SEIZE THE DAY - Chris Cain

SEIZE THE DAY

Legend Nominee: Chris Cain

The powerful impact that positive role models present, have the potential to set in motion certain skillsets to last a lifetime. This Legend nominee shares with us his journey from running over the road as a professional truck driver, to becoming an independent contractor. An accomplished athlete and former high school wrestling coach, he discusses how he merged both worlds – sports training and the trucking industry – to create, build upon, and grow a successful career as a business owner in transportation.

Through each chapter in his life, the common denominator nudging him in the right direction are a handful of influential leaders: coaches, grandparents, his mother and father – all significant and important in their own way. Each individual served as a source of inspiration, offering optimism and confidence in oneself; proven indicators of success. Subject to such leadership, he has embodied the encouragement needed to pursue his passion as an athlete and attain goals as an entrepreneur while seeking to raise his ambition fearlessly, unafraid of taking risks nor facing failure.

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This is the life story of Chris Cain, longtime resident of Akron, Ohio and sole owner of Cain Transportation LLC. Described as fun-loving and carefree, he is extremely goal-oriented and eager to continue learning. What began as a business venture with his father, Mel Cain, the two established Cain Transportation LLC in 2007 with 2 cargo vans, then transitioned to straight trucks hauling refrigerated goods.

Having been with FedEx Custom Critical for 20 years, 8 of which Chris ran long-haul, the opportunity to lean on his years of experience expediting provides a resourceful aspect that he implements when assisting his drivers as a fleet owner. This past July, Chris was presented with the 2019 Annual Elite Fleet Award for his outstanding safety and service record. Cain Transportation LLC currently runs 6 straight trucks with 2 more in production, and 6 additional are in negotiations.

From childhood on into college Chris excelled in sports, becoming an Ohio high school state wrestling champion and member of the Ohio State University varsity wrestling team. His athletic program for many years, fostered a culture of self-reliance and accountability, coupled with teamwork. Since leaving behind his coaching background in 1998 to commit full-time to driving professionally, he credits much of his success moving forward to his mentors. Chris developed resilience through supportive relationships, while gaining knowledge, and understanding the importance of personal achievement. That same emphasis to thrive allowed him the space to envision a career as a business owner.

Chris applies the same rule of thumb he practiced as an athlete and coach toward his business endeavors. Stating,

“From my sports background, we were taught social and leadership skills. Putting in a strong, disciplined work ethic was a must. And I’d say, working closely with others on my team back then has helped the most with the concept of how I wish to operate my business today. In both fields you have to push through challenges, solve problems – not create or add stress to an already tense situation – and learn to communicate with your teammates. So, I run my business comparable to a sports team… we are all in this together and are only as good as each other. They all know that they can count on me, and vice versa. We stick together because we share the same goal. We succeed as one.”

FINDING PURPOSE

An Akron-native, Chris’s family is well-known within and around their community. Both of his parents were self-employed business owners. His mother managed a dance studio, while his father ran a small trucking company. Mel was a collegiate athlete and youth coach, his entire family carried forth his love of sports. A strong interest in athletics wasn’t the only passion Chris shared with his father.

18-wheelers opened Chris’s eyes to a world he hoped to live among for years to come. He explains, “I remember as a young boy in class, for career day I wrote down my dream job – what I wanted to be when I grew up… a truck driver. Even as a little boy, I was able to recognize the life we had as a family because of the hard work my parents put in to provide for us. The way my dad carried himself as a business owner and how he ran his company… I wanted that.”

When the Cain’s were able to step away from work, they enjoyed RV camping and life on the water. By age 7, Chris was competing in water skiing tournaments. Following after his grandmother, a National Water Ski Champion, Chris was a natural. The family traveled near and far, participating in competitions, but often just letting loose and appreciating their quality time together.

Chris’s competitive edge crossed over to a more physical realm, evolving into football and wrestling. His father, an Army veteran, expressed the value of unity and persistence throughout his years of coaching. Chris fused together his earlier teachings from his father with the training of his high school mentor, Coach France. Also a military veteran, Coach France still holds the unprecedented record for the most wins in the state of Ohio’s high school football history. Having these two disciplinaries expanded Chris’s abilities further than the mindset of an athlete.

“The experience I took away from both of them helped shape my character as a young boy, my outlook as a man, and my overall attitude as a person. Coach France was the first person in my life that was really forthcoming about his faith, for that I respected and admired. I can only hope to carry on the principles they both instilled in me.”

At age 19, Chris obtained his chauffeur license and drove trucks for a local soda company during summer breaks from college. He went on to coach wrestling for 6 years at his alma mater, and another 3 years at a high school located across from the FedEx headquarters. Off and on, between coaching full-time, he juggled driving trucks and working as a contractor. He ran his remodeling company for 10 years before walking away from both, construction work and coaching. His opportunity to fulfill this personal promise dating back to career day as a schoolboy had arrived… he was ready to take a leap of faith.

THE TIES THAT BIND

22 years ago, while handling maintenance work under his truck Mel’s sleeve had become lodged, entangling his right arm; he remained trapped for over an hour. He spent the following 12 hours in surgery. Wanting to give his father a sense of direction after suffering such a setback, Chris moved in with Mel and the two put a plan in motion.

A mutual friend worked at Roberts Express; an expedited shipping provider – in 2000, Roberts Express became FedEx Custom Critical. Both hired on running over-the-road in 1998 as solo drivers. During his time learning the ins and outs of the business, Chris states that his father’s well-respected notoriety among the trucking community grew evident (for great reason). Adding, “From the very beginning, I learned that you never turn down a load. My father took everything the company offered him. A lot of drivers are picky, but he wasn’t. He was a trooper! Which explains why he was awarded the Four Star Award for excellent service by FedEx Custom Critical, in 2001. He was always considerate regarding dispatch and anyone he crossed paths with, whether for work or in passing. He was admired by many and will be forever missed.” Mel passed away at the age of 80, in November of 2016.

Before launching Cain Transportation LLC, Chris was able to further his driving abilities while gathering a bigger insight from his father based on actual experience. During the 9 years of running Cain Transportation LLC together, Chris wanted to establish their trucking business and develop a growth strategy within the industry. Each year, he continues to produce, advance, and become larger – in office and on the road. This year he has added two staff members to the personnel, both long-time friends.

Angie Lawson will assist with office work and dispatch, while Jeff Gainer will work as Chris’s fleet manager. A Clinton, Ohio resident, July of last year Angie was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. With 5 surgeries complete, she still has 2 more in the near future. Her family has set up a page for donations to help subside her medical costs: gofundme/gkf8z-angie039s-medical-expenses.

Jeff’s experience as a terminal manager will benefit their drivers with the support and service needed, in addition to helping Chris expand the fleet. When seeking drivers to join Cain Transportation LLC, Chris invests in men and women who conduct themselves with similar principles in which he represents: professionalism, ambition, and independence. He is currently seeking teams to fill the seats of his trucks that are soon to be released from production. If interested, please contact Chris directly at [email protected].

Chris states that he chooses not to micromanage his drivers but adds that they are a close family-oriented group. Each team has their own traits, he tries to learn them and cater to what they favor. Meaning, that when they’re not driving, he wants to help free up their time for more rest. In doing so, he will find loads on the load board for specific teams… some enjoy traveling from coast to coast, some prefer to remain east of the Mississippi, and others like driving up to Canada. Or some like to handle their own loads, but however Chris can benefit them helps the company as a whole.

Just as his parents before him, when Chris needs to destress, he carves out some time to relax on the water. Water sports of any kind always does the trick at the nearest lake or a beach off the coast of Florida. During the winter months, he travels south and works from his RV. Chris’s personal life outside of work mirrors his effort that he has poured into his company.

“I try to make every day count. At the end of my journey, I don’t want to have anything left in my tank. It was a huge move to get into this business, and we were very fortunate to have the support of the great people at Roberts Express and FedEx Custom Critical. But I also will never forget where I came from, how I was raised, and the many people that have helped me get to where I am today.”

MEET THE TEAMS OF CAIN TRANSPORTATION LLC

Phil & Bowe: 2019 Volvo

Phil Pettey is a U.S. Marine, former American football player for the Washington Redskins with coaching positions at numerous colleges, New Orleans Saints, and New York Jets.

“Bowe” (Bungon) Tunsu is fluent in 8 languages with a background in hotel management; previously, a five-star resort located in Bangkok.

Joe & Nancy: 2019 Volvo

Together, Joe and Nancy McBride owned an Irish pub for 15 years in the Buffalo, New York area. They have been with Cain Transportation LLC for 6 years.

Tony & Belinda: 2015 Freightliner Cascadia

Before transitioning into the trucking industry, Belinda Flores worked in the dental field for 20 years. Tony Coronado was a firefighter and paramedic in the DC area. He was also a first responder during 9/11.