From IT to the Open Road: Scholarship Winner on a New Path

When layoffs ended his longtime career in I.T., Brett Rinn wasn’t sure what would come next. After years behind a computer screen, he suddenly found himself searching for work in a tight Salt Lake City job market. And he started to recognize it might be time for a completely different career path.

That’s when a neighbor, who happened to be a truck driver, mentioned Sage truck Driving Schools in Salt Lake City, Utah.

“I’d been looking for I.T. jobs for about a month and wasn’t getting anything,” Brett said. “My neighbor told me about Sage and encouraged me to check it out.”

That simple conversation set Brett on a new road. Just a few weeks later, he enrolled at Sage and began training for a commercial driver’s license.

His decision to pursue a new career as a truck driver was soon validated when he was named a recipient of a $1,000 Howes Truckers of Tomorrow Scholarship, awarded by Howes Products to support future drivers across the country.

A Chance for a Fresh Start

Brett’s interest in trucking had been quietly growing for years, even if he hadn’t pictured himself in the driver’s seat.

“I’ve always thought trucks were interesting,” he said. “I even played trucking simulator games. They were some of my favorites.”

When he suddenly found himself with extra time — and a modest severance package to help cover living expenses — Brett saw an opening to pursue something new.

“It just fell into place,” he said. “I wasn’t working, I had time to go to school, and it was something I’d always been curious about.”

After speaking with Ron Williams, a regional director with Sage, Brett decided the school was the right fit.

“Ron sat down with me and explained everything, from the application process to what to expect in training,” Brett said. “He even gave me recommendations on getting my licensing started early. He really helped me get going.”

Now deep into his training, Brett says the experience at Sage has been beneficial as well as rewarding.

“I’ve learned a ton,” he said. “The instructors have been great. I’ve worked with Gary, Nick, and Rex — and Rex Lewis specially has been amazing. He doesn’t just tell me what to do, he explains why. That makes it so much easier to understand how everything works.”

The Scholarship That Helped Keep Him Rolling

When Brett heard about the Howes Truckers of Tomorrow Scholarship from his truck-driving neighbor, he decided to apply, unsure what to expect. A few weeks later, he received the good news: he’d been selected as a recipient of a $1,000 Howes Truckers of Tomorrow Scholarship. Since 2015, Howes Products and Sage Truck Driving Schools have been proud to offer the Howes Truckers of Tomorrow $1,000 Scholarship Program, contributing more than $300,000 to worthy Sage students. The scholarship is funded by Howes and can be applied for at all Sage Truck Driving Schools across the country. 

“The application was pretty simple,” he said. “I just shared why I was making this career change and what it meant to me.”

The Howes Truckers of Tomorrow Scholarship program is designed to inspire and assist new drivers like Brett who are working hard to enter the industry. It’s part of Howes Products’ ongoing effort to strengthen the future of trucking through education and community support.

Brett said the $1,000 award has been a meaningful boost as he balances training with supporting his family of six.

“It covers a significant portion of my tuition,” he said. “Since I’m not working right now, that’s been a huge help with bills and expenses. For someone making a big transition like this, it’s really encouraging to know there’s support out there.”

“We are proud to recognize Brett as a recipient of the Howes Truckers of Tomorrow Scholarship,” said Rob Howes II, President of Howes Products. “His excitement and commitment to pursuing a career in trucking embodies the very spirit of this program and we look forward to seeing him succeed as part of the next generation of trucking professionals.”

Once he completes his training, Brett plans to start on an over-the-road or regional route to build experience before eventually settling into something closer to home. His goal is to get back to the level of income he had before while also having more time for his family.

For others considering a similar path, Brett’s advice is simple.

“Like anything new, there are challenges, but if you’re passionate about it, you can make it work,” he said. “There’s a real sense of accomplishment in finishing the program and earning that license. It’s not something everyone can do, but if you work hard, it opens the door to a whole new career.”