After working in the oilfield for 16 years, Lucas Hunt knew it was time for a career change.
“I had a couple of friends who had already completed the Truck Driving Program at Victoria College who spoke highly of their experience,” he said. “They pitched the idea to me, so I decided to give it a try.”
Hunt wasted no time starting his own business, Hunt Trucking, two-and-a-half years ago. He then completed VC’s Truck Driving Program to earn Class A Commercial Driver License certification last year to solidify his entrepreneurial transition.
“I never envisioned owning my own business,” he said. “Whatever I do, I do it to the fullest. I picked it up and ran with it.
“When I quit the oilfield, luckily, I had a little money saved up so I wasn’t in a bind. I had my truck and a driver working for me when I started the business. I was making a little money to keep it going.”
After getting Hunt Trucking up and running, Hunt completed VC’s Truck Driving Program for hands-on training behind the wheel.
“The Truck Driving Program prepared me well,” he said. “It gave me the tools and certifications I needed to further my career. You have to just trust the process.”
Hunt appreciated the professionalism and caring of the faculty and staff during his time as a VC student.
“The instructors and staff supported me throughout the whole process, 100 percent,” he said. “They have a great group at Victoria College.”
Now that he is the only driver for his company, Hunt has more freedom to spend time with his wife, Jenn, and their children, Luke (12) and Lilly (10).
“That flexibility is huge,” he said. “There are days when my kids have football games or basketball games. I can work my schedule around what I want to do. I worked so long in the oilfield that I missed most of their lives. I make most of their events now.”
“I love the freedom of doing my own thing and making my own schedule,” he said. “I do all of the work myself. It’s kind of a one-man show.”
However, he said the payoff is rewarding.
“I was really scared to quit the oilfield because it was all I had known my whole life. I never thought I would do something different. I thought I would struggle starting my own business at first. Everything has taken off. You really get back what you put in.”
VC’s Truck Driving Program includes classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel training, highway driving, and the use of a state-of-the-art driving simulator. Training is available at locations in Victoria and Gonzales, with flexible schedules to accommodate various student needs. For more information, visit VictoriaCollege.edu/TruckDriving or call (361) 582-2528.