FIXTITLE Nick Landman.docx
ONE COMMON GOAL
The Story
Of
Nick Landman
With a wide trucking background in agriculture, as a young boy growing up in a small town located just outside the city limits, Nick Landman jumped into the family business possessing a mindset ten years advanced. Born and raised in Callao, Virginia on a farm, the amount of trucks and equipment at an arm’s length was endless.
By seven years old, Nick was driving grain trucks. At nine, operating 10-wheelers. He was barely able to see over the steering wheels. The most astounding of it all, the majority of his driving abilities were self-taught. Watching and learning, then applying his own efforts with a maturity much wiser than his age. At the age of 14, Nick traveled thirty miles to the local market driving a 2-speed truck, maneuvering the clutch effortlessly.
After obtaining his driver’s license at 16, he took a full time job at a nearby gas station. He also joined his local volunteer fire department. A personal goal since childhood, back before he wrapped his little hands around a combine wheel. As far back as five years old, Nick would ride with his uncle, a decorated fireman in the station’s fire truck and often visited the fire hall. All of the firemen unknowingly became a huge influence for Nick. Surrounded by fire fighters and being allowed to actually sit inside of these significant trucks, gave Nick a sense of humility. Everyone knows that when you spot a fire truck in passing, it is either coming or going to attend a scene or out for a special occasion. Fire trucks relate to bravery… and Nick was immediately drawn to that distinction.
His impressionable eyes were exposed to a whole new dimension of life. Similar to his family on the farm, but unique in many ways. The work ethic of these heroes at a moment’s notice, their unity as a group to help others, and the comradery amongst everyone, even extended down to a child prodigy that was entertained by the entire picture. Their type of fearlessness and valor was never boastful. Instead each individual portrayed a certain level of pride and self-respect with their titles; allowing courage to lead them into burning debris and life threatening situations for the sake of a complete stranger. The ultimate duties as such were never scripted for Nick to read as a kid, but the nobility that came with the profession was evident. He knew at an early age that he wanted more than anything to be a part of that harmony. To share in their understanding. To own that type of authority.
What Nick was too young to realize then was that he had already tapped into their world. The choice to define his character and mold it according to their greatness is what has led him to where he is today. Combine all of the positivity he had been exposed to from the fire house, topped with his hands-on work ethic and go-getter, risk-taking personality Nick Landman has made a name for himself in an industry that is tough to even break the mold.
Trucking is an art not particularly for everyone. Many may think they can master the trade, but the work of a skilled professional speaks for itself. A good reputation cannot be denied. Trucking is also a way of life. One that is to be appreciated by not just the one behind the wheel, but anyone connected to that driver. This business entails an adjusted lifestyle, never to be underestimated. In order to be successful it requires the complete package: intellect, physicality, and diligence.
While devoting 21 years of service as a fireman since the age of 16, during that span 18 of those years he earned over a million miles driving commercial trucks. His first eight years as a volunteer fire fighter from 1995 to 2003, Nick worked at the Callao Volunteer Fire Department. Then he made the move to the Tappahannock Essex, VFD. The following year in 2004 he took the position as Lieutenant for two years before accepting a full-time career job at the Fredericksburg Fire Department. Nick continued to work both locations from 2006 until 2013, leaving Fredericksburg. Since then, he has remained at the Tappahannock station as an active fireman. The entire time Nick has been just as involved in the trucking realm, as well.
Nick’s second career just as equally valuable, began shortly after he left his first job at a gas station where he worked for three years. He went on to obtained his CDL at 19, with the assistance of a close friend along with his family that owned a small trucking company. They gave Nick his initial break into the business. He was given a route out of Virginia to Louisiana, pulling a reefer hauling seafood every week. Gone by Sunday, home by Wednesday. Nick had finally landed himself in a truck on his own. He will never forget it. That truck, being the very first one was his staple to the role he had set his mind to achieving. It was a 1977 359 short hood. During his time off from the road he was able to work at the fire station, balancing both fields. In order to be successful as a professional truck driver you have to put in the time. As a reliable fireman one needs to earn the respect of others. Both positions held Nick to a standard. He knew the only way to achieve either of these was to step up and do the work to the best of his ability. Nick was determined to accomplish the two.
He spent the following three years operating a variety of trucks and equipment for a local construction company. Within that amount of time he had accumulated quite the résumé. He took advantage of the different types of trucks, sharpening his ability, becoming more proficient. Any resources available, Nick utilized to gain experience.
Ready for his next venture, Nick went out on a limb and decided to come off the road. He landed a position as an officer on the extraction team at the county jail. Almost three years passed, then an opening came up at the same fire department that his uncle carried him to as a child. In 2006, he fully committed to his second family at the fire station. He knew if he was not on the road trucking that he wanted to be in the fire house, but giving up driving permanently was never an option. He started as a driver of their commercial trucks, initially in the back seat working his way up to lead driver and eventually years later as Captain.
Unfortunately in 2012, Nick was seriously injured on the scene. After extensive back surgery he immediately returned to work in hopes of picking things up where he had left off. Sadly though, he only ended up back in the hospital. Accepting the fact he may never completely heal, putting many people at risk by not being able to perform at 100%, he debated on another job change.
The trucking itch had remained in the back of his head since he stepped away. His answer was clear. January 2013, Nick went back to trucking for a lumber company in town. Shortly after, he was approached by an owner of a small fleet pulling reefer in a lease-to-own. This was his opportunity to purchase his first truck. It was a 2006 379 Peterbilt. A couple of months later, he traded it for a 2005 379 Peterbilt right before things went sour. The business went under and Nick was left without a notice. Quickly finding another fit, he teamed up with a local farmer pulling liquid fertilizer throughout Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland. Returning to his roots, the farm atmosphere felt right.
A proposal to run OTR had been offered, presenting Nick with an ultimatum between the farm and trucking cross country again. All the numbers lined up and he left for the road, but within a year the funds ran dry. The business owner couldn’t afford to keep the truck moving and Nick was left at a stand-still.
Soon after, Nick received a phone call from a local businessman searching for a part-time driver. Nick took the job and was back behind the wheel in no time. On November 20th, on a normal given day a car came to a complete halt in front of his truck. Unable to stop an 18-wheeler in time, his truck hit the vehicle on full impact. Both drivers walked away from the wreck. Nick however, broke two bones in his right hand. Fresh out of a cast and healed, he is grateful for his two jobs. The two careers that allow him to give back.
2016 marks an important year for Nick, outside of his line of work. Since his beginning days as a young boy dreaming of being just like his uncle, Nick has felt like there is more to everyday life than what is within reach. When you have the capabilities of connecting with so many people abroad, such as a trucker does, why not enable that gift? Having a pristine position such as a respectable fireman allows you to have a voice many would listen to. Nick also knew the incredible group of friends that he considers his circle. If he needed any help, none would hesitate. In all, Nick had a well-rounded group with a voice and a platform. He thought, “What if, we as a group can come together with one common goal? To help others.” He ran with it. Nick says, “Not all of us are truck drivers, but as a whole we are solid because each person is a good-hearted individual. Put us together, we are going to do amazing things. Now if we can change peoples’ opinion of truckers for the greater while in the process, than that’s a bonus!”
Nick originally established, OUTSIDERZ WORKING RIGS ASSC. September 2015. He and his wife, Vickie founded the club together with only ten members. In just a half a year, the club has quickly grown to 55 members (and numerous prospects) throughout nine states. Since launching their platform the objective for OUTSIDERZ is simple: ‘Diverse people from different backgrounds blending together in order to help people less fortunate.’ Over time the club’s goal is to have reached families in-need throughout all states, nationwide. The power of united efforts is limitless.
Recently, OUTSIDERZ participated in their first fundraiser for the Christmas Wishes Program that sponsors families through social services. In one week the club raised $400 from selling Grain Life stickers, in which all proceeds were donated to the cause. Nick explains, “Most of us in the club are big dudes, but we all have a soft spot when it comes to helping children and veterans. We pull together, ready and willing. Plus, this event was for our local community. Families and kids in our own backyard. We were all able to help make a difference here at home. It felt great! Things just took off after that. Once we were able to see the magnitude of change we can have, why can’t we help our entire nation? If the reach is possible, we will!”
In April, the last weekend on the 29th and 30th OUTSIDERZ WORKING RIGS ASSC. is presenting their 1st Annual Benefit Show & Shine at the Doswell Truck Stop on Exit 98 off 195, located in Doswell, Virginia. The club has selected Aiden Patton of the Patton family as this year’s honoree. A year ago when Aiden was four years old, he fell from the top of a jungle gym, landing on solid concrete. The accident has left little Aiden blind in one eye and deaf in one ear. He has had ten surgeries, with more scheduled soon. Aiden is now five and being home schooled. All donations will go directly to the Patton family in assisting with Aiden’s medical bills and future recovery.
If interested in supporting the charity, please contact Nick by email at [email protected]. For more information on participating or sponsoring the event, feel free to reach out to any member of OUTSIDERZ or contact Nick directly. We encourage all families to come out to the Doswell Truck Stop for the event and get involved. There will be much to see during the truck show and lots of fun activities for the children. Be sure to check out OUTSIDERZ WORKIING RIGS ASSC.’s Facebook page to stay current on their latest news and updates. As well as, how to join as a new member.