"That started my 34 years of working for the Hoovestol corporation. After working for 2 months out of New Salem, they then took over a mail route out of Fargo. So I moved my family and finally had to fill out an application ( only because the Post Office required it). After about 2 -3 years Wayne took over the operation of mail contracts -basing himself out of Minneapolis. Working out of a house in Eagan ( 6 of us out of Fargo and approximately 4 out of Minneapolis) Wayne was handling the mechanic position and also filled in as a driver when needed. Eventually we moved into a new shop, bought out another trucking company, took on more mail and freight contracts, added more mechanics, office help and drivers. That brings us to today- 34 years later and about 4 million miles of hauling mail on the same roads...thru good and bad weather, having driven every brand of truck except a Western Star, driven new, used and misused equipment for all of those years. I have watched technology sneak into the trucking industry from CB's to the Blue Tooth, air ride, power steering, air conditioning, stereos and more. Many years ago we drove S Model Internationals- they were so cold we wrapped cardboard around ourselves and duct-taped the doors to help keep the wind out and to keep warm.....but we survived. We moved up to the Half cabs U Model Mack and they were a treat because we had AM radios, air conditioning and power steering, we thought we were king of the road and driving with class. The nicest trucks I ever drove for Hoovestol were the day cab Peterbilts-chromed out, fancy wheels, plush interior, rode good, looked good. The drivers took pride in those trucks and kept them clean and maintained."
"I have seen a lot of people move on, retire and pass away that I have worked with for many years and will miss seeing the friends that I have met along the way. Thank you Wayne for the opportunity and I will miss working for you as well."
"In my soon to be retirement, I will continue to enjoy hunting, fishing, holidays and my family. I have a son and 2 grand daughters in the Mandan area, a son, a daughter and 2 grandsons in the Fargo area. I plan to eventually travel and enjoy winters in warmer climate. I will not miss the wintery roads of Minnesota and leave that to the rest of you."
