From Truck Driver to Business Owner: A Second Chance
Description
"They gave me the opportunity that no one else ever would have."
John Klaus had been incarcerated for a few years. When he got out he was looking for work with no clear path — so he got his CDL, drove up from Salt Lake City to Idaho Falls, and walked into Doug Andrus not knowing where he was going to go. That was ten years ago. He's still a driver here, and today he's also a business owner.
He's direct about the mechanism: they put a lot of faith in him and gave him an opportunity nobody else would have. That's not a small thing to say out loud on camera, and it's not a small thing for a company to do. The trucking industry talks constantly about a driver shortage while maintaining hiring practices that write off large groups of capable people. This is one company doing the arithmetic differently.
It also isn't an isolated story. Several drivers here describe the company as a place where the trajectory keeps going — owner-operator arrangements are one route, and Robbie Howell is another version of what a full career looks like. If you're starting over and wondering whether anyone will take the application seriously, start here, apply, or call (800) 336-1034 and ask.
Video Transcript
I'm John Klaus. I live in Salt Lake City, Utah. I came up here to Idaho Falls, to Doug Andrus, about 10 years ago. Driver here at Doug Andrus Distributing — been here 10 years.
They gave me an opportunity after I'd been incarcerated for a few years. Got out, was looking for work, didn't know what I was going to do.
Got my CDL, came up here. I walked up here not knowing where I was going to go. And today I'm a business owner.
They put a lot of faith in me and gave me the opportunity that no one else ever would have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Doug Andrus hire drivers with a criminal record?
John Klaus was hired after several years of incarceration and has been with the company ten years. Every application is individual, so the honest answer is to apply and have the conversation directly.
How long has John Klaus been with the company?
Ten years, starting shortly after he earned his CDL.
How does a driver become a business owner?
Paths vary. Owner-operator arrangements — where you own the truck and lease on for freight — are one common route. John's story reflects both opportunity and ten years of work.
Where is John based?
Salt Lake City, Utah. He drove up to Idaho Falls to apply.