ONE OF US - Holly Brown

ONE OF US

Legend Nominee: Holly Brown

As a female, we are put on this earth with instincts that only other women can understand. Some of those senses, such as our intuition, or “hunch” can also serve as a safeguard for lady truckers, especially if running solo. Traveling all hours of the day, truck drivers are advised to take precautions in regard to their safety; a woman’s intuition can shine a spotlight brighter than a truck stop’s marquee sign at midnight.

11 years ago, this female Legend driver made the career change from a local business owner to an over-the-road company driver. Small-town Pennsylvania native, Holly Brown was home every night after a day’s work, which she traded for life on the road in the seat of a semi-truck staying out months at a time. A big risk with much ambition and zero regret. She discusses how the career move altered her life, but most importantly how her life’s course traveling across the country nonstop for years led to the discovery of a woman she never knew she needed to meet – herself.

Since taking complete ownership of her much deserved place in this fast-paced universe, the life experiences she had endured beforehand as a mother of five, coupled with her determination moving forward as a newcomer in the trucking industry, the world has been one giant oasis ready to influence and mold her into the proud version of herself that we recognize today. Challenges were expected, though each outcome peeled back another layer, allowing Holly to discover more interests and set new goals.

Pursuing a full-time position as a truck driver is not for everyone; the profession itself requires a driver to be self-sufficient, steadfast, and headstrong with thick skin. Meaning, ingenuity can take you far, but when combined with resilience, one can spin a career driving a truck into a lifestyle full of adventure, complete with purpose and success. And if you’re lucky, as opportunities become available the impossible may transform into the possible.

WELL WORTH THE WAIT

Holly discusses her personal journey as a young girl and avid competitor growing up, participating in sports year-round: swimming, cheerleading, gymnastics and roller skating. She recalls her childhood vividly, describing herself as a fun, loving kid. Holly’s father is responsible for introducing her to cars and trucks, she sought out an interest in vehicles rather than playing with girl toys when given a choice between the two.

“I remember for Christmas, as a kid, I would ask for Tonka trucks instead of barbie dolls. I would see these big, huge trucks on the highway, and I was so fascinated by them! In a way, my dad opened the door for me… my interests started with cars, then heavy equipment… years later, I started driving a bus for the school district, but it still wasn’t enough. I wanted to drive the big trucks. It’s been my dream since I was a kid.”

However, with five young children to raise, a steady job near home was a priority. Holly worked in construction operating dump trucks and trailers for many years. She had an eye for design that led to gardening, then branched out on her own, establishing a local landscaping business. Meanwhile, she continued driving a school bus for four years.

Having gained experience in occupations involving heavy equipment and buses added a level of diversity to her work history. When the opportunity presented itself in 2009 to pursue driving a big rig, she was more than prepared. Following her intuition, when a longtime friend who owned a trucking company in Florida insisted that she accompany his fleet of drivers, Holly knew the opportunity had finally arrived.

By day four of her two-week training class, Holly had passed the driver’s course in a 16-ft box truck with airbrakes. Far exceeding the skillset of a beginner, her days spent in a classroom were short lived. Holly took to the road for her on-the-job training with a driver trainer. Two weeks later with her CDL in pocket, she was out on her first solo trip which consisted of 18 states, covering 1,700 miles within 31 days.

Her desire to see the country and pave her own way stretched out week after week, month after month. Three years had come and gone before she decided to slow down. Having visited every state and run the course of tourist attractions, these days you can catch her in a 2019 Kenworth, her fourth brand new truck since joining the driving force at Load To Ride Transportation in 2016. Based out of Denver, Colorado, Load To Ride Transportation is a leading logistics provider in transportation, offering services throughout the United States and Canada.

WORD TO THE WISE

Growing up, the significant number of men outweighing females within the trucking industry never swayed her aspiration of becoming a driver in charge of the large, beautiful trucks that she so admired. Enamored and absolutely captivated by semi-trucks, attaining her goal was only a matter of time. She briefly discusses her biggest challenge, explaining that it was unexpected, yet a rude awakening that she’s sharing with us because it ultimately forced her to see things differently. From which she states, having to rely on intuition help develop inner strength and self-confidence. Adding,

“When I first started out, my biggest issue was somewhat of a surprise in a way, but also was a wake-up call. Traveling all over this country, weaving in and out of places exposed me to real life; to real everyday people. It opened my eyes… Strangers are exactly that – strangers. These people didn’t know me from Adam but having worked my entire life among the public and with other people, I had always carried myself in a polite manner – very cordial and nice – especially to strangers.

So, when I hit the road, I started to notice that not everyone is cut from the same cloth. People can be rude, and not everyone needs to be trusted. I had taken for granted how trusting I am around other people, as a female truck driver, that is not safe. I get why this isn’t a topic or ‘lesson’ we speak about often, but for women it definitely needs to be addressed before they venture out here all alone. I guess it was a challenge for me, having to retrain myself in being aware and trust my intuition more.”

Holly continues speaking on other matters that may be of concern for truck drivers but tend to lack awareness. For example, choosing healthy food rather than meals of convenience. Due to limited mobility, a regular balance of exercise is not easy to maintain. For Holly, she enjoys cooking in her truck and prepares her own tea by the bulk in advance. It’s the little details that eliminate the possibility of reaching for the unhealthy options.

Also, with her own restroom onboard, time spent searching for truck stops with proper accommodations can be avoided altogether – allowing her to get further along down the road. Though when a truck stop visit is necessary, she recommends not parking in the back and always look between trailers while walking in-between. Being mindful of her surroundings and taking all precautionary measures are Holly’s top two safety rules.

The reality truckers face is that a great deal of their time is spent isolated from the world, which is why most drivers prefer trucking (for this specific job description alone). Holly says that being separated and living independently as a truck driver signified a new beginning for her; a fresh start at life. Before trucking, her entire existence evolved around being a mother. When she took on the responsibilities of a professional truck driver, the flexibility of work hours and distance needed to travel, pointed to an avenue she had never been able to pursue. Once her sons were old enough, she seized the moment. Trucking has provided Holly with a new identity, not that her life was in need of leaving behind, instead she has a restored meaning and inspires other moms in search of their second wind. She discovered that there is so much more of life left to explore.

EARNED IT

Having been to all 48 states and closing in on 3-million lifetime miles, Holly says that her company knows that she is dedicated to her work. “They know that I’m a runner. I rarely go home, I would do this every day if I could,” she said. During her off time, Holly enjoys working in the yard and catching up with family. But as soon as she receives the green light, her truck is back on the road.

These days more and more women are choosing the trucking industry as a means of income. Holly encourages the increase in numbers, speaking directly to female drivers. “This job is very rewarding, it’s empowering! By far the best thing I have ever done for me.” Drivers often refer to Holly as a human atlas; her extensive knowledge of this country’s layout is impressive. But it’s her growth as an individual that to me, is notable.

Enthusiastic, funny and eager, all completely describe Holly. However, since becoming a professional truck driver each essential feature just mentioned played a role in disguising her Achilles heel. Stating,

“Again, at the start of my driving career I was learning so many new things about the business, but most importantly about myself. I had a bad fear of the unknown, dealing with my anxiety was tough. I worried about everything! What to expect when I arrived to deliver a load, where and how to get it there, what the people would be like… I would give anxiety the power to ruin a regular day, it controlled me in a way. Overcoming anxiety has been my biggest accomplishment as a truck driver. Just building my confidence and believing in myself has been life-changing! I honestly don’t believe I would be who I am and where I am today if it weren’t for trucking. Every woman should feel confident, and if it’s not through this line of work, keep looking. It’s important to know your own potential and realizing your value as a person. Nobody can take that away from you, it’s something you’ve earned.”

Holly has a total of 7 grandchildren. Her sons Jason, Stephen, and Bryan are now ages 35, 31, and 24. She also has twin stepdaughters, Jackie and Jen, 36. She gets the best of both worlds: a front seat ticket to view the country and her extended family, whom she adores. She is known within the trucking community as, professional trucker, Holly Brown – humble and quick-witted, with a touch of sass. And to her loved ones, she’s a mother, grandmother, and friend.

Believe in yourself. Believe in your dreams. I got this!!

-Holly Brown