GOLDEN FORMULA - Eugene Motoc

GOLDEN FORMULA

Legend Nominee: Eugene Motoc

I’m sure we can all think of many examples as to why and how a positive attitude can affect a person’s day. Maintaining an upbeat outlook when the calm turns chaotic is the true test of restraint. Patience and a keen understanding for the importance of one’s own mindset lay at the fold; positive thoughts become actions that enable the direction in which waves unravel.

The outcome of great expectations will always present a silver lining. Negativity will produce exactly that: a constant circle of uncertainty; an unending current of stress resulting in exhaustion.

So you see, remaining positive is great for peace of mind, health, productivity in your work environment, socially, and an overall happier outlook on life. This Legend driver has led a life according to the Golden Rule, ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’ Choosing to live vivaciously with a positive attitude, he is admired by many. His enthusiasm for life is refreshing, as is his passion as a professional truck driver.

Longtime Michigan resident, Eugene Motoc joined the driving fleet of Rush Trucking in January 2002. Headquartered in Wayne, Michigan, the personnel at Rush Trucking are known to Eugene as his second family, having dedicated his entire driving career to the company. Over the course of 17 years, Eugene has accumulated over 3.5 million lifetime miles, the first 5 years as a company driver, becoming an owner operator in 2007.

He is the first of his family to drive a truck for a living, much of his ability behind the wheel is self-taught. Those outside of the truckers’ realm would assume the role of a professional truck driver is much simpler than meets the eye. Eyes on the road, hands on a wheel, truckin’ from one location to the next. It all sounds easy enough, but the nature of the beast is not the basic fundamentals of an average driver – it’s the interpretation of what’s to be said of the individuals operating these massive sized trucks.

Combining a tractor with an unloaded semi-trailer varies up to 35,000 lbs. with the additional weight of a single load (per trip) of 40,000+ lbs. – specific training is required of each truck driver to ensure safety measures are performed while in transit, and also before or after a delivery is complete. Again, the duties of a truck driver are no easy feat.

Factor in the increased length of a sleeper, or the dynamics of a load, such as liquid goods or gases. Keep in mind that weather conditions also present its share of complications, e.g., snow, ice, or heavy rainfall. Should a weather advisory occur while driving a semi-truck atop a course of mountains, a truck driver must continue with his job to best of his ability, and as safe as possible.

Eugene explains that first-hand experience allows drivers the knowledge of real-life exposure and on-the-job expectancies. Gaining this type of wisdom has ultimately helped him overcome challenges that he has faced throughout his driving career. Adding, repetition in his driving methods has been another great learning tool. Whether backing up or maneuvering through traffic, a continuous effort to perform well can greatly improve one’s driving ability in the long run.

As a solo driver, Eugene gives credit to his team at Rush Trucking and the many truck drivers that he has met along the way for the positive impact they have all made on his career from day one. Stating,

“When I started with Rush Trucking, everybody was extremely helpful. Transitioning into a new career field, I wanted to learn and succeed, and every person that was put in my path helped me achieve that. Here at Rush Trucking, they want you to succeed.”

FINDING THE ROAD

Driving a truck for a living was never on his radar. Running long-haul for 15 years allowed Eugene the opportunity to explore our country and discover a new world of scenery. Born and raised in Romania, Eugene came to America a former soccer star with a background in mechanics that worked part-time as a DJ. Eager to build a future in the land of opportunity, finding his niche in the trucking industry was unplanned and served a bit of hesitancy for he and his wife, Diana.

In 1991, teenagers, Eugene and Diana met at a school party. The pair hit it off and later married in 1997. While a student in high school, Eugene excelled in trade classes, taking a strong interest in mechanics. After graduating, he served one year in the Romanian Armed Forces, specializing in radio communications. Next, he landed a full-time position as an industrial mechanic for a military company. He remained with the company over 8 years. His skillset as a quick learner wasn’t his only attribute the company favored. His athleticism as a soccer player in school earned him a 5-year spot on the company’s soccer team – serving as an instrumental player in winning them a championship.

Eugene and Diana relocated to the states shortly after tying the knot, settling down in Lansing, Michigan. A friend of Eugene’s worked at a local golf club where he was hired on as a cook. He recalls cooking as a young boy with his mother, the opportunity fell right into his wheelhouse. “I’ve always enjoyed cooking, still do. My family loves when I cook for them. And the chef at the golf club helped me out a lot. I liked it there,” Eugene said.

He also had friends that drove trucks for a transportation and logistics company known for their driver-friendly atmosphere and family-oriented work ethics, Rush Trucking. Eugene admits that he and Diana were nervous about starting over in a new city with new jobs, but he never wavered from his faith that everything would work out. Stating,

“When we made the decision to leave Romania, I had to trust that it was for the better. I was thinking about our future and building a good life with my wife. I have always been mechanically inclined, but I had never driven a truck… I also knew this was another opportunity for me to do something great, so I went for it. At first, I was like, uh oh! What have I got myself into? But I’m a positive guy, that’s just how I have been all my life, so I knew everything would get better. Now here I am, 17 years later and still loving what I do.”

THEN & NOW

Eugene started out driving for an owner operator leased on to Rush Trucking, in 2002. Gaining experience running over-the-road pulling dry van, he made the transition 5 years later – purchased a 2001 Kenworth T2000, and went into business for himself. He had no need to search for another trucking company once he became an owner operator, stating that regardless – if he drove as a company driver or independently – he had zero interest in working with a different company.

Teamwork and unity, safety and dependability, diversity and creating lasting relationships are the values that Rush Trucking represent. Eugene prides himself as the image of a company that demonstrates such standards. He says, “I’m an honest man with a loyal heart. If my company needs anything done, they know to just give me a call. I respect people… I believe when you give respect, you earn it in return. And I give that respect and loyalty back to my company. It’s important in this business to be honest – trust is everything.”

After spending the majority of his career traveling from state to state two years ago, he switched to running local, still transporting auto parts within a 90-mile radius. A typical workday in Eugene’s shoes begins with a routine workout at 3 AM, arriving at the yard shortly after 4, to leave out by 4:30. Home-time depends on the quantity of deliveries on his schedule, varying between 2 to 4 runs – he can arrive home by 3 in the afternoon, or well into the evening. Regardless the number of shipments, he appreciates being able to return home to his family every night.

Raised in a big city back home in Romania, driving through the Chicago area feels familiar to Eugene, not intimidating. He enjoys meeting people and visiting new places. However, he prefers the southern states for their hospitality and tempo. Saying, “People down south seem less in a rush than other places. Plus, their friendliness and generosity reminds me of home too.” Eugene, Diana, and their 16-year old son, Darius return to Romania to visit with friends and family every 2 years.

WORTH THE RUN

As for Eugene’s most memorable part of his career, he says was receiving one specific phone call at 4 o’clock in the morning. He was 200 miles away from home, and his wife was going into labor with their son. He made a beeline to the hospital, arriving 4 hours later to welcome the greatest gift life has given him. Darius is now a sophomore in high school and an aspiring engineer. He took his first venture out in the truck with his father by age 9.

Eugene and his son share a connection in their interest with cars, as well. As young as 5, Darius was learning his way around a workshop and the many types of mechanical tools. They work on cars together, and even share the same passion for soccer. Eugene was Darius’ middle school soccer coach for 3 years, helping lead them to consecutive championship victories each season.

Both Darius and Diane understand the reality of his profession, which entail long days, many have been spent away from home. But they support and respect the sacrifice he has made to help provide a good lifestyle for all of them. It all goes back to his golden formula: combine a positive attitude with a grateful mind – only goodness can wash away the stress life can throw at us. On days less kind, he says what helps him get by is the turn of a dial on his radio and he’s instantly taken back to his earlier days of spinning tunes and having fun…

“…and smile! I listen to music or talk to people. But mostly, I smile. It helps me every time.”

As a business owner content with one truck, the ideal plan later in the future is to operate with 2 or 3 more. As for now, Eugene encourages drivers in search of a good trucking company, to pick up the phone and call, or drop by one of their 18 locations across the U.S. and speak with a member of the Rush Trucking team.