This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett talks with recruiter Dustin Eagle and new (and returning) owner-operators Brandon Childress and John Ostransky about Oakley Trucking’s recruiting and orientation process. They cover how referrals and recruiting cards bring in quality owner-operators, why it took John nearly two years to make the move, and why Brandon left Oakley, regretted it, and ultimately came back. The conversation walks through the four-day orientation, hands-on training with experienced drivers, strict but professional standards, and the importance of honesty, follow-through, and staying in touch with recruits. Key takeaways for listeners are that Oakley focuses on long-term relationships, clear expectations, and doing the hard work up front so that starting and succeeding at Oakley is smoother and more rewarding in the long run.
Key topics in today’s conversation include:
- Welcome to Today’s Episode with Brandon and John (0:42)
- Need for Owner Operators and Recruiting Cards Explained (1:40)
- Introducing Dustin, Brandon, and John Fresh Out of Orientation (4:10)
- Why Brandon First Left Oakley and Why He Regrets It (5:32)
- How John Heard About Oakley Through a Friend (9:15)
- Staying in Contact During a Two-Year Recruiting Process (12:00)
- Overcoming Pride and Returning After Leaving a Company (15:47)
- Comparing Oakley’s Recruiting to Other Trucking Companies (18:10)
- Why Oakley Requires Photos and Detailed Truck Info (20:35)
- Orientation Check-In, Inspection, and First Day Flow (22:29)
- Feeling Welcomed and Supported During Orientation (24:34)
- Is a Four Day Orientation Too Long? Drivers Weigh In (26:52)
- How Oakley’s Hands-On Trainer Program Works (28:05)
- Advice for Drivers on the Fence About Coming to Oakley (30:35)
- Why Oakley Front-Loads the Paperwork and Hard Work (32:20)
- Final Thoughts and Promoting Good Trucking (34:51)
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.