is a family. It’s not just a business.”

knew he could become the teacher he wishe he’ ha . e recalle his first experience with a trainer at a previous company, who climbed into the cab bed and told Ricardo to wake him up when they reached their destination. “This was m first time on the roa icar o says. “I decided that when I learn this business, I’m going to teach people to do it the right way.”

Once he became an instructor, Ricardo taught every aspect of trucking. He taught the importance of paying attention to the basics like completing logs to more daily operations including being a defensive driver. He even taught his students about what to eat and when to sleep. It was all important.

Each student trained for two to three weeks, so he wanted to make sure to cover as much as he could in that short window. While training on the road, Ricardo kept his students engaged and entertained with his vivid stories and made them laugh with silly jokes.

Ricardo also loved being able to make a i erence in his st ents’ li es an help them forge new career paths in the industry. He explains, “When people ask why I want to teach, the only answer I e er gi e is i e a man a fish fee him for a a . each a man to fish an fee him for a lifetime.’ I truly believe I’m doing God’s work by teaching my students to provide for their families.”

It’s safe to say Ricardo has made a big impact on his students. Over his 22-year career at Prime, he has trained about 250 drivers (though he admits he stopped counting after a while). He’s received countless thank-you cards and often sees past students when he’s in town. “They always thank me,” Ricardo says. “That’s part of why I did it. When you see someone’s success and know you helped them get there— that’s my reward.”

So what’s next for Ricardo? Even tho gh he has officiall retire from driving, he’s not ready to sit back and relax just yet. He also certainly hasn’t lost the teaching bug. Now that he has started a new chapter in life, he would like to instruct at a local truck driving school in Texas so he can continue sharing his gift with more students. He’d also like to take a cruise with his wife and visit some of the country’s biggest landmarks and attractions that he has always wanted to see. One sight that’s high on his list is Mount Rushmore.

Retiring from Prime is bittersweet for Ricardo because the company has meant so much to him, and he’ll miss seeing his friends and co-workers every day. “Leaving all the people I worked with is the hardest part,” he says. “Prime is a family, it’s not just a business. It’s the best job I ever had.” 1 2 3 4 5 5 TIPS