SIDE BY SIDE - Holly & Mark O'Donnell

SIDE BY SIDE

Legend Nominees: Holly & Mark O’Donnell

When this husband and wife team find themselves wanting a quick getaway to decompress, all they need to do is park their 2018 Peterbilt 579 at a campground or near a beach, and voila! Of course, there will need to be plenty of parking space available, being they’re traveling in a 120 IN. custom-built sleeper – it’s basically a house on wheels; complete with a shower, bathroom facilities, a kitchen, and dining area. They can set up a vacation spot on the fly, escape from the world and pick back up after a few days, without skipping a beat.

The advantages of living on the road full-time with your spouse is a lifestyle that both partners have to appreciate in order to enjoy the full experience. Sure, some people could argue on behalf of marital sabotage, and lean on the inconveniences of such a confined space with little time apart. Again, trucking is a way of life that many cannot identify with, but those that can are the individuals that have truly mastered the beauty of their profession. Especially, couples!

There is so much to see and explore in each state, what better way to do that than with your better half, while also getting paid as a driver to transport goods for families and businesses across our great country. In this case, these two Legend drivers haul military freight throughout all 48 states, from one military base to the next.

“It is our way of contributing. We supply the military with their means necessary to protect us and help keep our flag flying high, as it should be. I am proud of what we do as professional truck drivers. This is us, serving our country in a different form. But like our military forces, when it all comes down to it – we do this job because we know that it’s for our people. Whether everyone acknowledges it or not, truck drivers are a part of the network that keeps our great nation going strong.”

-Mark O’Donnell

Holly and Mark O’Donnell come from similar backgrounds, they balance their relationship on the recognition of respect and admiration shared toward one another. Both understand the challenges they have overcome on their journey to finding each other. Married in 2016, with a year of running team already under their belt, together they have a combined total of 6-million lifetime miles and 41 years of driving experience. The couple shares with us some pointers that have helped direct their professional careers, how they hope to make an impact within the trucking industry, and what they have learned most about themselves since jumping behind the wheel of a semi.

Making A Way

Born and raised in Maine, Mark is a second-generation trucker, following behind his father. Serving in the Navy before Mark was born, he had made his way into the trucking realm after serving in the military, running regional work. Mark’s mother worked at the school in the lunch department, helping provide for their full house of four children, Mark being the youngest.

Mark’s first job was in his early teens, working outside as a tree man; clearing paths for logging roads. In high school, Mark took up auto body classes and discovered his niche. He continued honing in on his skills for three years, with the hands-on training through their trade program at a vocational school. During that time, he had befriended a local mechanic that did specialty work on semi-trucks. The gentleman took Mark under his wing, introducing him to minor tasks, such as sandblasting. Mark, a sponge for information advanced quickly, and soon progressed to full restorations.

He combined his knowledge from trade classes with the skills acquired from his mentor and became quite mechanically inclined at an early age. He remained his apprentice for four years, until the untimely death of his father. Mark had lost his mother at age 11, now him seven years later; he moved in with his aunt and uncle.

At 20, Mark made his way out to the Midwest with a family friend. He found work at a factory, working his way up to a supervisor position. After five years, he was ready for a career change, aware that something was missing. His friend was a truck driver and encouraged him to consider the profession. After all, the pay was good, and he had a great deal of experience with mechanics. Mark obtained his CDL at age 25 and the rest is history.

“To even think that driving a truck for a living was something I had never considered doing (knowing how much I love it now), is crazy. I can’t see myself doing anything else! This is what I was missing… just being out here on the road and experiencing everything around me is how life is supposed to be lived.”

DESTINED FOR MORE

Adopted at age 3, Holly grew up in Ohio as an only child. Her father, like Mark’s served in the military – he is a retired Army Platoon Sergeant. Her parents recently celebrated their 72nd anniversary. She explains how they both played a very pivotal role in her life, and the lives of her three sons. Though her journey thus far was clearly a bumpy one, she states that her love for her family remains unconditional and often unspoken, but with good intentions.

When speaking with Holly, she provides a glimpse into her upbringing, explaining in detail the ups and downs of a former life that ultimately helped bring into existence the strength she needed to find her own footing. The survivor we have come to know and love, Mark’s best friend and business partner, seizes each day as a new opportunity for another step toward becoming a better version of herself. Her story inspires faith in humanity, speaks on the importance of encouragement, and gives purpose for those in need of hope.

In years past, Holly has struggled with addiction to alcohol and prescription drugs. The battles she endured from within cost her greatly; causing strife among her loved ones and enough personal anguish to suffer a lifetime. As I listen to Holly admit to her flaws and hold herself accountable for her actions, my heart aches for her... for the woman she is today: clean, sober, and worthy of love – most importantly, forgiveness.

She entered the trucking scene as a passenger, simply along for the ride. Over time she learned the ropes of the business and found her own way on the road; she obtained her CDL in 1999 and began driving solo. By the time Mark and Holly’s trucking careers crossed paths, she was a driver trainer at a company where the two decided to run team, he was her last student driver. She reflects on years of recovery treatment programs, and tears she has shed, knowing that she is stronger today because of those struggles. Trucking for Holly is a life of freedom – a safe space offering independence without judgement and unlimited access for success.

UNITED AS ONE

Holly and Mark established, Starlite Trucking in 2018. As owner operators with experience pulling flatbed, dry van, refrigerated, and conestoga trailers, they currently transport arms, ammunition and explosives (AAE) for the elite division: Bennett Heavy & Specialty, LLC. Transitioning from company drivers to business owners, Mark recommends gaining as much experience in the trucking industry beforehand. The obstacles of operating one’s own trucking operation can easily become overwhelming, uncovering many challenges some drivers may not expect when switching roles. Mark explains,

“My biggest obstacle was having to adjust to it all. Meaning, as owner operators every decision and every issue falls on you, even down to the maintenance costs. My advice to drivers considering taking the leap, start off running solo for a few years, try teaming if you want. The more experience you have under your belt, the better. But prepare to run hard, because that is what it’s going to take – hard work and dedication.”

He adds, inquiry by word of mouth is just as vital as research on the web. Ask other owner operators how they went about starting their business. Each driver’s story could vary, but the extensive hours spent behind the wheel could shed more light on the subject. Becoming an owner operator requires putting in the groundwork accompanied with perseverance, only then will a driver be rewarded with success. Holly states that launching Starlite Trucking came with a sense of achievement. Their trucking operation was not given to them, it was earned. It was not created overnight; many years, miles and prayer went into establishing their business.

Being involved within the trucking community helps Holly and Mark stay connected with drivers, build friendships, and participate with trucking related activities. Holly has been a member of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) since 2013, Mark joined in 2017. Through the organization, the couple unites with thousands of professional drivers from all over the world, remaining aware and up to date of matters directly concerning the trucking industry.

They also encourage others to make donations or volunteer to help with the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund; a charity dedicated to assisting truck drivers and their families during times of financial struggle. Due to the lifestyle truck drivers lead, many face health problems, such as obesity and diabetes, but lack the finances to afford health insurance or receive treatment.

“The St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund is a great organization to get behind, because they support drivers like us, who are out here day in and day out trying to provide for others. We know firsthand that when our wheels aren’t turning, there is no money coming in, but that doesn’t stop the bills from piling up. Truck drivers can’t afford to be sick or unhealthy, but it happens. And charities like this one allow us the opportunity to band together and help our brothers and sisters of the road.”

-Holly O’Donnell

MORE THAN ENOUGH

While on the road, the O’Donnell’s travel with their two fur-babies, 3-year old Nugget and 1-year old Miska – both are Pomeranians and professional puppy-tourists, never leaving the couples’ side. As for what the two have learned about themselves looking back on their careers, one says,

“Never give up, stop beating yourself up, and keep pushing forward no matter what you’re battling. Before you know it, everything will fall into place.”

The other states,

“I have learned that it’s not a race out here. Drive safe, be courteous and respectful of one another, that’s what truly matters. Your career as a truck driver is what you make it, why not make it great? In our line of work, anything is possible.”

When you combine two driven individuals, great things are sure to happen. Holly and Mark are clear examples of how rewarding this line of business can be.