Scott Kinley
Hello to all,
The picture above is my friend, Scott Kinley. We met last April in Denver, Colorado at the Certified Master Contractor Seminar. Throughout the year we have kept in touch and are both members of the Trucking Solutions Group. Scott is an owner operator leased onto Landstar and drives a 2001 Freightliner Columbia. His lanes of transport are mainly in the south along the I-10 corridor.
After knowing Scott for a year now, I decided to put him up to the challenge of changing his work attire. His previous work dress code included a T-shirt, shorts and flip flops. I challenged him to just try my “uniform” idea and see what the results would be for him. I discussed with Scott what great results it brought me over the years and I’m sure it would work for him as well.
Scott took my challenge just two weeks ago. He called me on the phone to express the great results he is having. Scott has given me permission to share those results with you in this blog.
The picture above shows Scott dressed in the new clothes he purchased. He bought Kaki pants w/belt, button down shirt, tie and nice work shoes. His look takes on a whole new professional appearance vs his previous attire. He told me that almost everyone he meets calls him “Sir”. He stopped at a truck stop to purchase tires and the “Manager” came over(went out of his way) to ask if he could assist him with his purchase. He walked into his agents office and they were pleasantly surprised at his “new” look”. Scott says he is more respected by almost everyone he comes in contact with from truck stops to customers. He shared with me that “people really do treat me better because of my appearance and attitude”. Scott said people are more comfortable to begin a conversation with him.
Wow… all this change in just two weeks. Scott definitely noticed the difference and told me he will continue to dress in uniform from now on. He thanked me for my challenge to him… Scott’s words to me were:
“Thanks Henry for sharing your experience with your “uniform” and the positive impact it has on your trucking business and you professionally as a driver. Many drivers out here on the road are waiting for others to treat us professionally. We need to take the first step ourselves to promote our own professionalism. Maybe then, we will begin to gain the respect of those around us. We need to make our own individual changes in appearance, attitude and behaviors. Henry, I have met your challenge over the last two weeks and will continue on this path with a new dress code. I honestly believe we can change our industry one driver at a time”.
Thanks Scott for allowing me to share your experience on this blog… Best Wishes.
Henry
April 21, 2010 at 5:03 am
Great Job Scott! This is not the same Scott we met at the CMC last year. Scott is also a member of the Trucking Solutions Driver Health Council and he not only looks great in his new “uniform” he is also looking a lot trimmer and healthier. I am sure with his new look he not only looks good but he also carries himself with a lot of pride.
Scott welcome to the new “uniform” club we are glad to have you.
April 21, 2010 at 8:10 am
Great blog Henry,looking great Scott.
Dick McCorkle
April 21, 2010 at 10:53 am
Thank you for taking me for a ride in the Cascadia. I was amazed with how quiet the Cascadia is. Freightliner has done a great job with that truck.
April 21, 2010 at 12:55 pm
Great post Henry! Scott looks just like the professional driver that he is!
April 21, 2010 at 8:02 pm
Scott is a great guy & always good for a challenge. He looks good and has a wonderful attitude. He is on the right road.
April 21, 2010 at 8:39 pm
Really proud of you, Scott! You really look Great. Keep up the good work.
April 22, 2010 at 6:26 am
Hi Henry!
Will you be at the Make a Wish convoy next month? I’m signing Ryan up and he’s hoping to ride with you again.
April 22, 2010 at 3:09 pm
Holly,
I have made plans to be in the Make A Wish Convoy again this Mothers Day. Tell Ryan that I am looking forward to seeing him again. I hope everything has been going well for your family.
Henry
April 22, 2010 at 8:23 pm
hello im with scott
April 28, 2010 at 5:32 pm
Wow!!! I was certainly impressed with the new look that Scott had when he came into the guard station. As a security guard and weigh master, I see alot of truck drivers on a daily basis. And I do have to say it was nice to see a well dressed truck driver. You don’t often get to see the pride, professionalism that these guys do, and to have someone walk in well dressed, “was professional to me”.
Always remember that the first impression is always the lasting impression.” Great job Scott on making a difference …
.Nate
May 1, 2010 at 12:16 pm
I wish more people would take pride in their appearance like Henry and Scott. I am so impressed by these men who are trying to change the perception the general public has about truck drivers. Where i live, it’s not uncommon to see drivers without shirts on if said driver isn’t wearing a company supplied uniform. It’s refreshing to hear about people that are doing things to make a change in their corner of the world. I hope to hear more stories like this one from all sectors of society, where people are opting in on their own to change the world we all live in.
Scott and Henry are leading by example, and showing we can all make a difference, one person at a time. Thank you for being courageous and intelligent enough to make the change in yourselves.