From Remodeling to the Open Road: Sage Truck Driving Student Rebuilding His Future

For years, Steven Jordan made his living one kitchen and bathroom at a time. As the owner of his own remodeling business in Florida, he handled everything from tilework to cabinetry, often working long hours to keep projects moving.

But after more than a decade of physically demanding labor, his body began sending him a clear message: it was time for a change.

“I don’t want to be 80 years old with a bad back and hurt knees,” Steven said. “I’m only 35, and I can already tell my body doesn’t like doing this kind of work every day.”

Still motivated by his strong work ethic but looking for something more sustainable, Steven began thinking about how to use his skills in a new way. The answer came naturally: truck driving.

This decision led him to register as a student at Sage Truck Driving Schools in Ft. Pierce, FL, where he was recently named the 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. 

Turning a Passion for Boats into a New Career

Before enrolling at Sage Truck Driving Schools, Steven already had experience pulling trailers. He used to haul smaller boats around the state and knew he wanted to take that passion to the next level.

“I’ve always been a big boat person,” he said. “The career I want to get into is hauling larger boats — small yachts that are trailerable — around Florida and across the U.S.”

To do that, Steven needed his commercial driver’s license (CDL). The company he hopes to work for even listed SAGE among its recommended schools.

“It was one of the closer schools to me, and it was on their site,” he said. “Everything just kind of fell into place.”

Soon after starting his training at Sage, Steven said he quickly realized the school offered an environment that fit perfectly with his hands-on, detail-oriented mindset. The instruction, he added, has been top-notch, especially the mentorship he’s received from Steve Yohe and Carlos Corral.

“They’re extremely knowledgeable and very helpful in the driving experience,” he said. “They take the time to explain things and make sure you really understand them.”

The support has paid off. Despite admitting he’s “not a big test taker,” Steven has excelled academically, scoring 90-plus on all the tests he’s taken so far

“I’ve been taught really well at this school,” he said.

“Steven approaches every day with determination and a willingness to learn that truly stands out,” Carlois said. “He listens, applies feedback immediately, and never cuts corners. You can see the pride he takes in doing things the right way. Students like Steven remind us why we teach—he has all the qualities to become not just a safe driver, but an exceptional professional in this industry.”

A Scholarship to Lighten the Financial Load

Steven’s focus and his dedication to his training didn’t go unnoticed as he was chosen to receive the $1,000 Howes Truckers of Tomorrow Scholarship. The award from Howes Products was created to help aspiring truck drivers offset the cost of training.

Surprisingly, Steven didn’t even know he’d applies for the scholarship.

“My wife found it on the Sage website and signed me up,” he said. “Then the school called and said I’d been granted the scholarship. I’ve never really won anything before in my life, so this was a big surprise.”

And the award has made a real difference.

“It’s definitely helped make things easier,” he said. “And it feels good to know that the effort I’ve been putting in is being recognized. I’d just say [to Howes] thanks for choosing me. I really care about this new career and I’m trying hard for it.”

“We are proud to recognize Steven 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.”

With his CDL nearly in hand, Steven is eager to start hauling boats full time. He expects to begin with routes throughout Florida, with occasional out-of-state deliveries as needed.

And while he’s moving into a new industry, he brings the same mindset that made him successful in construction: patience, precision, and perseverance — qualities that have been nurtured at Sage.

“If you’ve pulled trailers before and have some experience, Sage is a great place to learn,” he said. “They’ll teach you everything you need to know.”