Success Story: Jamie Kreller

I always knew I wanted to be a trucker since I was a kid. Growing up watching them go by hearing their air horns was so cool, but in my earlier years I had my priorities mixed up. Years of dead-end jobs, and many jobs lost. It wasn't until 2024 that I made the decision to fully pursue this career path after losing a job I thought I'd be at forever. I was there for 5 years, and I loved what I did, but it ended abruptly. That day I knew what I needed to do.

I reached out to the school my little brother went to and got information on how to start this path. They pointed me in the direction of RMCEP. I called the government center and got in contact with one of their Job Counselors and set up an intake interview. 2 days later everything started.

My Job Counselor could see I was dedicated and determined to pursue this, and she helped me fill out the necessary paperwork for the school and to secure financial aid funding as I didn't have the money to pay for the school myself.
I went to St cloud MN DMV to obtain my learner's permit, and the school directed me to a DOT health card practitioner that they use.

Things were really moving forward a lot faster than I expected. My Job Counselor not only communicated with me but as well as the school, so we were all on the same page every step of the way. Some days I wonder if she got overworked by me, but she kept moving along step by step with me. It was a long process but worth it as class began in December of 2024 for me.

My Job Counselor asked if there was anything I needed to benefit myself for class, but I respectfully refused. She gave me a few gas cards to help my situation without me asking as I drove 73 miles one way twice a day for about 6 weeks to make it to school and yard training.
Finally in January 2025 I really needed a hand and my Job Counselor and RMCEP was right there to help get me taken care of. I had an issue with my car that was going to hinder me from making it to school, that problem was quickly addressed, and I was back on the move.

I completed all schooling by the beginning of February and had my CDL license test with the state scheduled. At this point my Job Counselor was helping me look for jobs as well. I called a few places but not a lot of companies hire new drivers. I was almost discouraged but my Job Counselor reminded me and motivated me on how far I had come in such a quick and short time.

Finally, I found a company on my own. I couldn't have found a better company for what I was looking to do and reached out to my Job Counselor and told her everything. I'm pretty sure she was more excited for me than I was. She started the ball with an OJT (On-the Job training) proposal to the company owners and they looked forward to working with her and having me on board as a new employee.

The state test came, I failed my road test due to a mistake I made. I beat myself up at that point but again my Job Counselor was right by my side as well as the owner of the company I got hired at. Both of them encouraged me and told me everything is ok, and mistakes happen. The owner also told me I still had a job with them and to just keep them posted on my retake. All the while my Job Counselor worked with this company to secure my employment and to get an OJT secured. It wasn't until March that the state was able to get me a road retest, I went, and I passed!

As of April 2025, everything was locked in and for the most part done. I don't think I could've done it on my own without the directional help from my Job Counselor. I came to her not knowing much other than a trucker's lifestyle and she helped guide me through the rest. 
The program she determined I was eligible for was fantastic and I do think if someone is focused and has the dedication and determination to pursue this career, they need a program like the one I got to experience.

This is my story.…

• A story of a kid from a broken past who showed determination to change his life. 
• A kid who didn't let anything detour him from going where he needed to be when the time was right. 
• A kid who appreciated the chance of getting a grant from a program I knew nothing about or that had even existed.

I am Jamie Kreller, and this is my story!