Butler went from salesman to trucker after 30 years

michael Butler, who lives in Dallas, said trucking has opened up a whole new world for him.

By JERRY BREEDEN
The Trucker Staff

7/4/2008

Two years ago, after more than 30 years of selling everything from meat to automobiles, Michael Butler decided to make a career change.

“I wanted to get away from sales for a while and driving the big rigs had always appealed to me, so I went to driver’s training school, got my Commercial Driver’s License and I’ve been trucking ever since,” Butler told The Trucker during an interview at a Central Arkansas truck stop just off Interstate 40.

Butler, who lives in Dallas, said trucking has opened up a whole new world for him. “I’ve already seen a lot of the country that I wouldn’t have otherwise been able to,” he said. “The United States is a big, beautiful country and trucking has provided a means for seeing it up close and personal.”

Butler said one thing about trucking that appealed to his nature is that “it’s a challenge. I like that. And it presents something different every day.

“I have learned, too, that every road and every load I haul is different. I enjoy meeting all different types of people in a wide variety of settings,” he said. “I’m a people person and I love to talk.

“Overall,” he added, “trucking so far has been a great experience for me and I would recommend it to anyone who’s looking to change careers.”

At the time of the interview, Butler was driving a refrigerated unit for Mathy Trucking Inc. out of Edgerton, Minn.

“It’s a very good company,” said Butler. “I’m glad to be with them and, so far, they have treated me fairly and always with respect.”

Butler has a certain affinity for horsepower. He enjoys not only the power of the big rigs, but that of the horses he rides for pleasure during his time away from work.

“Horseback riding serves as a great stress reliever for me and my girlfriend, Michelle, who’s 36 years old and a former model,” he said. “I’m 52 and riding horses helps keep me young and physically fit. I have no difficulty doing the things I want to do, like fishing and other outdoor activities.”

Butler said the one life lesson he hopes he will never forget is to “always enjoy what you’re doing to earn a living. If you’re not having fun, find something else. Life’s far too short to regret every moment you’re at work.”