After more than three decades in operations and management, Michael Jones found himself at a professional crossroads. He’d spent years excelling in leadership roles at well-established companies, but he sensed the winds of change in his industry. “It was a field that was slowly dying out,” he said. “I knew it was time to make a move.”
That move brought him full circle – back to the trucking skills he first learned while serving in the U.S. Army.
A Return to the Road
Though Michael trained on semis during his time in the military, he never had the chance to put those skills to use in civilian life. A great job offer led him down a different path in management. But when the time came to explore a new opportunity, he found a way to tie together his past experience and his future goals, and it led him straight to an Indiana CDL school, DriveCo CDL Learning Center.
Michael was seeking CDL training in Indiana that went above and beyond – he was happy to have found that at DriveCo. “I went through the military program at DriveCo. They paid for my training and even covered some of the extra costs,” Michael shared. “The experience was phenomenal. I was in a class of 33, and the team at DriveCo made it fun and rewarding.”
A Team that Wants You to Succeed
A great Indiana CDL school needs to prepare its students for a successful career on the road. For Michael, it was the instructors and staff that set DriveCo apart from the rest.
“My classroom instructor, was relentless in making sure we were prepared,” he said. “He believed in us and gave us spot-on maneuvering tips for the skills test, even in freezing weather. He wanted us to pass on the first try, and it showed.”
Another yard instructor stood out for his methodical and personal approach to training. “He took his time and made sure we understood every part of the pre-trip inspection. That interaction went a long way.”
And then there was an instructor with a sense of humor and a unique teaching style. “Every time I hit a cone during practice, I had to ride with the cone in the passenger seat,” Michael laughed. “It pushed me to get better.”
Michael credits DriveCo’s entire team, from instructors to management, for setting students up for success. “They’re doing something right. You can tell by the way they care. I even went back to thank them and brought a Christmas gift.”
A New Career and A New Outlook
Today, Michael is driving for Penske Logistics in Indiana, working a local route that allows him to be home every night. “It’s been a life-changing experience,” he said. “After decades in operations, I was ready for a new challenge – one that offered both financial growth and better work-life balance.” Trucking has delivered on both for Michael and his family. “The stability, the income, and the ability to be home each night have made a real difference. I couldn’t just sit still. I have responsibilities, and this career has allowed me to keep moving forward.”
Eyes on the Future: Looking Beyond Driving
Michael sees a long-term future in logistics. “Penske has a lot of programs and opportunities, not just in trucking, but in warehousing and management. Once I get more experience under my belt, the sky’s the limit.”
When asked what advice he’d give to someone considering DriveCo, he didn’t hesitate. “It was fun. The instructors were great. The CDL training in Gary has an amazing success rate. If you’re ready to make a change and you’re willing to work for it, DriveCo will meet you there.”