FIXTITLE Robert Barnette.docx
SOURCE OF PRIDE
Legend Nominee: Robert Barnette
The way of nomination for this Legend came about a bit easier than our other exclusive drivers. When introduced, I immediately had a friendly face to go along with the name, which typically only happens months, sometimes years after publishing a driver’s life story. As you know, National Truckin’ Magazine features three professionals each month selected from within our industry to highlight. We strive to promote positive individuals worthy of recognition for their hard work and commitment to the transportation business.
Often drivers and business owners from all channels of the industry are nominated, narrowing our means of correspondence to via email. When I receive the Legend’s photos to correlate with their piece for the final steps before publication, only then do I get the pleasure of piecing their beautiful stories together with faces. Keep in mind, many of these people choose to share personal details and events they have experienced. They reflect on the happiest times or most vulnerable moments throughout their lives, hoping we understand who they are as individuals. So, when I’m able to finally put my eyes on their photographs, it’s a remarkable process to be a part of. Connecting their memories to these pictures from childhood with family members, paints an entire journey into one collage of life. Our Legend’s section is specifically for men and women in the trucking industry; mothers and fathers, husbands and sons. Ordinary people working in a vital profession that share our passion for trucks and the drivers that fill the seats.
When shaking the hand of professional truck driver, Robert Barnette he had a smile as genuine as his laugh. Very down to earth and easy-going; fun to carry a conversation with to say the least. Right then, I knew we had a Legend! Plus, this time I could personally shake his hand.
Less than two weeks after meeting Robert at GATS in Dallas, Texas I reached out to him to set up a good day and time to conduct our over the phone interview. Our timing was slightly off kilter due to Hurricane Irma headed straight toward his home state of Florida. He was in the process of racing the storm to get to his wife, Kristy who was at home in Lake City. The following week we picked things up on a Tuesday, after Irma’s damage had made its place among the cities throughout the state. Robert and Kristy were extremely lucky, the storm’s aftermath left them with no power, but thankfully no damages either. Robert explained, “I have my truck still running, backed up to the front porch with the inverter on and an extension cord connected to our tv, a fan, and the refrigerator; all plugged into my semi. That’s how we have power right now.”
Finding a way to make things work out in his favor is a knack Robert has always had an eye for. That same ingenuity, he applies to all areas in his life: marriage, career, even getting his first show truck. He knows when to be resourceful and makes the sacrifices that longevity requires. He and Kristy have been together 28 years, married for 26. They have a family of 4 children, 7 grandchildren, with another on the way. Robert has 36 years of experience in the business, 18 behind the wheel as a company driver and the last 5 as an owner operator, leased on to Swift Transportation. For two years, he has represented the Ocala, Florida terminal as a Senior Mentor, and driver-trainer for four years. As for lifetime miles, he is well over the two-million-mile mark, closing in on three million soon.
Having dedicated so many years to the transportation industry, I went to Kristy for answers on what she feels is Robert’s strongest attributes to achieving his success. “Honestly, he is so stubborn.” Like her husband, she is very candid as to her response. She continues, “When he puts his mind to accomplishing something, nothing is going to talk him out of it. Which is a good thing in a lot of aspects.” Robert admits that when he decided to go for it and start driving a truck, back in 1999 he didn’t have any initial hesitations as far as the job itself, but adjusting to the amount of time away from his family was a little harder than he had expected. Though he still prefers running long-haul, stating it never gets boring, there is something new to see every day, and he gets to meet different people everywhere he goes. However, nothing can take the place of family. He adds, “It takes a lot of perseverance to run over the road. It also takes a strong person at home, too. Kristy has been there for me through thick and thin. On the bright side, traveling all over also helps me see my distant family out in California, and Oklahoma. I have others in North Carolina. Anytime I have a chance to spend time with family, I do it! Those special moments are what you must hold on to as a truck driver, because it can get very tiring out here. When I see other drivers or my students struggling, I encourage them not to give up on themselves. Even when you feel that everything is going to fall in on you, remember who you’re out here doing it all for. Any good person will do anything for their loved ones.”
Since the age of sixteen, Robert was working full-time. He found his way into the restaurant business, realizing his specialty was behind a grill. He still enjoys cooking, even occasionally caters for friends or during holidays and special events. However, it was predestined that our Robert would naturally fall in love with all things automotive. From childhood, anything to do with painting, customization and high-performance had Robert’s full attention.
He and his father carried their relationship forward into the work force together. As a traveling salesman, Robert’s father instilled in him a strong work ethic and desire to succeed. Also, his father’s printing business ultimately led Robert into the trucking industry. First, he learned the business concept of buying and selling printing equipment, while perfecting the art of communication, shadowing both his father and uncle. In the late 70’s and early 80’s, it was up to Robert to deliver the printing equipment to their customers. He pulled a small flatbed trailer behind a car or pickup truck from Chicago to North Carolina or from Jacksonville, Florida over to Atlanta, Georgia. So naturally years later, when Robert decided to run over the road professionally he was back to familiar habits; traveling and interacting with clients.
With Swift Transportation he is typically out 3 to 4 weeks, 6 at the most. Then, back home for a few days. Throughout his trucking career, he has pulled everything from lowboy to flatbed, refrigeration units and dry box. The mutual respect he receives from the staff at Swift Transportation is what he tries to convey across to his students. Treat people how you want to be treated, and it will be returned. He says, “It goes back to old school drivers. The level of respect everyone had for them, and the effort they put into their quality of work was monumental. I try to teach these up and comers how I learned to do things, the right way. I’ll tell them, there is no freight out here worth your life. Pay attention and be aware of the responsibilities that go with this job. Then, I give them my phone number and tell them to call me anytime! If they have a problem or an issue, call me.” He trains each student as if it’s his life’s calling to ensure our roads are safer by properly preparing every truck driver placed within his path. He is diligent and thorough in sharing his knowledge of the business, but most importantly serves as a positive role model for other drivers to look up to.
Above all, Robert remains humble, yet full of life. He is quick to tell you that he prefers his shorts and flip flops at home, but on the clock, he is in full work attire; shirt tucked in, etc. That is another factor that he stresses to students. You can be yourself at work, still dress and act accordingly. “Always remember, you’re not only representing yourself, but the company, as well. Present yourself in the best possible image,” he said. Learning from successful businessmen early on helped influence Robert’s overall work ethic. Words once recited by his uncle still hold true as he passes on the valuable advice to his students: Your word is your bond. Without your word, your name means nothing.
Kristy explains that they have been married so long that traveling with Robert in his truck is a good thing. Once she adjusted to his work schedule of being away so long, she realized that joining him on the road sometimes helped switch things up every now and then. Plus the fact she had never been outside the perimeter of Florida before, Robert’s job allows them to see the country together. When both leave home, they bring their 5-year-old red nose Pitbull, Bird along for the ride. As a puppy and the runt of his litter he was dubbed, Bird due to the chirping bird sounds made when he barked; the name stuck.
Another attribute Robert possesses that separates him from the crowd is his social conscience in regard to our nation’s veterans, children in-need, and fellow truck drivers that have fallen on hard times. Maybe his kindness was also inherited from his role models, or let’s say he learned the gift of compassion through his many years of maintaining a happy marriage. However and from whoever his generosity developed, this world can use all the goodwill and grace humanity has to offer. He volunteers, participates, and donates when he can to various charities; always looking for ways to help others.
A little over 10 years ago, Robert was involved in what should have been a disastrous accident, in which he rolled down a 40-foot cliff, taking out a power pole in the process. Again, the good Lord above spared him, allowing Robert to walk away with only bruising to his lungs from the seatbelt. In the summer of 2016, another stroke of bad fortune occurred when a car pulled out in front of him causing a horrible scene. There were no serious injuries, but Robert’s truck suffered major damage.
Joey Weeks, long-time friend and owner of Black Creek Diesel; based out of Jacksonville, Florida took the opportunity to not only help repair Robert’s truck, but to also wrap it with a design commemorating his closest loved ones that have since passed. Together, they created a tribute in honor of Robert’s mother, father, and two brothers. Joey had given Robert something to feel good about again after his wreck. In returning back to the road, he now has something special to smile about. Robert’s truck is his message to the world that family means everything. He originally purchased his 2011 International Prostar in December of 2012. It boasts an ISX Cummings engine with a 13-speed Eaton Transmission, 595 HP, 358 gear ratio and 252-wheel base, complete with a 73’ sleeper. He gives all of the credit and respect to his creative genius of a friend, Joey for bringing his ideas to life in such an impactful token of love. When climbing into his truck, not a day goes by that Robert doesn’t think of his family and the gratitude for Joey’s hard work and friendship. Robert named their creation, Fat Boy Boogie.
Robert states how proud he is of his tribute truck for who and what it stands for: family and unity in trucking. Fat Boy Boogie has taken on an identity all its own, and opened many doors since hitting the road. Proven a Facebook favorite, he has been shared on multiple pages, even internationally known in countries such as; the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, and the Philippines. Fat Boy Boogie was also featured in a commercial for White Diamond Polish and is #29 on the 17th Cat Scale Collection Series. For Robert’s first truck show, he took home the People’s Choice Award, along with 3rd Place overall. With plans to continue with updates and modifications, Robert states that he is overwhelmed at how the trucking community has embraced his dream truck.
Apparent from his actions with charity functions, to teaching students, you always know where Robert stands because he wears his heart on his sleeve. He expresses his feelings openly and through his truck. He is just as proud, polished, and memorable as his tribute truck with a heart of gold. Every mile of each day his family is with him as he continues trucking in their memory. Kristy wraps up our interview discussing how proud she is of her husband and the male figure he is for their family. She says, “Robert’s determination and will to go after whatever he wants is inspiring. He works so hard and loves helping others. He’s a good man! What he does for a living and what he stands for as a person, I’m extremely proud of him.”
I think I speak for our entire team here at National Truckin’ Magazine when I say, thank you Robert, for being the example we seek to support. Your courage, integrity, and dedication to your beliefs, family, and our industry are preceding to unfold great things for years to come. You deserve the recognition for everything you’ve poured your heart into.
-Your time is now, enjoy!