Meet Mike Jackson | Owner of Peachy Express and author of The Trucking Manual

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike Jackson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Success without risk is an anomaly. Our risk tolerances will vary based upon experience and circumstance. There is no cookie cutter blueprint to follow. But the direction should always be forward. The companion to risk should be confidence. You have to believe you will bounce back bigger and stronger if things go sideways. You have to believe it will eventually be okay. Worst case scenario, you’ll learn (not you’ll learned) a lesson for yourself and you can teach that lesson to others.

I’m in a position to take high risks. I do not have a wife, kids, nor pet lol. I might as well go big. I started my trucking company in the middle of the pandemic. It wasn’t an accident though. It was on my radar for about 2 years. When Covid-19 stopped the world, my sports marketing position was terminated. I used that as an opportunity to get out my comfort zone and start my company. I could’ve played it safe by continuing to collect unemployment assistance checks but that didn’t sit well with my spirit. My ambition was giving me anxiety. I knew I had to do something and therefore I did. I didn’t have experience starting (not started) a company but I wasn’t afraid to learn and fail forward. Here we are two years later and I wouldn’t change a thing. Well, I’d change one thing – I wish I would’ve taken the risk sooner!

What should our readers know about your business?
I own a small trucking company. Currently, I have one tractor trailer and one driver. Also, I consult others looking to start their own trucking company. Tradelines can help build credit to get approved for a truck and I help with that also. Recently, I authored a book called “The Trucking Manual – 20 Step To 6 Figures.” It’s a step by step guide to get your trucking company up and running.

The thing that separates me from others is transparency. I’m very honest and open with my driver, my mentees, and my readers. I’ve seen others in my position charge ridiculous fees. It shouldn’t cost that much to share information with the community.

There aren’t always sunny days. I wanted to quit about three weeks after putting my truck on the road. It was more so frustration over logic. Since then, I’ve learned to control my emotions. They should never interfere with business and money.

I’m proud of myself for following through with my goals. I used to travel a ton for work. I’ve missed weddings, graduations, birthdays, etc. It feels good to work from home or wherever it is I choose to be. I don’t want to paint the picture that everything is perfect, but it could be a whole lot worse.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
It’s been a while since I’ve played host to a tourist friend but there are definitely a few places I’d like to take them. We’d exercise so hiking up Stone Mountain and visiting Sweetwater Creek State Park is a must. I’d have to make sure they learn something so we’re going to several museums – Center for Civil & Human Rights, Trap Museum, MLK Nat’l Historical Park and the College Football Hall of Fame. We have to check out some places unique to Atlanta so Auburn Ave, Peachtree St, the Beltline, and East Atlanta make the cut. Can’t forget to eat so I’m taking them to the Krog St and Ponce City Markets. Can’t go wrong with The Battery area either. For drinks, we could check out Colony Square, Apartment 4B, and Rock Steady. I don’t really club anymore but I’d make an exception and visit Blue Martini. Last but not least, no trip to Atlanta is complete without some good ole adult entertainment. We’d go to Blue Flame.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my late cousin David. He was the first person to get me interested in starting a trucking company. He encouraged me to own my own. Without him, I would have procrastinated.

Website: www.thetruckingmanual.com

Instagram: mikejax_

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sA9TFNXdeEw

Other: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09V1XD237