Driver Spotlight: Manny L.
When life closed one door, Manny opened another and found a new path behind the wheel of a Knight truck. A former chef turned professional truck driver, Manny has become a shining example of resilience, determination, and community at Knight’s Phoenix Refrigerated Terminal.
From the Kitchen to Cross-Country Drives
Manny’s journey to trucking began in an unexpected place: the kitchen. Before joining Knight Transportation, he worked in the culinary industry as a master chef at Vegas’ own Caesar’s Palace. Unfortunately, when the pandemic hit, Manny, like many others working in hospitality, found himself at a crossroads. “The pandemic forced me to reevaluate everything,” he shared. “I needed stability and a career that could support my family.”
As fate would have it, Manny had always been fascinated by the open road. “Growing up in Tucson, I was seeing those red trucks everywhere. It’s a brand that’s stuck with me,” he said. With that inspiration in mind, he took a leap of faith, earned his CDL, and joined Knight. “Knight’s recruiters made everything so much easier. Emily, my recruiter, was amazing. She was on top of it, answered my phone call right away, and kept in contact until I decided to apply.”
“Knight’s recruiters made everything so much easier. Emily, my recruiter, was amazing. She was on top of it, answered my phone call right away, and kept in contact until I decided to apply.”
Manny
A Driving Force in the Knight Community
Since joining the Phoenix Refrigerated Terminal, Manny has made a lasting impact on the road and within the Knight community. Over the years, he’s built a reputation for his meticulous planning and commitment to safety. “Trip planning and attention to detail are crucial,” he explained. “I use Google satellite images, call shippers and receivers ahead of time, and gather as much information as possible. It saves so much hassle.”
Manny’s dedication goes beyond his performance. As a trainer, he’s mentored countless new drivers, helping them navigate the challenges of the industry. “One of the reasons I like training is that you get to break a lot of bad habits that people have, even from driving regular cars. It makes them better drivers overall, not just in semis,” he said. “Building relationships with students has been the most rewarding part. Some of my best friends today are people I trained.”
Family First
While Manny’s career keeps him on the move, his heart is firmly rooted at home with his family. “One of the reasons I’m still with Knight, to be honest with you, is because they understand that I have a family. They understand that my family comes first, and I’ve never had an issue getting home,” he said.
That support became especially meaningful when Manny faced one of the biggest challenges of his life: battling cancer. Diagnosed in late 2023, Manny’s world turned upside down. “Hearing the word ‘cancer’ is terrifying,” he said. “But the first thing my terminal manager told me was, ‘Take all the time you need. We’re here for you.’” Over the next nine months, Manny underwent chemotherapy, a journey marked by physical and emotional hurdles. “It’s a battle, no doubt. But knowing I had the full support of Knight behind me made a huge difference. They checked in regularly, made sure I was okay, and reassured me that my job would be waiting for me when I was ready.”
Even now, as Manny continues with follow-up treatments and monitoring, his terminal remains steadfast in their support. “They’ve been flexible with my schedule, ensuring I can make my doctor’s appointments and take care of myself. That kind of understanding is rare, and I’m incredibly grateful for it.”
“One of the reasons I’m still with Knight, to be honest with you, is because they understand that I have a family. They understand that my family comes first, and I’ve never had an issue getting home,”
Manny
For Manny, trucking is more than just a job; it’s a lifestyle that offers freedom, variety, and purpose. “It’s a job that you’ll never get complacent with because every day it’s something different,” he shared. “I like being in a different city or state every day, traveling and seeing new things. It’s a unique job for sure.”
As he continues his journey with Knight, Manny remains committed to excellence, mentorship, and his family. His story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of a supportive community. “Driving isn’t just a job; it’s a lifestyle, and Knight makes it worthwhile,” he said.
Thank you, Manny, for your perseverance and for being a vital part of the Knight family. We’re so grateful to have you on our team!
