We recently held a photo contest asking people to show us what drives them to succeed. Whether it’s family, friends or a personal aspiration, we all have something or someone that inspires us to succeed each day.

Our “What drives you?” contest ran for the month of May and asked people to show us what motivates them. Congratulations to our three lucky winners Mariana Storm, Chris Breen and Kevin Lewis!

The winning entries are below.

Mariana Storm

How did you get into trucking?  “I started driving school [over] two years ago when my youngest son graduated high school. My husband has been with CFI since 1996 and has over two million miles. Once I was done with school, I started driving team with him. He taught me discipline and good business practices.

Explain how your picture motivates you: “To help our business we went to a workshop where I listened to Larry Winget talk about his philosophy about money. I took his book and read it. It helped me to understand how to change my way of thinking about money. I never want to be poor or live pay check to pay check again. I am so grateful for CFI for giving us the opportunity to be financially secure. “You’re Broke Because You Want To Be” by Wingett whipped my but to get to working.”

Advice for others: “It is from the book. ‘Do what you say you are going to do, when you say you are going to do it.”

Chris Breen

How did you get into trucking?  “I’ve been in the trucking industry for 13 years and have been around trucks pretty much my whole life. I had a few uncles that drove and then my little brother started driving and enjoyed it. So, I figured I’d go for it. Also, I come from a military family that traveled a lot, I figured it would be a good fit and it has been.”

Explain how your picture motivates you: “My photo is of my wife and me. She travels with me full time and trucking is what brought us together. It has given us a place to grow together and build our relationship. It also is what provides the means for the life we live.”

Advice for others: “Try and learn something new every day and if you can, pass that knowledge to others. Be patient and remember no matter how stupid the question may seem to you, that person is trying to learn something new and needs your help. We were all rookies at one time. Remember every stone you drop creates a ripple. Try and make that stone constructive and not destructive.”

Kevin Lewis

How did you get into trucking?  “I’ve been driving for 17 years now. Prior to driving, I was working at a cotton mill. I would watch the trucks come up to the loading docks and would talk to the drivers while they waited. There was a rumor going around that they were going to close the mill so I started talking to a friend of mine about driving and ended up going to school. ”

Explain how your picture motivates you: “The picture is of my wife. She had been riding with me and then ended up going to school at Crowder and now we run team together. It’s hard being away from home, but having her with me helps a lot. It’s a good support system for both of us.”

Advice for others: “Don’t hesitate to ask for advice. When I first started, I was hesitant to ask for help and it caused some problems. You’ll avoid jams and mistakes if you just ask and not assume.”