Imagine how far a seemingly simple promise can go. For Chris Clardy, this promise ignited a chain of events that led to a thriving career in trucking, built on determination, mentorship, and transformative training. His story underscores the life-changing potential of truck driver training programs offered by CVTA (Commercial Vehicle Training Association) member schools.
Captivated by a Semi-Truck
For Chris Clardy, the trucking dream began when he was just 12 years old. Visiting the Mt. Comfort Air Show with his family, his attention wasn’t on the soaring planes as one might expect. Instead, he was drawn to one exhibit — a semi-truck that stood as a symbol of strength and connection. The polished machine mesmerized young Chris, sparking an early desire to one day become a part of the trucking world.
It was also at the air show where he first came across C1 Truck Driver Training, the school that would later be instrumental in fulfilling his aspirations. Although the seeds of a dream were planted that day, life had a more complex road in store for him.
A Life-Changing Gesture
Not long after the air show, Chris was dealt a challenging hand. He faced severe medical hardships that put his young life on pause and left him hospitalized. For a child brimming with dreams, such obstacles were daunting.
But during these difficult times, a small but profoundly impactful gesture instilled hope in Chris. Chris Welch, the owner of C1 Truck Driver Training, sent him a heartfelt note. Included in the letter were words of encouragement and a promise that stayed with Chris for years. Welch assured him, saying, “Once you’re well enough, you’ll be treated to a ride in a semi-truck at our school.”
This promise wasn’t just about a truck ride; it symbolized belief in Chris’s potential and gave him a goal to hold on to.
Coming Back to a Dream
Fast forward nearly two decades. Despite life’s twists and turns, Chris never forgot the promise that had meant so much to him. When the time was right, he returned to C1 Truck Driver Training, determined to finally achieve the dream he had nurtured since childhood.
Chris arrived prepared, with his CDL (Commercial Driver License) permit and DOT (Department of Transportation) physical certification already in place. He wasn’t just chasing a dream — he was committed to making it reality.
With laser focus and tireless determination, Chris excelled during his training. He graduated as the top student in his class and passed his CDL test on the first attempt. His hard work earned him his first professional trucking role at PAM Transport, marking the successful completion of his first major milestone. But the story didn’t end there.
From Employee to Business Owner
For many, achieving childhood dreams offers a satisfying conclusion. But for Chris Clardy, it was the beginning of a greater mission. Driven by ambition, he continued to expand his horizons within the trucking industry.
Today, Chris not only drives trucks — he owns a fleet of them. Transitioning from employee to employer, he built a successful business that now provides opportunities for other aspiring drivers. His experience and insights make him a mentor to others, proof that success in trucking goes far beyond hauling freight.
Chris’s story exemplifies the ripple effect of quality education, resilience, and the right support system. Thanks to the foundational training he received at C1 Truck Driver Training and the mentorship that guided him, he is making a lasting impact in the trucking community.
Through programs offered by CVTA’s extensive member network, countless individuals like Chris Clardy are able to turn aspirations into achievements.
Image Source: CVTA
Source: The Trucker
