FIXTITLE David Bolle.docx

A TESTAMENT OF PROOF

The Story

Of

David Bolle

When conveying a testimony every person bears their own, none will ever be exactly alike. Maybe share similar details in comparison, but never the same. Each individual walking this Earth has endured different perspectives on life. The term, testimony is typically referenced to a witness under oath while in court or giving an account before a judge. Meaning that words spoken from any individual will stand as solid, concrete evidence if found honest and true. Understanding evidence in support of a fact is given proof. A testimony can also be a declaration of somebody’s life revealed, then shared through confessions in order to give hope to another.

This memoir is very relatable in ways that just about anyone can connect with. David Bolle recently hit his decade mark as a professional truck driver. Nine years as a company driver and the last one, as an Owner Operator. Just shy of his thirties, David is living out his dream. With over a million safe miles under his belt, he has only scratched the surface. This is his testimony as an over the road trucker, a husband, and father of three girls.

Currently residing in Texas, David was born and raised in Wisconsin. The middle child of three boys, he was the one that everyone already knew what his future plans would be before he even put it into thought. At 13 years old, he began riding shotgun with his father’s brother, pulling flatbed from state to state. David says, “I always liked trucks as a young child, but didn’t turn all of my attention to them until I was actually able to travel with my uncle. I remember my cousins telling me when I was 8 or 9 that I was going to be driving a truck. As I got older, I started leaning more towards the idea. I began noticing all of the big trucks going down the road and wishing that I had one of my own.”

Unaware that he had been secretly setting himself up for a career in trucking, he simply was enjoying the little, fun details most truckers recall growing up with too. Going on family vacations and seeing a semi pass by, motioning his arm up and down, prompting the truck’s driver to say hi back with a cool blow of his horn. Often times when David passed by a truck dealership, he would sit in admiration until the shiny trucks were no longer in sight. His father had a CB in the family sedan that he used in order to talk back and forth with truckers. Hearing their returned chatter over the speaker box, knowing that each one had his hands on the wheel of one of those trucks nearby was the coolest thing ever. That one device opened David’s ears to an entirely new world. A place where he could dream big and accomplish his goals as a business man and family provider.

After graduating high school, David got his CDL and went straight to work. He landed a job at a local beverage company hauling general freight. By 21, he switched to running over the road. After a few years passed, he was in need of a new challenge. Through talk with other drivers he heard that Texas was covered up with trucking companies in the oil field searching for reliable drivers. Soon David moved to Texas and all the hearsay was correct, the oil fields treated him well. But over time, business slowed down to almost a halt.

David had begun noticing a number of trucks running out of Bristol’s QC yard that looked a lot like what he had been looking for. Still operating as a company driver, he was at the point in his career that he was ready to move forward, but was unsure how. He was so impressed with the trucks that he located their trucking terminal. Being able to see all of the sharp trucks lined up instantly had his mind spinning with ideas. A personal goal of his when he committed to this profession was to eventually own a nice, clean truck exactly like the ones within reach.

It was David’s wife, Beth that broke the ice for her husband and put everything in motion. She contacted business owners, Dan and Dave Brown for more information on the custom designed trucks. The Brown brothers are the original founders of DB Kustom Trucks and are highly recognized for their genius creativity in design and the building of their popular trucks. Dan discussed the process of owning a DB Kustom Truck and explained how the lease purchase program was tailored for each Owner Operator to succeed. All decisions David has made with his career have always been for the sole purpose to better his family. Otherwise, any major risk is not an option. He accepts hard work as a challenge and knew that becoming an Owner Operator could only improve his financial situation.

David came onboard and as Dan promised, he stuck with David every step of the way addressing any questions or concerns during the transition. While David’s truck was being built, he was placed in a rental. He was able to get his foot in the door as an Owner Operator and learn the ropes of the new tanker outfit that DB Kustom Trucks is partnered with. By the time David took possession of his truck, he was several steps ahead of the game. He explains, “During that time I had gained the knowledge of how this trucking company operates and how to run for them. The whole time Dan kept me updated with the progress of my truck, Black Magic.”

What initially started as a simple concept, unfolded into a vision that Dan created for Black Magic. David gave Dan full reign, knowing his choice of style and classic approach to design was exactly what he was looking for in an artist. The desired smooth charm of David’s truck fit right into Dan’s wheelhouse. The two collaborated with ideas, but ultimately David completely trusted the brother’s workmanship and grew to truly appreciate their core values as mentors, as well. He says, “I liked Dan’s ideas and how he brought the whole picture of Black Magic to life. I wanted Dan to build me a truck that he would want to personally drive himself. I’m the lucky one that was blessed with the end creation.” He continues, “Dan and Dave know their business and every concept involved, plus all angles of trucking. I’ll admit, it’s much easier to think their program sounds too good to be true. That there has to be some catch to owning a DB Kustom Truck, but I am here to say that it IS possible. From day one, everyone that I have spoken with have been true to every word. When business had its slow days, they were quick to help me stay on track and work everything to my favor. The biggest part for me is that they make it a point to prove to me that I will never be alone out here. To me, that’s important. Their program has given me the opportunity to own my dream truck and provide a good lifestyle for my family, all while doing what I love. Believe me when I say this life is possible, because I’m living it every day. I’m so glad my wife made the call to Dan that day! Our lives have been forever changed.”

David runs up and down the Midwest region and is typically home every weekend. If not, he stops by during the week. Spending time with his young children holds a major precedence when scheduling his loads. When he is home, he enjoys stepping in and giving his wife time to relax while he makes up for the time away from their girls. The kids range from eight years old, four, and one. The baby of the group likes to sit in David’s driver’s seat and act like she is steering his truck. Sounds like the trucking bug may have struck again! “It’s the little things like that when my little girl can’t wait to get in my truck that are the joys of life. Putting smiles on my girls’ faces is the best feeling in the world.”

Within the year, David’s next goal is to partner with Dan and Dave Brown to add a second truck of their design. His main objective is to own a total of three DB Kustom Trucks, including Black Magic. David has always maintained a simple way of living, understanding the importance of keeping all business endeavors manageable. By bringing on drivers that share the same ambitions and desire to become successful, David hopes to reach the same success the Brown brothers have achieved.

How David presents himself as a professional Owner Operator is what he expects to find in any driver that is also inspired to join the DBK Team. He says, “I feel it is necessary to hold a job position with a notable character and that attitude is key. I’ve learned that happy, hardworking employees go a long way. Always be efficient and gain experience, then apply it every chance you can. Each day you are basically training yourself to improve.”

For the larger part of David’s background, he is self-taught and has educated himself the only way he knew how; the hard way. With that method there are many pros and cons. The tough parts required much patience and confidence in his trade, knowing that if you stick with it everything will work out for the best. Remaining humble, acknowledging that he didn’t know it all made things easier along the way. He says, “I’m still learning! Some people are better at certain things than you, but don’t get intimidated. Instead, use that to your advantage. Take what others offer to teach you.” The cool thing about being his own teacher is that he was not taught a ‘uniform-way’ and was able to develop his own style of techniques. He admits that his way of doing things may not fit the next person, but providing excellent service from the very beginning has been his only intention. He continues, “I didn’t get to where I am today by taking short cuts. Learning the hard way put me in a better position than I am now. From being alone before, I’ve grown extremely loyal and look out for all the people I work with. That goes for my brothers and sisters of the road, my mentors, and the needs of my clients. They all help me make this career of mine a good one. In return I try to treat them just as well, if not better.” He gives more praise to the personnel at his terminal, stating that he has built great relationships with his dispatchers and enjoys the comradery with other drivers with the company.

Coming from the friendly town of Appleton, nestled in Wisconsin and popular for its charm and beautiful cultural attractions, David had many opportunities to take his adult life in any direction to pursue a living. With the potential, academically David was suited to be a college professor’s pupil student, but his passion was in trucks. Absolutely nothing else could fill that void. Both of his parents are in the retail market and there was no apparent push towards the transportation industry, besides his uncle that allowed him to shadow in from the passenger’s seat. However, all of the details found a way to add up and spark a fire in David’s heart for the love of trucking. His dedication and excitement for the business is pure and unwavering. “I’m just out here being who I am and making a living for my girls. I like a very modest life and by teaming up with DB Kustom Trucks I not only get to live out my dream, I get to do it AND have pride in my ride. I own a truck that turns heads. Black Magic is something I would have wished for as a kid, passing by looking out of my parents’ car window,” David said.

Walking away from the norm, David opted to forge his own path into a field known for unyielding days away from their loved ones, not even ceasing to vigorous weather conditions and lots of hours of alone time. A driver must go in accepting the responsibilities that no matter what, their next destination will happen regardless what obstacles arise. If being a truck driver were easy, everyone would do it. Trucking gives you independence and an appreciation to your own duties that not many professions provide. That consciousness comes from honor; being able to support our country through the type of service that truckers provide around the clock, seven days a week. Without the man power operating these portals our nation would stand still, in need of our everyday essentials.

David views himself as an average man lucky enough to have found his calling. Beth perceives her husband as much more than that. A devoted husband, a caring father, and an extremely hardworking man. Beth says, “We have a one-year-old that needs my full attention every day, one in private school, and another with medical problems. Every time David gets in that truck and leaves for work, I know that he does it for all of us and I’m so thankful.” She describes David as a people person, very patient and credits his accomplishments to the value he places in his service to his customers.

“David, because of you and your success, I am able to stay at home with our little girls and raise them the way we want. Not all wives are able to say that. Thank you for being the amazing man that you are!” -Beth Bolle

BRAGGING RIGHTS

‘Black Magic’

2006 Peterbilt 379

Black and purple exterior

Custom designed purple interior

63 IN standup sleeper

550 HP 13-speed Caterpillar engine

8 IN Dyno flex pipes

Air ride front axle

336 rears

1500 Watt sound system with duel amplifiers

And 12 IN sub woofers