The Oakley Podcast

Oakley Trucking
  • 4.9 (70)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Oakley Podcast is a trucking industry podcast that educates and empowers owner-operators by providing relevant industry, market, and company news in a digestible audio format.

  1. 2D AGO

    280: He Should’ve Died in the Crash, But God Had Other Plans

    This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett talks with Oakley Owner-Operator Craig Taylor about his journey from a long, successful career in wealth management to trucking and becoming a first-time owner-operator. Craig shares his past as a high-functioning alcoholic, a devastating 2019 single-vehicle accident that nearly killed him, the long recovery that followed, and the wake-up call of alcoholic pancreatitis that led him to quit drinking cold turkey. He explains how faith, second chances, and personal responsibility shaped his return to trucking, his move to Oakley, and his approach to running his truck like a business, covering fuel strategy, costs, and what it really takes to succeed as an owner-operator. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this episode!  Key topics in today’s conversation include: Welcome to Today’s Episode (0:51)Safety Reminder About DOT Physicals and MVR (2:45)Meeting Craig Taylor and His Oakley Connection (5:57)Craig’s Background, Family, Growing Up In Missouri (7:59)Why Craig Left a Successful Financial Career (11:21)Discovering Trucking and Getting His CDL (17:55)2019 Car Wreck and Life-Threatening Injuries (18:35)Alcoholism, Denial, and Pancreatitis Diagnosis (22:09)Quitting Alcohol Cold Turkey and Liver “Miracle” (24:16)Wrestling With God, Second Chances, and Purpose (29:20)Returning to Trucking and Path to Oakley (31:15)Business Side of Being a First-Time Owner-Operator (37:32)Fuel Strategy, Margins, and Truck Profitability (42:32)Advice For Future Owner Operators and Final Thoughts (44:43)Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    50 min

  2. FEB 11

    279: Clean Showers, Fresh Food, Safe Lots: Inside Road Ranger’s Driver-First Strategy

    This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett talks with Kirk Waidelich, Chief Commercial Officer at Road Ranger, about how the growing travel stop chain is evolving to better serve truck drivers and auto customers. Drawing on Kirk’s 40-year retail background, they discuss Road Ranger’s expansion, particularly in Texas, and the changes driven by driver feedback, including competitive fuel pricing, cleaner showers, better food, reserved parking, and stronger loyalty perks, along with the company’s commitment to community through St. Jude partnerships. Don’t miss this great conversation!  Key topics in today’s conversation include: Welcome to Today’s Episode and Safety Permit Reminder (0:58)  Kirk Joins the Show and Is Introduced (3:23)Kirk’s 40-Year Retail Background and Career Path (6:22)Road Ranger History and Ownership Changes (8:01)Texas Growth Strategy and Key Corridors (10:04)What Drivers Want: Fuel Price, Safety, Cleanliness (11:32)Showers, Hotel-Like Upgrades, and Food Value (14:25)Auto vs. Truck Customers and Loyalty Benefits (18:35)Auto/Truck Mix and Spend Differences (21:47)New Store Buildout and Land in Texas (22:59)Testing Grab-and-Go Deli to Reduce Friction (25:30)Reserved Parking, Paid Spots, and Using Points (27:35)St. Jude Partnership and Giving Back (30:21)Kirk’s Message to Drivers and Call to Use the App (32:23)Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    36 min

  3. FEB 4

    278: Seventy-Five Years Putting the Customer First: What Arrow Truck Sales Does Differently

    This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett welcomes Keith Wilson, Tasha Rinehart, and Joe Vulpone from Arrow Truck Sales to spotlight the successful partnership with Oakley and Arrow. The conversation delves into their 75-year history, the process of sourcing and inspecting quality used trucks, and Arrow’s customer-first approach. Key discussions include the impact of technology in truck sales, the unique advantages of Arrow’s in-house financing through Transport Funding, and the opening of their new Little Rock location. Listeners will learn about the importance of building lasting relationships, post-sale support for drivers, adapting to industry changes for long-term trucking success, and so much more.  Key topics in today’s conversation include: Welcome to Today’s Episode with Arrow Truck Sales (0:42)Stories About Family and Balance for Trucking Professionals (5:18)The History and Philosophy at Arrow, 75 Years in Business (7:53)Insight Into Used Truck Sourcing, Inspections, and Quality Control (10:37)The Process and Challenges of Buying and Selling Used Trucks (13:42)Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Market Fluctuations (15:33)Technology’s Role in Modern Truck Sales and Customer Experience (17:27)Competing in the Digital Age and How Customer Relationships Evolve (19:06)Creating a “Disney World” Customer Experience at Arrow (20:45)Service After the Sale and Standout Examples of Support (23:16)Handling Customer Issues and Going Above and Beyond Post-Sale (26:33)Arrow’s In-house Financing and Benefits for Customers (29:27)The Critical Importance of Correct Truck Paperwork (32:04)The New Little Rock Store: Location, Strategy, and Benefits (35:21)Plans for Service Bays and Light Maintenance at Little Rock (38:19)Future Outlook: Sticking With Core Values While Embracing Change (39:42)Final Thoughts and Takeaways (41:06)Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    44 min

  4. JAN 28

    277: From Zero to CDL: The Road to Becoming a Truck Driver in Today’s Market

    This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett interviews Martin Garsee about the realities of truck driver training, the mission of the National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools (NAPFTDS), and the evolving landscape of industry regulations. The discussion covers training program structures, student recruitment, job placement, lifestyle challenges for drivers, the importance of professionalism and customer service, and adapting to new rules like English proficiency and automatic transmissions. Key takeaways include the value of networking in education, the need for realistic career expectations, the critical role of thorough, ongoing training for both new and experienced truck drivers, and so much more.  Key topics in today’s conversation include: Welcome to Today’s Episode and Thank You to Sponsors (0:58)  Martin Shares His Background and Experience (4:46)  Discussing the National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools (9:17)  Explaining Recruitment and Student Advertising Approaches 14:13)  Truck Driver Training Program Structure and Classroom Details (17:08)  Challenges of Over-the-Road Versus Local Trucking Work (19:21)  Turnover and Misconceptions in the Trucking Industry (21:02)  New Government Regulations and English Language Rules (25:21)  The Impact of Regulations on Training and Industry Operations (29:55)  Job Placement, Recruiters, and Company Training Partnerships (31:18)  Realities and Stages of Early Career Truck Drivers (35:06)  Importance of Professionalism and Personal Appearance (37:36)  Customer Service and Working With Clients in Trucking (40:06)  Shift to Automatic Transmissions in Trucking Programs (42:07)  How to Get Involved and Contact Information for Martin and Associations (44:42)Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    49 min

  5. JAN 21

    276: Battling on Two Fronts: Leadership & Family Sacrifice

    This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett interviews Major General Bob Walters, exploring his extraordinary career in the U.S. Army, the challenges of military leadership, and the profound impact on his family. Walters shares captivating stories from deployments around the globe, including operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the notable Abu Ghraib experience. The episode also touches on the parallels between military discipline and the trucking industry, promoting Walters’ new book about leadership in tough times. Key takeaways include the sacrifices made by military families, the value of steadfast leadership under pressure, the strong ties between veterans and the world of trucking, and so much more.  Key topics in today’s conversation include: Introduction to the Oakley Podcast and Guest Major General Walters (0:42)Military Life, Deployments, and Family Sacrifices (3:15)Bob’s Military Journey and Early Family Life (6:50)Experiences in Ranger School and Early Deployments (10:15)Jumping, Injuries, and Lessons Learned at Ranger School (14:55)Command Opportunities and Desert Storm Experience (18:50)Special Operations, Colombia, and Capturing Drug Lords (22:15)Chasing War Criminals in Bosnia and Leadership Challenges (25:45)The Abu Ghraib Prison Assignment and Security Issues (29:59)The Challenges and Investigation at Abu Ghraib (34:40)Returning from Iraq and Sharing Classified Information Stories (39:00)The Impact on Military Families Living Abroad (43:15)Reflections on Leadership, the Book, and Family (47:00)Connections to Trucking, Maintenance, and Family Stories (51:00)Transitioning Veterans to Trucking and Parting Thoughts (54:40)Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    59 min

  6. JAN 14

    275: Tariffs, Tech & Tough Markets: How Oakley Thrived in 2025

    This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by ops managers Nick Dulaney and Jason Webb to review Oakley Trucking’s milestones and challenges in 2025 and look ahead to 2026. Topics include overcoming a tough freight market, the impact of tariffs, equipment and trailer updates, and maintaining high safety and service standards. The discussion highlights proactive strategies for customer retention, operational improvements using data and AI, fostering company culture, annual bonuses, and the significance of the new St. Louis terminal. Key takeaways are Oakley’s commitment to its drivers, adaptability in changing markets, positive outlooks for growth and efficiency in 2026, and so much more.  Key topics in today’s conversation include: Welcome to New Episodes for 2026 (0:52)Studio Updates and Appreciation for Team and Sponsors (2:16)Reflecting on 2025 Freight Market Challenges and Customer Relations (6:16)Proactive Freight Strategies and New Customer Opportunities (8:33)Impact of Tariffs on the Scrap Industry and Operations (10:26)Safety Initiatives and Driver Performance Improvements (13:47)Trailer Turnover Costs and Lessons Learned (16:57)Operational Efficiency, Data Reporting, and Role of Technology (21:09)Company Culture, Camaraderie, and Remembering Drivers (23:50)Annual Bonuses, Equipment, and Trailer Purchases and Sales (25:21)Podcast Success, Guest Highlights, and Retirements (28:37)Looking Ahead: Expanding Operations and the New St. Louis Terminal (32:05)Recruiting, Retention, and Maintaining High Standards (35:19)The Role of English Proficiency in Industry Changes (39:18)Owning Service and Company Reputation in 2026 (40:13)Holiday Stories and Family Reflections (42:02)Parting Thoughts and Optimism for 2026 (43:28)Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    47 min

  7. JAN 7 · BONUS

    The Oakley Podcast: From the Archives - Wheels of Wisdom: A Father, Son, and a Love for Trucking

    We're taking a look back at some of our favorite episodes of 2025. This week on the Oakley Podcast, Megan Cummings and Dustin Eagle bring you another great episode as they welcome Fred & Jerome Levy. Fred is an Owner/Operator here at Oakley, and his son Jerome is already planning his trucking career. Fred, who started driving with Pepsi and transitioned to over-the-road trucking, discusses his career path and joining Oakley Trucking. Jerome, already knowledgeable in the industry, demonstrates an intense interest in trucking, using American Truck Simulator and already planning to start his own company in the future. The episode explores changes in the trucking industry, the importance of family values, understanding of trucking regulations, and truck models. Key takeaways include the evolving nature of trucking, the significance of mentorship even from parent to child, the potential for young, passionate individuals to innovate in the transportation industry, and so much more. Key topics in today’s conversation include: Welcome to the Episode (0:46)Oakley Trucking Recruiting Needs (1:19)Celebrity Encounter Story (4:54)Preview of the Episode & Past Highlights (9:30)Introducing Fred and Jerome Levy (13:31)Fred’s Early Trucking Career (17:35)Jerome’s Introduction to Trucking and Passion for Trucks (20:45)Fred on Family, Purpose, and Jerome’s Passion (24:43)Fred’s Career Path Before Oakley (26:26)Fred’s Experience at Oakley (30:01)Jerome’s Business Aspirations (33:51)Changes in Trucking Over the Years (37:58)Trucking Regulations and Cleanliness (41:13)Jerome’s Training and Future Plans (45:25)Generational Lessons and Family Support (47:41)Final Thoughts and Conclusion (49:12)Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    51 min

  8. 12/31/2025 · BONUS

    The Oakley Podcast: From the Archives - The Guilty by Association Truck Show: Inside the Chrome Shop Mafia World

    We're taking a look back at some of our favorite episodes of 2025. This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett welcomes Bryan “Bossman” Martin, Owner of 4 State Trucks/Chrome Shop Mafia in Joplin, Missouri. During the episode, Bryan shares his journey from a mechanic to a leader in the custom truck industry, detailing the evolution of his business from a small parts store to a renowned custom truck shop. He discusses the impact of the "Trick My Truck" TV show on his business and the growth of his truck show. The episode highlights the sense of community in trucking, Bryan's future plans for 4 State Trucks and Chrome Shop Mafia, and so much more. Key topics in today’s conversation include: Bryan's Background in Trucking (2:05)Evolution of 4 State Trucks (3:23)Impact of "Trick My Truck" (7:08)Reality of Reality TV (8:37)Origin of Chrome Shop Mafia (10:46)Trends in Truck Customization (16:24)Guilty by Association Truck Show Origins (20:26)Entertainment at the Truck Show (24:44)Community and Camaraderie in the Trucking Community (27:16)Future Plans for 4 State Trucks (28:05)Location and Accessibility for 4 State Trucks (30:14)Final Thoughts and Takeaways (32:04)Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    34 min
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4.9
out of 5
70 Ratings

About

The Oakley Podcast is a trucking industry podcast that educates and empowers owner-operators by providing relevant industry, market, and company news in a digestible audio format.

Information

  • Creator
    Oakley Trucking
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    299
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    The Oakley Podcast

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