Interview with Guillermo “Memo” Gutierrez – Texas Materials Truck Driver

For Truck Driver Appreciation Week (September 13-19, 2020), we are putting the spotlight on some of our drivers who make all our projects across Texas possible.

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What drew you to a career in construction?

Ever since I was a child, driving was something I always wanted to do. I remember telling my mother, ‘When I grow up, I want to be a truck driver.’ So in 2005, I got my CDL license and I’ve been driving ever since. I started driving semis and then I came to Texas Materials. I’ve been here for five years now.

You help train new drivers at Texas Materials. Tell us more about that.

Over my time here in the company, I’ve trained a lot of drivers. As more experienced drivers, we help guide new team members on how to operate the truck, how to do the job, and the safety procedures they need to follow to keep themselves and others safe on the road. We train them for two weeks to make sure they have a good handle on the job before sending them out driving on their own.

Any advice for others looking to get into this field?

It’s really important to keep a good driving record, because that’s something that will affect your ability to get and maintain your CDL. Aside from that, just stay patient with the traffic. It’s part of the job, and it’s all about attitude.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m originally from Mexico, but my wife and I have lived in Texas for 7 years. I enjoy my job and I come to work and do my best every day.   

Supervisor Feedback:

“Memo is one of our most senior drivers in the group. Memo is a quiet leader, who leads by example. Memo is always on time, very efficient, and safe. Memo’s truck is in great condition and he takes a lot of pride in his work. Memo is usually one of the first calls supervisors make to get something done because of his unwavering reliability. He is very professional and represents Texas Materials very well in front of our customers at job sites.”

– Zach Marshall, Transportation Manager