beside his words.
The You Tube video was so entertaining I could not wait to write to ask permission to use it and share with you. Funny how that worked out…ended in an interview with Gary and a wonderful conversation to boot.
Interview with a baby boomer, truck driver and story teller
Gary Straight, my friend, business associate and auto transport truck driver is a man full of stories. These stories are not your typical bedtime stories. No they are pulled from what Gary does daily for a living. His love for photography and storytelling go hand in hand. Putting it all together into an audio book for you and me to enjoy is his dream.
After completing the first audio book he discovered that audios were out and CD’s were in. Every spare dime he could scrape together to produce the audios went out the window when the popularity of the method of delivery changed. He realized he would need to stay up to date with technology if he wanted to rise to the top and accomplish his goal.
Gary released his book in paperback recently and found that everyone is now reading e-books and using electronic readers. Feeling like he is behind the eight ball he refuses to give up on his dream. Story-telling is in his blood and figuring out how to succeed in his future.
Inspired by
Sunday Morning “On the Road”, with Charles Kuralt was the inspiration he needed and looked forward to watching every Sunday morning. Gary told his father this lifestyle as portrayed on the show is what he wanted to do with his life.
Speaking of Kuralt, as reported by a correspondent for the U.S. News –“Kuralt's three-month trial began in October 1967, and turned into a twenty-five-year odyssey. With cameraman Izzy Bleckman and soundman Larry Gianneschi, he logged more than one million miles in six motor homes while producing approximately 500 “On the Road” segments. Staying off the interstates and with no set itinerary, he – drew upon viewer letters, a state-by-state clipping file, and occasional references from public relations firms and local chambers of commerce to find unusual stories and unsung heroes. He had total freedom to discover America”.
Following suit, Gary bought the old 1953 Peterbilt he talks about in his short story. Rather than me trying to tell the story, stop…watch and listen as he shares his dream with you in this brilliant sample of his audio storybook…
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Broke and nowhere to go
Gary was contacted by a friend who suggested the perfect business to finance his journey to living his dream life of being a traveling story-teller – auto transport truck driving. This business would be perfect for getting him to the four corners of the nation while earning as he went.
Only a problem arose as Gary developed his company and clientele. When Gary decided to provide quality service to each customer instead of transporting quantity for profits his business became a looming monster that ate his dream. To maintain his level of service he found himself consumed with work, long hours on the road and not having fun. Story-telling was not a part of his day or thoughts. Keeping a journal of the stories he gathered did not enter his mind nor was a pen put to paper.
Thankfully, his love for capturing the moment, any moment worthy of the click of the camera was captured on film. Those pictures have become the journal he draws on to recall memories of events, people and will become part of the story of Gary’s dream.
Gary is retiring Straight Roads, LLC and transporting those classic cars. This baby boomer, truck driver is trading his Class A driver’s license for a license to share his life’s story with others. He has decided it is time to live life. As a baby boomer it is not time to give in, bow down and live as others say we should. Today is not the day to allow fear to rule our lives. It is time to put faith into action and step out to fulfill what we were born to do.
Today it is time to go after your dreams and not allow anyone to rain on your parade or stop the story from being shared. Do you like classic cars, nostalgia and the baby boomer trends? Whether you are a boomer, auto transport broker or simply a lover of awesome stories visit Gary's website to get a peek inside his picture gallery…they say a picture is worth a thousand words.
If you liked Gary’s story be sure to leave your comment below and we will pass along all of your comments to him. If you would like to order Gary’s book you can contact him for more information at [email protected].
Help us spread the story, click the “Like” button at the top of the page, be sure to “re-tweet”, too. Gary needs our help to get the word out. I told him our friends would help, will you? You are the best!
Helping Turn Back the Clock,
Carla J Gardiner
Would you like to use this article on your website, blog or ezine? You have my permission to share it in it's entirety with the following attribution and a link back to our home page.
Carla Gardiner is an auto transport broker, dispatcher, health coach and a fiery baby-boomer grandma. Her passion and purpose lies with the people she works with daily; the client, dispatcher, broker and truck driver. Her frustration within the industry has birthed a new division of her company; one to properly train, encourage and mentor others in regaining their health while building a part time business, too.
Carla Gardiner is a dedicated wife, mom, and proud grammy of 8 who has transformed her life through strategic email and digital marketing. After overcoming the challenges of network marketing, Carla found success in the digital realm and is now on a mission to empower others with the knowledge and tools needed to achieve financial freedom. She specializes in helping women transition from burnout to thriving by leveraging automated systems and proven marketing strategies.
Since 2010, Carla has shared her journey as The Fiery Grandma, offering inspiration and practical advice on digital marketing and online business growth. Join Carla and discover how you can regain control of your time, increase your income, and live life to the fullest with her step-by-step guidance and personalized support.
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"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".
Pat Moon
"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"!
ENO Nsima-Obot MD
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!
Ronae Jull
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.
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