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.