FIXTITLE Jeremy Newell.docx

A NEW VISION

Legend Nominee: Jeremy Newell

Service members face many challenges when they return home from overseas. Soldiers are trained for extreme measures in preparation of deployment. However, readjusting for the transition back to civilian life can vary, depending on the individual. Factor in, exposure to emotionally traumatic events and serious injuries are relatively common in the military. His or her overall view of the world more than likely has changed from their post-military life. Reflecting on the difference between the environments adds for difficulty in accepting their new perspective and actions moving forward.

Perceiving with one’s own eyes, desperation and fear brings to surface emotions of humility and vulnerability, even in the toughest of soldiers. Those emotional responses linger and have the power to impact thoughts and inability. Fearing lack of freedom, education, and safety for the people of the lands our military forces serve to protect changes a person. Thankfully, the camaraderie shared among troops is empowering, such as the respect in character that is developed while serving our great nation.

Upon returning home, finding an industry of employment understanding of the conditions likely encountered before-hand is not easy. Often, people who have never separated from their surroundings, live unaware to the paradox in which this world unfolds day in and day out. Not knowing how to communicate with people who are crossing over with a military background isn’t unusual, but more and more businesses have broadened their demographics to make known to our military veterans that they are very much needed.

DB Kustom Trucks offers a program designed for professionals of the road that are looking for a position in the field of transportation. A company based out of Antioch, Illinois owned and operated by brothers, Dave and Dan Brown, seek to help truck drivers that exemplify self-discipline and perseverance. Two of the most dominate characteristics displayed by their current veteran drivers.

Running as an owner operator, pulling tanker isn’t a position for the weary. It takes hard work to be successful as a truck driver, while building a book of business from scratch. Both Dave and Dan know firsthand the commitment needed to start a business, which is why their program mentors drivers that are like-minded and goal-oriented. DB Kustom Trucks provides the tools and resources to support their drivers’ ambitions whether they choose to run one truck or operate as a fleet owner. Each driver’s trucking career can expand to the lengths of their own intent.

On the last leg of his eight-year contract, Jeremy Newell is still active in the U. S. Army Reserves. As a new member of the DB Kustom Trucks program, Jeremy was drawn to the company for several reasons. One being, he is a second-generation truck driver that has been infatuated with 18-wheelers since childhood. At nine years old, his first trucking experience in a semi was with his father at the wheel of a 1998 turquoise Peterbilt. He always looked forward to the weekends with his dad, because he couldn’t wait to see his truck. On this one special day, his father received a call from dispatch to pick up a load. It was a weekend Jeremy would never forget. Together, they rode a day and a half from Texas down to Jacksonville, Florida. Then, spent another day and a half traveling back. Full of excitement, Jeremy says that he probably slept only a couple of hours the whole trip. That one adventure was all it took to seal the deal, he has been hooked since then! Jeremy’s DB Kustom Truck, Animal is also a 1998 Peterbilt… and his father still drives a truck, as well.

He began to take notice of the DB Kustom Trucks after seeing a few while out on the road. At the time, Jeremy was in the process of buying a truck through a lease purchase program with another trucking company, but as a first-time buyer, their organization made it difficult to become an owner operator. With his finances already in order and ready to make a purchase, he began looking for other options; DB Kustom Trucks was one of them. Their creative designs and quality of work with attention to detail are undeniable. Once approved, he didn’t hesitate any further.

“I had no reservations about jumping at the opportunity. People are going to talk regardless. It’s up to you, if you want to let other people influence you to stand by and let life pass you by, or if you’re going to seize each moment and make everything work out for the best. I already knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to buy my dream truck and start my own business. DB Kustom Trucks was my opportunity to get my foot in the door. You can either sink or swim with anything you do and I was willing to take that chance. I don’t regret it one bit.”

Jeremy’s determination inspires confidence. He is bold and self-assured with a can-do attitude. However, growing up in the big city of Houston, Texas Jeremy was a shy and quiet kid that stayed to himself. His mother worked for a large technology company, which led Jeremy to follow in her footsteps, pursing a degree as a mechanical engineer at the University of Texas at El Paso. Wanting to take the financial strain of college off his parents, in 2009 Jeremy went through the Army ROTC program to earn a scholarship. The summer of his freshman year, he enlisted into the Army Reserves.

After basic training, Jeremy moved on to Advanced Individual Training (AIT) and began studying his Military Occupational Specialty (MOS); diesel mechanics. He then returned to college, attending the University of Eastern New Mexico. It was during his first semester when he received the orders: his unit was being deployed. “I was sent all over for various training. I was in Michigan for a couple of weeks, next Kansas, then Utah, and back to Texas. I spent another month in California. Then, we touched down in Afghanistan on Christmas Eve 2012.”

Having served overseas was an experience that completely opened Jeremy’s eyes to the unseen world many only read about in the news or see brief glimpses of on tv. His outlook on life from a personal standpoint affects his attitude towards others and his work ethic. He states that the Army taught him never to quit on anything you want to do in life. The young, bashful kid found his self-confidence and poise. He developed the mindset to desire success, and was trained to be self-reliant. During his time spent stationed in Afghanistan, the biggest aspect he took away from that experience was practicing patience. He says, “I learned not to let little things bother me. Coming back to the states after combat, you see things differently. Over there, the people live a very simple life. It opens your eyes, it humbles you. We, as a body of people take advantage of things daily. Things they don’t even know exist. The military teaches you never to give up, they instill in you that motivation. But life over there hits you down to the soul; to the core that remains with you forever.”

Jeremy wanted a backup plan; a familiar trade to fall back on. His uncle was a mechanic and truck driver. Along with his father, who introduced him to the whole trucking scene. The Army required him to be licensed and qualified to operate any vehicles or heavy equipment so he could drive them and work on them. Back in the states and enrolled at the Louisiana State University on a GI Bill, he came to another crossroads. His mother was a contractor, short on work. Again, wanting to alleviate her financial struggle, he went for quick results. Having driven overseas, he used a waiver provided by the military permitting him to take classes and received his hazmat license.

Since joining the driving force of DB Kustom Trucks, Jeremy typically runs 2 to 3 weeks at a time. He admits that for his first truck he probably could have went the other route, with a cheaper used truck. Either way he would have had his father to help advise him, but says choosing to go with the DB Kustom Trucks program the level of training, council, and mentorship they offer can’t be found anywhere else. His father still remains his biggest influence on his trucking career. Everything from future advice and stories they shared together when Jeremy was a kid, all of it still plays a part today.

Growing up with his dad driving a truck was one thing, but doing it himself as an adult was more difficult than he had realized. He explains, “My dad always talked business or was going over different scenarios with me. I remembered how he would preach about watching my speed while going through curves. I would think to myself, ‘I get it. No big deal.’ Then, once I got behind the wheel with up to 45,000 pounds of liquid, it all started to make sense very quickly! He still tells me to watch the people around me, because I have to be ready to react. He’s been doing this for over 25 years now and he is great at it! So, now I don’t just listen, I do as he says.” As for Jeremy’s own pointers, he believes to succeed as an over the road driver you must be willing to put in the time. You can’t afford to be lazy or picky with loads. Also, learn how to manage your money. When company drivers transition to owner operators, the financial responsibilities fall on the driver alone. Many don’t understand what all that entails, along with the stress or burdens owner operators face. Jeremy says that ‘living within means’ has been the trick. Those two suggestions are game changers. If you work hard, the money will come. Manage it correctly, and you will be successful.

With his family history in trucking and military background, Jeremy is uniquely qualified as a valued team member of DB Kustom Trucks. He now has his eyes set on starting a small fleet. He prides himself on the safety of others and commitment to his customers. Considering he is of the Millennial Generation, Jeremy fully understands the extent of knowledge within the trucking industry is forever evolving, as he anticipates learning more to perfect his talent one day at a time. As a millennial, growing up in an electronic-filled world the familiarity makes him adept to understanding interfaces and visual languages. Meaning, do not underestimated younger generations. Millennials tend to adjust readily to new programs, operating systems, computer-based tasks, etc., and are more than eager to welcome a challenge.

Jeremy is an exceptionally zealous person that works harder than others his age. Of all that he has experienced in the short amount of years, the vision he has in store for his future is evident that great things are to follow. Attaining goals are milestones of proof that you’re on the right path.

BRAGGING RIGHTS:

Animal 1998 Peterbilt 379

Caterpillar 3406e Engine

1850 Torque/550HP/18-speed

8IN Stacks with a 63IN Sleeper

*check out the dash! (see photos)