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The Story

Of

Robert Bobbett

The metaphorical phrase, ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ can be referenced in a number of aspects. An ordinary house can be filled with class and grandeur, while a man slumped in an alley wearing frayed clothing and worn shoes may have served our country, though his relevance goes unseen. A dog too old to run remained loyal and obedient to his owner, despite being picked-over at a shelter because a child’s eye naturally gravitates to the puppies. An autistic child is bullied due to the lack of understanding from his fellow classmates. Sadly, they will never see him for his beautiful mind and the talents he is so eager to share, but can’t because he’s never given the chance. We have a former Olympian that works out religiously at our local gym and listening to the stories of him competing during his prime, still brings inspiration at just the thought of his name. However, the newer generation parades around him as if they are in the midst of someone decrepit. A person’s worth is often overshadowed by the obvious: one’s own judgement. Leaving the spirit and pure essence of life to be totally neglected.

That is why I love what I do! I am allowed a small window of time to peak into the lives of these professional men and women in trucking and share with you guys (our reading audience) how beautiful each and every one of them really are. Most account for the good, bad, and the ugly experiences. Not one has shied away from expressing their lowest pivotal points in life. The vulnerability conveyed in each conversation with a driver, I have found authentic and extremely genuine. The characteristics that have defined their lives and the situations that eventually revealed evidence to support and encourage a new life also presents a double-edged sword, because their confessions are invisible. More often than not, so is their opportunity to make a difference.

When judging a book on its cover alone, you miss out on the value and real substance of what is on the inside. The outward appearance is exactly that. You are limited to what you see on the exterior, your eyes can only view the surface. Why do you put icing on a cake? Because it’s yummy, for one. And two, the icing is what makes the cake appealing. Icing tops it off; makes it complete; sugar-coats it. But the cake part is the body. The icing is simply what attracts the eye.

This day in age is notorious for unyielding judgement towards one another based solely on the outward appearance. We have been cheated of so many shared laughs, happy memories, and countless friendships all left unknown due to a belief in something or someone without basis. Choosing a mind-set that can possibly rob you of a person’s joy is disheartening.

A book needs its chapters to give it life. The pages of a book define the cover, never the other way around. The cover provides a visual with a title. Just as a person exudes an image with a name. This Legend is about a common man that has made his share of common mistakes. The life lessons he endured gave him the strength and humility to own those errors as proudly as his finest days. Robert Bobbett, was born in Nebraska while both of his parents served in the Air Force. He has one older brother, in which the four of them moved around a bit. From age five to eleven, they were stationed overseas in Japan. The boys were enrolled at the school for military students. In 1991, the Bobbett family returned to the states. By this time, Robert’s father became non-existent and due to his mother’s health, she retired from the Air Force.

Robert was an active kid, involved in every sport possible: football, baseball, track, wrestling -you name it. By his mid-teens, he had drifted off course and began making bad decision after bad decision. A troubled, mischievous and stubborn teenager is like a ticking package waiting to implode. It wasn’t until the death of Robert’s grandparents that he was able to find his way back. Knowing that his grandfather’s last memory of him was during his lowest point in life brought enough shame into his eyes to see clearly. This was his final wake up call. Not his proudest moment, but very necessary. He didn’t like the person he was becoming and made the choice to make things right again.

Even though he had to learn things the hard way, by sharing his story, he hoped that maybe others wouldn’t have to go that same route. Stepping back and having the gift to recognize your own faults for someone else’s gain should never go unnoticed. For years, Robert would speak at a drug rehab and detox center to people that he could relate to. Adults from all walks of life, yearning to break the strongholds of addiction. Some were required to attend, others like Robert, volunteered. Each week Robert shared his testimony, hoping his words gave solace to another that was searching for the peace he had finally found.

He says, “When I talked to people, it helped me too; to keep being strong. Self-growth was huge for me! I had taken it for myself and I wanted them to know that they could do it too. I’ve been where they are, when everything sucks and you feel like nothing is going to work out. I’ve been there. But what I’ve learned is when stuff gets you down like that, accept what you can’t change and move on from it. When you hold on to all of that baggage, it does nothing but hold you down.”

Robert made a number of changes to keep his priorities in order. First, he started with surrounding himself with positive people for a good support system. Next, he kept his schedule so packed that he wouldn’t have time to even think of entertaining trouble. He began playing football for a semi-pro team running the fullback position and as an outside linebacker. He also got into cage fighting; a competitive, full-contact sport that allowed him to earn respect and blow off steam at the same time. Growing up, his brother was two years older and much bigger. Knowing how siblings like to interact, his brother enjoyed reminding him who was able to beat up who. Learning the techniques of cage fighting and mastering the variety of combat sports and mixed martial arts (MMA), enabled him to hone in on those days and also gave him that confidence back. His first order of business though was his job. Juggling all three was for his own sanity.

At 23, Robert landed his first job driving a truck for a beverage company in Denver, Colorado. Within six months he was promoted to a driver supervisor position and remained with the same business for eleven years. “The opportunity arose for me to redeem myself and I went for it. I got my CDL and landed my first trucking job. I remember spending almost three hours one day, backing up into the bay trying to make sure that I didn’t hit anything. I was determined to do it right and that’s when the process of teaching myself how to do things began. Now driving a truck is like second nature to me. It’s what I’m good at,” he said.

With the experience under his belt to expand his trucking career, he decided to make the move and drive for the oil field. Basically starting over, he trained himself the ins and outs of the operation, becoming more familiar with his work. He explains, “The oil field is tough, but when I flipped the switch years ago I had made up my mind. I can’t stop now. My work ethics are through the roof. I’m a workaholic.” After two years of devoting all of his time and efforts to his craft, favorable circumstances began to line up for him again.

A close friend had tuned him on to a company based out of Antioch, Illinois known as, DB Kustom Trucks. Robert had been debating purchasing a truck shortly after changing his direction in trucking. DB Kustom Trucks offers a lease purchase program created by two former truckers and specifically designed for all Owner Operators that joins their team to learn, grow and succeed. Company owners and brothers, Dan and Dave Brown have built a network consisting of the needed tools and resources to ensure that their drivers receive the very best experience in purchasing and designing their own dream truck. Once the deal is complete, Dan and Dave continue to mentor each driver, offering their personal services at all times. Being a family-owned company, the Browns incorporate their family values into their work through every DB Kustom Truck. Each design is built to far exceed excellence, providing the type of pride every professional truck driver should have in their ride. With the program’s affordability, drivers are able to purchase their dream truck while pursuing their ownership goals.

Robert did his research on the company and began following them on social media. Occasionally he would comment or ask questions to get more of a feel on things. Later, when the day came, he had no doubt. He saw a picture of the Night Train that DB Kustom Trucks had posted on their Facebook page. Robert knew that was the one. As before, once he was for certain about what he wanted, moving forward was his only option. Robert reached out to DB Kustom Trucks and spoke with Dave Brown, inquiring about their truck, Night Train. The creation was originally Dan’s build, so Dave put the two in contact. After further discussion, Robert mailed his down payment to secure Night Train as his own.

Since becoming an Owner Operator and starting his own business, Celtic Crude February of last year, while still in the oil field. Now he drives exclusively with the tanker company that DB Kustom Trucks is partnered with. He describes his experience with DB Kustom Trucks as great and more than he expected. “They all go far beyond what’s needed to help out. Plus, when I get to visit the facility, they make it inviting. They’ll treat me to lunch or whatever and it’s not like business with them. I get to catch up with friends. Wanting to drive my own custom designed truck initially led me here, but I also took into consideration the work time involved with this outfit. My family is very acceptant of that, as any driver’s family should be. It’s extremely important to have that support at home before committing long-term to a profession, such as trucking. I personally enjoy it! It’s what I do.”

Closing in on a million safe miles, Robert runs wherever he is needed. And proud to do so. He says, “Driving over the road is a beast of its own. As long as I’m moving and making money to provide for my family, then I’m good.” Typically, he stays out a month at a time, spending three to four days at home. This summer he plans on relocating his family from Colorado to Texas to be closer to his terminal located in Fort Worth. In doing so, he will get more home-time with his wife, Amber and their two teenagers.

While away on the road, Robert enjoys the country scenic views. And at home he tries to spend as much quality time with Amber and his family as he possibly can. Amber describes her husband as being a dependable man, hardworking and addicted to trucking. She says, “Some people relax and go play golf or something to unwind. His thing is work.” Because of his passion for work, he has mastered the trade of trucking and is able to accommodate a comfortable lifestyle for his loved ones. It doesn’t get much better than that.

“Robert, I truly appreciate everything that you do for us. I love the fact that you sacrifice being at home, so you can provide a good life for us. Thank you!”

-Amber

Robert's life story is dynamic, with years of growth and progress. Each period in his life has proven to be rewarding. His testimony speaks volumes, even to those not in need of guidance, but instead serves as a simple reminder: the sole purpose of a book's cover is to be different than any other, for every story is its own. Keep writing your version and don't stay on the same page too long. Understand, develop, thrive, then encourage and empower… and repeat.

BRAGGING RIGHTS

Night Train

2000 Peterbilt 379

Tuxedo Black with Silver stripes

63 IN Standup Sleeper with black & silver custom designed leather seats

Caterpillar Engine 625 HP 18-speed transmission

32 Inch TV

Premium Kenwood Sound System with 12 IN subwoofers & amplifier

Single turbo & 3.55 rears