Robby Summerlin

Robby, along with his wife Lydia, run a family-owned trucking business out of Gore, Oklahoma

What are some misconceptions people have about truck drivers and people who work in trucking?

Seems to me most people think trucking is an easy job. They think all we do is hold a steering wheel all day. There is a lot more labor involved like strapping or chaining down a load or having to offload a 53’ foot dry box yourself. Then driving for 11+ hours. It’s just not as easy as it seems. 

What is the best thing about your job? 

Definitely seeing new places. I love experiencing new parts of the country I’ve never seen before.

What is the most difficult thing about your job?

Having to explain to the kids when I’m not going to make it home.

What is your typical day like?

I’m not sure. I’m usually on the phone while trying to drive, load, unload and do paperwork. Lol

What is it like working with your wife?

It's a roller coaster to say the least. I love it when we get to run together, but if she outdoes me in any way (like loads more or out pulls me going up a hill) she is sure to rub it in every chance she gets. 

What do you like to do to relax? 

Mainly just stay home, kick back in the recliner, watch some tv and hope the phone doesn’t ring.

As someone who travels a lot, what is the most difficult thing about being on the road? 

Eating right. Not just eating healthy but also eating when I should. Sometimes we don’t have time to stop and don’t eat a thing all day.

What are your professional goals for the next couple of years?

I’d like to be able to get out of the truck more consistently and be able to take care of business from an office that’s not running 80 mph down the super slab somewhere lol. I’ll never fully stop driving though.

"There has been a ton of things I’ve learned from that man but if I had to pick one I would have to say never quit."

Who are your role models?

Robert “Fastlane” Summerlin. My dad.

What is the most important thing you learned from your father about business?

There has been a ton of things I’ve learned from that man but if I had to pick one I would have to say never quit. I’m not sure if that is the most important thing or not but it stands out amongst any other. I’ve seen him press on when most would quit and had quit. When times were tough and the odds were against us he would always tell us “hang in there boys, it’s always darkest just before dawn”

How do you feel about taking over the family business? 

Oh I love it! It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do since I was too short to reach the pedals.

What is the best thing about being on the road? 

Running with the gang and also running into some of our buddy’s out on the road somewhere.