SOARING GRACE - Charles Sacks
SOARING GRACE
Legend Nominee: Charles Sacks
Though I had lacked the formal introduction between this Legend driver and myself, our means of communication over the phone granted a compelling translation, allowing me to fully understand his nomination.
After discussing his upbringing – raised during the 1940’s in the city of Denton, Texas – a young African-American boy living under the care of different family members, he landed in an impoverished neighborhood; unsafe and unforgettable. As a child, he knew in his heart that one day he would break free from the cycle of poverty. Envisioning a better life for himself was the only motivation needed, the opportunity to seize his moment was all that awaited.
His contact information was given to me at the Great American Trucking Show, hosted in Dallas back in August. While he shuffled through the foot traffic, taking in the large event consisting of vendors offering today’s latest devices and the many companies within the trucking industry, he crossed paths with a familiar face…
HELLO WORLD
Charles Sacks, 72-year-old owner operator out of Moore, Oklahoma originally got his start in the trucking business back in his home state. 21 and married at the time, he sauntered into a nearby building seeking employment. The trucking company he entered was a family-owned operation that just so happened to be in need of a driver to haul grain and feed out east to Mississippi and back. Inexperienced, but eager to learn, he didn’t hesitate to fill the role.
The owners of the business took Charles under their wing, giving him the big break he had anticipated since childhood. Recognizing the racial barriers Charles faced among his fellow co-workers, the owners advocated their support and encouragement. He leaned on his positive role models that stood proudly in his corner, particularly during instances when intolerance was directly pointed toward him.
“I am at the age now that I should be considering retirement, but I’d rather not and continue driving a truck full-time. At least until I am no longer capable. I’ve been around since segregation was enforced and then outlawed. Our country as a whole has progressed for the better, as far as accepting diversity… I have witnessed within the trucking industry the evolution of inequality find its balance, along with the advancement of our equipment, and changing of every rule under the sun. But knowing now how my life has unfolded, it has made me who I am.”
Charles remained with his first company for 12 years and had not seen the owners until they recently ran into each other at the truck show. The unexpected reunion was welcomed with adoration and a mutual respect, while also causing a flood of memories. Just shy of being born on New Year’s Eve, Charles was raised by his grandfather, Abraham Sacks. Although Charles’ biological father remained absent, his father’s father took him in and raised him as his own. Not many men influenced his life in a positive manner such as Abraham, but the business owners of that trucking company fell right in line, earning them a spot in the same circle as his grandfather.
Charles and Abraham resided in an area known as, Solomon Hill; a black neighborhood racially separated from the white community. Charles, Abraham, along with three more individuals (one who would later become Charles’ wife) lived in the main house with a rental building located behind them, sufficient for three additional families. He recalls playing outside with friends, his personality as lively then as I hear on the other end of the line – extremely outgoing and undisturbed.
Saturdays involved collecting hog feed with his grandfather from different restaurants across town all morning, then spending the remaining of the day tending to the family farm. He enjoyed their quality time together, while also recognizing the importance of one’s responsibilities in order to care for others through his grandfather’s actions. When Charles was 8 years old, Abraham passed away. He then relocated to Dallas to live with his other grandfather, Ben Mason – on his mother’s side of the family. He stayed with Ben for five years, before moving in with an aunt on the opposite end of town. There, Charles lived in public housing plagued by inadequate living standards and drug-related violence. A year later, an uncle intervened and the dark cloud that loomed over Charles began to lift.
Age 15, Charles settled in to a small town called, Turkey; known for its colorful canyons and ancient Indian treasures. Back when it was home to Charles, he recalls ample lands of cotton fields. Finally, out of harm’s way, he discovered a means of channeling all of his stiffened energy: work. He spent most of his free time farming the fields and managing cattle, exploring his own skills and traits with full freedom, unraveling his potential.
A couple of years later, Ruby Sacks and her family (unofficially) adopted Charles. Afterall, the two grew up together, as their families lived under the same roof when Abraham was alive. Ruby’s uncles introduced Charles to the construction field, where he soon developed a knack for the trade. It was then when he realized how he could make a good living and provide for his loved ones. Under their strict work hours, Charles matured into a true workaholic with his nose to the grindstone. Following in suit of the veteran workers, they instilled good moral values and provided an insight to the possibilities for his future, focusing on the importance of a great work ethic. Charles was well on his way, the journey to discovering life had begun.
PAVING A WAY
With several million miles under his belt, Charles never ventured too far from his wheelhouse. Flatbed, dry van, refrigerated, and dump truck were all his forte. The opportunity to travel out of state wasn’t an option until he joined the trucking industry, once his driving career offered over-the-road, it opened an entirely new aspect on life. Each career move in every professional truck driver’s life affects everyone involved in their life as well, most particularly their loved ones at home waiting for their safe return.
In the beginning, being a newlywed with a little one, the lifestyle of living on the road away from his safe place was quite the adjustment. Thankfully, with approval from the company owner (partial towards their friendship), after gaining experience behind the wheel, Ruby and their daughter, Shelly were able to accompany him in the truck. Over the course of time, Charles taught Ruby how to drive a dump truck, before she came off the road when Shelly started elementary school.
Charles admits that running as a company driver granted him access to many learning experiences. Six years in, he decided to make a career move and try his hand as a business owner. The inheritance received from his biological father (whom he reconnected with in his twenties – the two met once before his passing) was used as his down payment on a GMC dump truck 13-speed. He leased on to a local asphalt company out of Denton, running under his own business title: Sacks Trucking.
In a completely new element, unfamiliar and extremely demanding – Charles explains that becoming an owner operator was a major turning point for him, easily noted as one of his greatest accomplishments; even on his most difficult days. Stating,
“Of course, when you are your own boss you get to call the shots, but at the same time you have to hold yourself accountable for literally, everything. You can’t just shut down and call it a day whenever you wish, or not show up for work. You can’t walk away, because it all falls on your own shoulders – you have to carry the weight. Financially, mentally, all of it! For me, I had come so far to earn everything that I had, that I’ve always approached work with a sense of urgency to succeed. It was sink or swim… I didn’t survive everything I have lived through to fail… Not then, and definitely not now.”
The following year, Charles worked on establishing his brand while continuing to learn the ropes. He traded his GMC for an International, remaining with the asphalt company for an additional 8 years. Refusing to become complacent, he made one more trade except this time he went big. After Charles and Ruby’s separation, he put some miles in-between him and the state of Texas, purchased a semi-truck, and switched to running cross-country for a logistics corporation headquartered in Grand Prairie. Charles earned several awards as an owner operator with the company for his outstanding safe driving record.
Having received two vital pieces of advice early on in his career and applying both have proven instrumental in the longevity of his success. One, as the sole owner of your business you must think two steps ahead. He says, “I was told, if you want to succeed as an owner operator, always keep money put back because you will eventually sink a lot of money into your truck. And you will learn quick, if you take care of your equipment properly, it will take care of you. If you don’t, you’ll end up in a hole. So, I’ve always been big on staying financially driven mainly for that reason. But it goes back to my childhood days as a boy living in the area known, as the bog – it was never a life I wanted to be a part of. I kept thinking to myself, as young as I was, there has to be something more to life than where I am. Since then, I’ve done everything I can to better myself, and the trucking industry has given me the opportunity to do so.”
Second, which is just as important as the first rule of thumb: patience. Demonstrating patience as a truck driver is a virtue many battle with daily, but Charles states that patience and safety go hand in hand. Also, patience is said to be the origin of all things positive. Patience allows growth; a space of stillness to grasp an understanding of a situation; humility; perseverance. Patience helped Charles as a kid, bide his time until he found his calling. As a man of color determined to prevail in a world laden of injustice and partiality, patience carried him through some of his most vulnerable moments.
Rounding out our interview, this is one of the last questions I asked Charles, “Looking back over your career as a professional truck driver, think of that 21-year-old man, your former self… What would you say you have learned the most about him?” His response was well thought out, simple, and honest.
“I’d have to say what I’ve learned is to be more patient with myself. That’s not easy, ya know? We can be pretty hard on ourselves at times. I can be the most forgiving person with everyone else, but it takes practice to give myself that same leniency. People should do more of that.”
Charles was running the roads back when it was common to see two or more trucks pulled over on the side of the road helping one another. During his time working at the first trucking company, for lack of work due to his ethnicity, he spent many days in the shop working on trucks. Not knowing he would benefit from that experience years later as an owner operator. He currently owns a 2000 Peterbilt and trailer, residing in Moore, Oklahoma. During his down time he enjoys fishing or hunting and attending church.
Having lived a long-fulfilled life, he is the embodiment of compassion, representing true authenticity and above all, grace. He has spent a lifetime striving to claim his place in this world, refusing to fall victim to life’s circumstances, and achieved every goal he set by believing in himself.