With nearly three decades behind the wheel, Bobby Vece knows a thing or two about keeping things moving. Having spent the last 29 years at O&G, Bobby has seen just about every road condition, delivery challenge, and construction site configuration you can imagine. His journey into the industry started early – back in his junior year of high school – when he first got his hands dirty operating heavy trucks and equipment, handling everything from maintenance to painting, cleaning, and of course, driving.
Adapting to the Challenge
For Bobby, the most interesting part of his job is mastering the daily challenges of commercial driving. From winding backroads to tight construction zones, his ability to adapt to ever-changing conditions is what keeps the job fresh. “Completing challenging deliveries and adapting to on and off-road conditions is what I find most interesting,” he says. “It’s never the same day twice.”
Lessons Learned on the Road
Bobby credits his success to the advice of the seasoned drivers he learned from early in his career. “The most essential skills I’ve learned are to be safe and diligent about paying attention to what is always around me,” he explains. It’s a mindset that’s clearly paid off, as his commitment to safety and professionalism earned him the title of Driver of the Year.
What Others Might Not Realize
While Bobby enjoys his work, he admits that the road can be a dangerous place. “I wish other people understood how dangerous it is on the road when dealing with inconsiderate drivers who don’t respect the complexities of driving heavy commercial vehicles,” he notes. It’s a reminder that the skill and focus required to operate these massive machines are often underestimated.
What Makes O&G Special
For Bobby, the best part of working at O&G is the camaraderie. “The people I get to work and interact with are what I enjoy the most,” he says. “The people and the sense of camaraderie make our culture unique.”
Advice for Aspiring Construction Drivers
When it comes to advice for those starting out in the construction field, Bobby leans on the wisdom of the old-timers who mentored him early in his career. “Keep your eyes and ears open and keep your mouth shut while learning as much as you can,” he says – a straightforward but powerful piece of advice for anyone looking to succeed.
Life Beyond the Wheel
Outside of work, Bobby is an avid skeet shooter and fisherman. His bucket list includes vacations to Italy and Hawaii, where he hopes to enjoy some well-deserved downtime and maybe even try his hand at some deep-sea fishing.
