FIXTITLE Mike Ostergaard Interview.docx

THE JOURNEY

The Story

Of

Mike Ostergaard

Everybody has to find their own way through life. And of course, just when you think you have it all figured out, life will throw you a curve ball. Sometimes when you swing, you may miss. Other times you can find yourself with a win. One thing is a given, nothing happens if you don’t try.

Life is a journey to be explored every step of the way. From childhood, with the curiosity and tenacity of a giant all the way into your golden years, you must continue to wonder. Wisdom is limitless. The further you broaden your compass, the more unforeseen beauty that life has to offer becomes available to you.

Each person’s path is different than any other’s. Some are full of adventure and spontaneity. Then there are people on more of a routine, with regular day to day scheduled occurrences. However life unfolds, I feel as though the level of amusement lay in the hearts of the individual. It’s not always what you have planned and the events surrounding any special endeavor that define your journey. It’s the unexpected surprises in-between that stay with you.

For this Legend, trucking has opened the door for him in many ways that most any other profession might not have. As a United States Marine, traveling the world while proudly serving his country came as his first chance to visit different locations near and far. Once in the Inactive Reserves, Mike Ostergaard had to find his next line of work. With no initial angle into the transportation industry, he happened to catch a television commercial of a trucking company offering an opportunity to begin a new career.

Mike’s father drove local for ten years and also had uncles that drove trucks while he was growing up. With that said, they were the extent of his history between the two. He never rode with any of them on a trip or had a deep desire to do the same. Although he did like the large trucks, driving as a professional truck driver as a means of income had not been a priority, or even considered at the time. Joining the Marines was his only agenda. So much so, the qualifications to be a Marine pushed his focus to physically prepare himself for the part of this journey beforehand. It was afterwards, when his time in the military was up that led him to trucking. Always ready to keep moving forward, Mike listened to that commercial and by the time it was over, his choice was clear. That was 23 years ago and over two million miles later.

From coast to coast, trucking has allowed Mike to cross paths with a number of people. Many remained strangers with a smile, exchanging kindness as a reminder for his next visit to a specific area. Quite a few became friends that he stays in contact with still today. For Mike every face, handshake, and name is a privilege to remember. Throughout his journey, also came obstacles. In order to climb you have to start from the bottom. It was during these times he was forced to tap into his self-confidence, in doing so he created a successful career and found strength in the freedom of the road. Mike’s life’s work as a professional truck driver took years to earn his level of respect. His biggest piece of advice is to keep learning; never assume you know enough. Being away on the road, weeks to months at a time is a challenge in itself. Trucking is a demanding profession, but the rewards in return are what make the journey worth it. Experiencing different cultures of our nation, witnessing the variety of scenery from historical landmarks to the open mountains have all fed Mike’s passion to travel. But above all else, the memories made along the way are his greatest gift received.

Mike is a loving son and brother, a caring father, and a proud veteran to our great nation. There is no greater honor than to serve your country. He continues to sacrifice quality time with loved ones to provide for strangers that may never know his name. It’s what he does, what he has been called to do. His loyalty is firm, diligent and nonstop.

“Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.”

-Shannon L. Alder

Mike Ostergaard resides in Salem, Wisconsin but is originally from the city of Kenosha. His father was raised on a farm, served in the military and drove a truck. Mike tried his best to follow in his footsteps, achieving two of the three. He, along with his older and younger brother were raised in the city. As a young boy, Mike gravitated more to books than any other hobby. He favored mysteries and action, anything upbeat to keep his attention. In high school, his sport of choice was cross country running. Immediately after high school he and a close friend, Cory Newton enlisted in the Marines. The two met while in middle school. Cory lived across the street from Mike and the two became inseparable. Just like Mike’s dad, Cory’s stepfather also drove a truck. With much in common, joining the military together came as no surprise.

At 18, Mike left for California to attend boot camp at (MCRD), Marine Corps Recruit Depo in San Diego. He spent his first 13 weeks completing his recruit training. Then moved on to the School of Infantry for his MOS, to train for combat at Camp Pendleton. Cory was also stationed at Camp Pendleton, training for his MOS as a Mortorman. Mike was assigned to Camp Horno with Fleet Marines 1st Battalion, 4th Marines 1st Marine Division in Camp Pendleton. Mike made two WestPac deployments during his four years of active duty. His first was in 1990 for ten months, in support of Operation Desert Storm. On the second deployment he traveled to a number of countries, within six months.

Being more than a coincidence, one of the units Mike’s father was stationed with was the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines 1st Marine Division. He says, “My mom had told me to tell my dad where I was stationed at. Come to find out, at some point in his military career he was assigned to the same unit, at 19 years old. Then 19 years later, I get the same unit. I just think that’s cool!”

Mike states that his proudest moment was when he realized that he was not only his father’s son, but his brother in arms too. “I always knew, since I was a kid that my dad was a Marine. I didn’t know much pertaining to his duties of the job, but I wanted to be just like him. I knew that being a Marine wouldn’t be easy. Nothing he did was! I learned to be a Marine I had to have determination. After our graduation, every Marine became my brother and sister until the day I die. It’s a brotherhood unlike any other. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every minute of it.”

Having his uncles and father as huge influences in his life, Mike wanted to continue his working career carrying forth the same work ethic he had acquired from them. He says, “After the Marines and driving a truck, my dad owned his own business for over twenty years. It was a service garage/gas station combination in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Then, later he also owned and operated the local cab company in Antioch, Illinois. He went to work every morning and came home when his work was done. He never asked for anything that he didn’t earn. He busted his hump! My uncles were the same way, on both my mom and dad’s side of the family. All of them served in the military too. That’s where I get it, I guess. We work hard and provide for our families.” That one commercial offering a position as a truck driver gave him that nudge he needed in the right direction.

After 21 years running as a company driver, Mike made the switch to being an owner operator. Ready to be his own boss made the transition less convoluted. In 2014, he established Mike Ostergaard Trucking, Inc. His goal within the next few years is to add a couple of more trucks to the business. Two brothers that Mike had met before becoming an owner operator, helped put him in his current dream truck. Dan and Dave Brown, owners of DB Kustom Trucks created a program for owner operators to help grow their business, while driving a custom designed rig. Through the program, both seasoned drivers mentor each driver ensuring success is attainable. They also encourage the owner operators to assist in the design of their new truck. Mike explains, “I like the look of the old school trucks, they look tough. Mine is a 2002 Peterbilt 379 and I fell in love with it! They rebuilt it from the ground up. See, when I first heard of their program I thought it was too good to be true, but I also knew the guys already. I knew that they had built a fleet themselves before they launched this business. So their ability to make it in this industry is apparent. The bonus with this program was that they offer advice and guidance to help other drivers, like themselves further their careers.”

Dan and Dave both built Mike’s truck, the Marine Corp Tribute Truck. Mike wanted to incorporate each branch of service in his design. During the whole process, when one was unavailable to speak with, the other stepped in to answer any questions or concerns. They addressed any issues Mike had and if they couldn’t help him directly they pointed him towards the person that could. They understand, in order for DB Kustom Trucks to do well, they must build quality trucks and support each driver through the transition. Their mission is to see to it that both needs are met to the best of their ability.

When Mike is off the road he enjoys touring through different cities, taking photos of his truck with the various backgrounds. “If I’m not keeping up with the maintenance, or cleaning my truck, there is so much to see out on the road. This country has a lot of places to visit,” he said. Mike has two daughters; Jenifer, 18 and Jesica, 16 that both love his truck. Jesica likes to ride with her dad in the truck when he features it in parades. “My kids like to be involved when it comes to showing off the truck. And they like that I have my own business too. It’s something to be a part of. I enjoy my home time just like anyone else, but I know that if you can read the letters on my tires then I’m not making any money.”

Mike explains that after his first experience away from home while in the military, traveling the country was something he will always enjoy. He states that in order to be good at trucking, first you must have part gypsy in your blood. Trucking is the name of the game. Second, as a driver everyone’s safety around you depends on you. Lastly he adds, “You’re only as good as your last delivery. No matter what is going on at home, it stops at the door. That’s how I’ve proceeded and it’s been 23 years and counting. I’m in it for the long haul.”

BRAGGING RIGHTS

The Marine Corps Tribute Truck (Desert Storm Truck)

2002 Peterbilt 379

N14 Cummins motor 525/18 speed transmission

63 IN. flat sleeper

8 IN. pipes

390 rears

Low pro tires

Black & red leather interior

Touchscreen stereo

Full Fenders

Special thanks from Mike:To: Dan and Dave Brown; for being great friends, treating me like family and helping me with my dream.

To: Ron Miles and Erik at RMJR Inc. ( Ron Miles Jr Inc.); for building my truck and helping me maintain her and keeping her on the road.