LARRY W. LONG

Larry has been described by those who know him as a “serial entrepreneur.” His adult life has been spent in the pursuit of those entrepreneurial endeavors. From his early days learning about the intricacies of business while working with his father in the automotive industry, to his ownership of several businesses during his lifetime, Larry has consistently been an innovator and over-achiever in all of his ventures. He currently is applying his experience and knack for innovation in the OTR long-haul trucking world.

Shortly after selling his last business, Larry found himself without a challenge. As luck would have it, he thought that while he was looking for the next opportunity, he would obtain a CDL and drive a truck temporarily until he decided on a new venture. Little did he know that driving that truck would actually become the next venture. After successfully completing truck driving school, he was offered no less than twelve driving jobs as a result of his resume. After deciding on the best fit for him, he proceeded to be a “company driver” for a mid-sized national company that had an excellent reputation for training new drivers. After only eight months, Larry “saw the opportunity” that existed in this industry and purchased his first truck. He was so fond of the company he was driving for as a company driver that he leased his truck on with them and went on to became a top producer, grossing nearly a quarter million “to the truck” in revenue annually. It wasn’t long before he added the second, then third and fourth truck to his fleet. After a change in the HOS rules in 2012/2013 he moved his fleet to Landstar Systems, where there are no company drivers, only owner/operators. Here, Larry recognized that many owners who were otherwise good drivers, lacked the business training to be successful in this “free” environment. This led to some drivers’ businesses failing and losing their trucks to bankruptcy. It was another “see the opportunity” moment for Larry and he started the idea of his “mentoring fleet.” Today, he is growing a fleet where drivers who are lacking in the “business of trucking” but are otherwise good drivers, can drive for him and “earn while they learn”. During the course of a year or two, a driver can become fully trained to be a good business person, financially sound, and ready to begin the journey to success in their own truck, running their own successful business.

When Larry is not working, he enjoys life in Kentucky with his wife of 42 years Mary Lou. They also have a son Christopher, daughter in law Amanda and four grandchildren.

CHRIS POLK

Chris joined Blue Ribbon as a driver in March 2018 as a driver. He began his OTR driving career in 1997. He became interested in the business side of the industry in 2008 and made the jump to lease operator in 2011. After two years of leasing a truck from Anderson Trucking Service, he bought his first truck in 2014 and spent three years as a BCO with Landstar Inway. The dream of being an owner/operator was short-lived. IN 2017, he suffered a second engine failure in 14 months and found himself out of business. In early 2018, he posted in a Landstar group to let everyone know that the failure of his business was his fault alone and could be avoided with proper business practices. Larry saw it and offered him and opportunity to change his life.

In 2021, he came off the road to serve as the full time Fleet Manager for Blue Ribbon where he oversees operations and maintenance for the trucks in the fleet and our mentoring customers. He has also taken an active role in the shop helping to maintain the trucks and keep them on the road.

Chris lives in West Virginia and has been married to Karin since 2004. They have three children - Kaylee, Levi, and Mason.

PHIL FRESE

Phil started his driving career in April 2007.  In December 2010 he became a BCO at Landstar.  His career spans from pulling  general freight in a van trailer to hauling high value, oversize loads. This was accomplished with lunatic style trucks while following the core values of the Blue Ribbon system.
 

Today, Phil serves as the Blue Ribbon Platform Division dispatcher while also maintaining his status as a Landstar BCO. He manages load selection and securement detail.His partnership with Blue Ribbon is a testament to his desire to help others succeed in this industry.

Phil resides in Alabama with his wife, Sandra.  They have been married since 2018.