BREAKING BARRIERS - Diana Smith
BREAKING BARRIERS
Legend Nominee: Diana Smith
21 years ago, this Legend nominee started her career as a professional truck driver, fully immersing herself in a field she felt her talents would best translate; the trucking industry. Until as of late, the misconception that women don’t have the skills required to succeed in the male-dominated business is evolving on the better judgement of all professionals within the industry. What a beautiful generation to live among and witness, men and women working together helping recruit more women and acknowledge their leadership roles.
A quote that I’ll never forget, read: “Women’s voices are rarely exalted, which makes us feel like we’re invisible.” But the truth is that some may feel that way because they lack encouragement. This truck driver speaks on behalf of women truckers, though her testimony should inspire both men and women from all walks of life.
Diana Smith was born and raised in Oklahoma and is the first of her family to drive a truck for a living. No stranger to the male workforce, she has always maintained a positive, upbeat attitude. Underlying her humorous personality is her sheer grit and self-confidence in her performance as a strong female role model and determination to prove herself incomparable. With the unexpected loss of her mother at the age of 9, she went from being an only child to her father’s side, whom she had never met, gaining 6 siblings all under one roof. Learning to acclimate and rise above a challenge is her forte.
A country girl to her roots, Diana loves the outdoors. She still tends to shy away from the hustle and bustle of city life, though it wasn’t until her late 20’s when she was initially bitten by the trucking bug. She married a trucker and he introduced her to life over the road. Stating,
“He and I are no longer together, but what I soon realized once I left home in that big truck, what I had found was something nobody could ever take away from me. Independence and freedom. Right away, I fell in love with traveling the country. It’s still my refuge away from the world... I climb in my truck and just drive away.”
While working as a machine operator at a manufacturing plant, Diana took her vacation time and joined her then-husband on an extended work trip in his truck. When she returned to her stationary job, she knew that a career change was soon in order. In 1997, she began her education courses at a truck driving school to obtain her CDL. Immediately after graduating with her commercial license in hand, the two began running team pulling dry van for a trucking company based out of Arkansas. They later tried their hand running as owner operators before going their separate ways after 6 years.
The split didn’t slow Diana down, she continued running over the road, having traveled through every state with the exception of Hawaii. She recently reached her 4-million-mile mark, living up to her CB handle, Wildfire. Diana explained that she had earned that title during childhood for her free spirit and vivacious sense of energy.
Defining the term success, for Diana she says having security is what achieving a successful career provides. She continues, “It’s why I sacrifice my home-time and work so hard. I make great money and plan to have everything in order when I retire years down the line. My job driving a truck for a living gives me the security in knowing that as long as I keep doing what I’m good at then I’m working towards my future goals.” Since her first day out on the road, it was clear to Diana what she wanted to achieve. She has spent years gaining knowledge of the industry and applying the tools needed to create a meaningful life as a professional truck driver. She proudly accepts that her career makes a difference in this world.
In September of 2008, at the fuel island of a truck stop Diana spoke with a driver about the company he was driving for, Holland Enterprises, Inc. A refrigerated trucking company based in Fargo, North Dakota, Holland Enterprises has 40 years of experience in the business. Their conversation sparked her interest enough to follow up with another Holland driver. This one was an owner operator leased on to the company, whereas the one prior was a company driver. She knew their opinions given the two different driving positions could possibly vary. Six months later, she joined Holland Enterprises running long haul, delivering refrigerated fright.
Diana’s 10-year anniversary with the family-owned company is right around the corner. She has since received her Million Mile Award and a 4-Year Safe Driving Award. Company president, Chris Holland describes Diana as professional, dependable and a friend. Stating,
“Having a good relationship with Diana means everything to us, here at Holland. Without good relationships with our drivers, Holland would be just like every other trucking company out there. Drivers are the backbone of our company. They are what make us great and Diana is one of our best. We are so proud to work with her every day. She is a true professional truck driver.”
Diana credits the entire team at Holland Enterprises for their consistent efficiency in being proactive; investing time and resources to better equip each driver. “Our safety department is excellent in keeping us vigilant and conscientious on safety issues and important topics that affect us,” Diana explained. She is currently in a 2016 Freightliner Cascadia, out up to eight weeks and home for one. As well as reefer trailers, she has experience pulling dry van and doubles.
For some truck drivers, tailoring a lifestyle completely around the job may prove physically demanding or mentally exhausting. Diana points out that it’s a profession of few privileges, but for those that enjoy a somewhat solitary life, exploring the country, interacting with customers and meeting different people from all over, then the advantages overshadow the intricacy that driving a truck for a living entail.
Developing skills to operate an 18-wheeler and control the trailer while in transit doesn’t happen over-night, nor can the discipline to remain calm behind the helm of such a magnitude of weight be fully understood until a driver actually experiences the entire enterprise; the combination of mental clarity, the ease of adjusting on the fly -handling the unexpected- whether it’s a last minute change in destination, weather or no given work at all, being able to handle pressure is a trucker’s talent, to say the least. Acceptance of odd work hours and off-time is a common dilemma for those accustomed to a set schedule, truck drivers and their loves ones are great at balancing home-time and/or special occasions. Sharing the road with large vehicles and 4 wheelers safely is every trucker’s priority, above all else.
Diana goes more in depth as to what challenges her as a professional truck driver and how she gives back to the trucking community. Also, she gives us some insight into her own personal objective behind the initial career change into trucking. When assigned an unfamiliar location for a pickup or delivery, Diana likes to trip-plan giving herself plenty of time to arrive early, preparing for any undeciding factors that may hinder her on-time commitment. Stating, “My attitude and service is what I am offering my customers and my company. That’s why I present a good image, because I know that I’m representing Holland. And by providing my best possible service then our customers are happy, that includes being on time. Showing up late is inexcusable in our line of work. I get that things come up, but as a professional I pride myself on being more than just a driver in a truck.”
Again, earning respect among her peers as a female trucker has served as a stepping-stone, pushing Diana to prove herself instrumental. Finding today’s workforce more involved with women in trucking than her earlier years, Diana says that she likes to treat other drivers, such as veterans to a cup of coffee or a meal. Small acts of kindness speaks volumes, offers encouragement and is a powerful tool in spreading hope. Sometimes acceptance or recognition is all the fuel a person needs to go the extra mile.
Referring back to Holland Enterprises, Diana adds, “I’ve driven for large and small trucking companies. Here at Holland they truly appreciate their drivers and they show it! We receive good benefits, great insurance, and they offer a bonus program for fuel, safety, mileage and service hours. Our open-door policy applies to everyone. I can sit in the owner’s office and we’ll talk about everything under the sun. The staff are extremely driver-friendly too. My only regret is not coming here to drive a lot sooner.” Diana is currently the longest-tenured female company driver at Holland Enterprises.
Losing a parent at such an impressionable age, Diana was forced to discover her own way through life without her mother’s guidance. As a teenager, she enjoyed hanging out with friends at the local roller-skating rink and attending rock concerts. At 17, she landed her first job selling tickets at a fishing barge. Trying her best to live as normal of a life despite her heavy heart, Diana’s bubbly personality lifted not only those around her, but herself as well. Years later, Diana was given the opportunity to face the burden that had been weighing relentlessly on her life. Her personal development as a young child ultimately helped her prepare and focus on the future. Since discovering her purpose she has overcome life’s obstacles, escaped rejection unscathed and broken apart barriers in a world in need of hope and inspiration.
“My mom lost her life to a drunk driver, driving a semi-truck. When I told my family that this is what I wanted to do, none of them supported the idea. But I had to do it, for myself. It’s been a challenge, some days less than others, but here I am. I conquered something that was once my biggest fear. In a way, being able to drive a truck has given me my life back. I want everyone to see, not just women but anybody, driving a truck is a great way to make a living and if I can do this anyone can. I believe everyone has been given this life to make the best of it. And believe me, I am!”
Truck driver and close friend, Dusty Chrome has been a long-time mentor for Diana, serving as a good influence professionally and an all-around great individual to learn from. “Dusty is the kind of person that goes above and beyond in his work ethic and as a friend. His positive attitude and entire demeanor is infectious. He is patient, helpful, kind, funny and a hard worker. That’s the type of person I strive to be like. I think it’s good to have drivers like him to show others that it’s okay to drive a truck and enjoy our lives doing so,” Diana said.
When Diana is home, she likes to spend time outside tending to yard work. Or on other days, she channels her inner country girl and goes mudding. She also visits with family when she can. Two of her nephews, Corbyn and Jake are big fans of their Aunt Diana’s big truck. Who knows, she may be planting a couple of seeds…