“I knew the next step in my career was to own my own truck, and I had started doing research to purchase one but didn’t jump on it. This is truly a right-on-time gift from God.”
“This is a life-changing gift for me and my family,” said Ondrae. “I knew the next step in my career was to own my own truck, and I had started doing research to purchase one but didn’t jump on it. This is truly a right-on-time gift from God.”
Ondrae served 22 years in the U.S. Marine Corps with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. While in the Marines, he earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Ashford University and a master’s in logistics from Trident University. He quickly realized his excitement for truck driving was unmatched.
“Truck driving fits with my work ethic and I love the challenge. It also gives me the opportunity to continue to serve our nation,” he said. “I didn’t get to travel much outside of the bases and missions while in the Marines, so I enjoy seeing new parts of the country. Arizona’s sandstone and Utah’s waterfalls along the highways are truly majestic landscapes and among my favorite places.”
Soon after Ondrae joined CRST nearly two years ago, his commitment to the industry stood out and earned him second place in the “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” award. On the heels of that recognition, Ondrae caught the attention of Brad Bentley, president of FASTPORT, a company that co-sponsors the Keys to Progress award, who encouraged him to apply for the honor.
Today, Ondrae says, the Keys to Progress award puts his career goals on the fast track. “I’ve always thought of my career on this crawl, walk, run trajectory. Now, as an owner-operator, this award is a catalyst to my goal of owning a small fleet,” Ondrae said.
“I’ve always thought of my career on this crawl, walk, run trajectory. Now, as an owner-operator, this award is a catalyst to my goal of owning a small fleet.”
Ondrae expresses gratitude for the opportunities CRST has provided and appreciates the support from his colleagues during his transition from the armed services to the trucking industry. “All of the driver managers are excellent and I knew from the beginning that CRST was the best company for me,” he said.
Ondrae will get the keys to his new truck at Progressive’s Keys to Progress award ceremony on Sept. 18 in Houston, TX. Learn more about Progressive’s Keys to Progress Veteran Vehicle Giveaway Program here.
To learn more about careers at CRST, visit our website to view current openings.
