The Oakley Podcast

This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett sits down with David and Nathan Dunn and lead mechanic Travis Davis from Central Arkansas Truck & Trailer to talk about their partnership with Oakley, how new technology (including AI and the Full Bay customer portal) is changing truck repair, and the realities of running a small diesel shop in a dealership-driven world. They dig into common, preventable breakdowns like neglected air and cabin filters, dirty cooling systems, and inadequate oil change intervals, and explain practical checks drivers can do themselves, such as the “rag test,” draining air tanks, and inspecting for leaks and bearing issues. The conversation also covers realistic oil change intervals for hard-running Oakley equipment, DEF/DPF system maintenance and warning signs, the dangers of “dirty deletes,” and why using genuine diagnostic software matters. Listeners come away with concrete maintenance tips, what tools and supplies every first-time owner-operator should carry, and how using Central Arkansas Truck & Trailer’s new online portal can reduce downtime, improve communication, and build a trusted long-term relationship with a shop that understands their business.

Key topics in today’s conversation include:

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.

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Shannon Newton (Arkansas Trucking Association) and Mark Colson (Alabama Trucking Association) to unpack the federal and state crackdown on illegal CDL “mills,” non-domiciled CDLs, and English language proficiency enforcement. They explain how federal standards and state enforcement interact, why self-certified CDL training providers are being removed from the system, and how chameleon carriers abuse multiple DOT numbers to dodge safety rules and accountability. The conversation covers the Trucking Resurgence reform plan, the Safer Transport Act, rising enforcement against bad actors, and new state laws in Arkansas and Alabama. Key takeaways: the industry is aggressively moving to protect CDL integrity, remove unsafe carriers, support law enforcement with better tools, and elevate professional drivers and reputable carriers who do things the right way. Don’t miss this important episode! 

Key topics in today’s conversation include:

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.

Key topics in today’s conversation include:

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.

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Oakley owner/operator John Burgess about his remarkable journey through trucking, health crises, and entrepreneurship. John talks about getting into trucking at 18, the ups and downs of being an owner-operator (including expensive breakdowns and a tornado-damaged home), and how a series of life-threatening health scares including blood clots, uncontrolled diabetes, and severe illness, forced him to completely reevaluate his lifestyle. John explains how switching to a carnivore/proper human diet, closely monitoring his blood work, and finding better medical guidance helped him lose about 100 pounds, reverse serious issues, and feel healthier at 62 than in his 40s. He also describes building Lizzy B’s Barbecue Rubs & Seasonings, a low- or no-sugar, keto/diabetic-friendly seasoning line inspired by his love of barbecue. Key takeaways: trucking can be financially and emotionally brutal without savings and support; health cannot be outsourced to doctors alone; diet and disciplined self-care can radically change outcomes; and even after near-death moments, it’s possible to rebuild your body, business, and marriage. 

Key topics in today’s conversation include:

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.

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett talks with Oakley Owner/Operator Bobby Prickett about his journey from small-town Arkansas to a successful career in trucking and owning his own truck. They cover his start in the industry, being in Canada on 9/11, why he left and later returned to Oakley, and what he enjoys about end dump work, fishing, and family life. Key takeaways include the importance of watching fuel discounts, securing and maintaining equipment, and treating ownership as three jobs in one: driving, maintenance, and bookkeeping, showing that trucking can be a strong career for those willing to work hard and manage their business. 

Key topics in today’s conversation include:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.