Wages, Ages, and Family: Jeremy Mincke’s promise to himself and the transportation industry through CDL Hunter

By Viktoria Capek

Jeremy Mincke’s journey from a small-town childhood to becoming a pivotal figure in the commercial driving world is nothing short of remarkable.

Adopted at a young age by his parents in St. Louis, Missouri, Mincke’s early years were marked by the simplicity and warmth of a close-knit community. Family played a central role in shaping his values and aspirations as he transitioned into adulthood and eventually enlisted in the U.S. Marines at 17.

“I ended up getting my GED and leaving my senior year,” he said. “I picked the Marine Corps because my grandfather was in the Marine Corps. He was actually at the Battle of Iwo Jima and got a Purple Heart.”

Mincke spent four years active reserve, followed by four years inactive reserve in the Marines before leaving service to live with his father in St. Louis after he suffered a heart attack and stroke.

However, Mincke’s transition to civilian life came with more life-altering challenges beyond taking care of his family, which led him to his current home in Northwest Arkansas.

“I actually ended up getting in a little bit of trouble. I just knew going back to St. Louis would probably cause more issues,” Mincke shared. “When you get out of the Marine Corps, you kind of just don’t know what to do.”

It was his first month after moving when he met his now wife, Evelyn, the deciding factor in Mincke’s choice to pursue a career and life in Arkansas. He started a job in recruitment at J.B. Hunt.

“I became their top recruiter right off the bat and was for several years,” Mincke said. “I ended up developing some of their orientation and onboarding programs and helping with the development of some of their other driver programs.”

Mincke worked for J.B. Hunt for several years, but ultimately decided to leave the company to spend more time with family.

“I wanted to be available for my daughter when she got off the bus every day at three,” Mincke said.

Mincke’s passion for recruitment in commercial driving led to the creation of CDL Hunter, a company that guides people into successful career paths within the transportation industry. The company was founded upon the premise that drivers are best served once you get to know them on a more personal level.

Mincke believes the primary issue in recruiting Commercial Driver’s License holders is the late entry into truck driving, as drivers must be over 21 to drive across state lines.

“Typically when we’re that age, a lot of us have our paths figured out by then,” Mincke shared. He advocates for companies to support individuals coming out of high school to foster longer-term commitments in the transportation industry.

Another challenge Mincke identifies is low wages for drivers who spend weeks away from their families.

“I’ve been able to do work alongside my wife… It’s taught me the value of my time and allowed me to pour back into my community,” Mincke shared.

Through his social media channels, Mincke reaches up to 40 million people monthly, aiming to be a voice in the industry. “We’re not a one and done place,” he explained. “We work with drivers one-on-one, seeing their goals and guiding them with the fastest path possible.”

Mincke’s participation in The Venture Center’s Veteran Owned Small Business Accelerator underscores his commitment to growth. Through the program, he aims to expand his network, access new opportunities, and make a lasting impact in the business landscape. “It’s got me excited to explore other possibilities,” he remarked.

Mincke’s journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of resilience, family, and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in the world.

Learn more about Jeremy Mincke and CDL Hunter, here.