From Love to Business: The Journey of Candace Hunter and Rickie Braden
In 2019, Candace Hunter was thriving in her tax business when she met Rickie Braden, who aspired to launch his own venture. They collaborated to explore business options, ultimately settling on trucking as their path to success.
Learning the Ropes
As Braden attended CDL school to become a licensed truck driver, Hunter dedicated herself to studying the trucking industry. She gained practical experience by riding along on trips with Braden for a year, absorbing everything from budgeting to daily operational methods.
The Start of Prolific Transport Corp.
After saving diligently, the couple purchased their first truck—a 2016 Volvo VNL 670—and established their business, Prolific Transport Corp. Hunter describes the venture as having been a great success since then.
Roles Within the Business
Currently, Braden is the driver, while Hunter manages dispatching, broker relations, and accounting. Despite the demands of running her business, Hunter is also keen to assist others in launching their own trucking initiatives through educational resources on their website, prolifictransport.net.
Educational Outreach and Continued Learning
Hunter has created various courses and published an eBook titled “Beginner’s Guide to Successful Dispatching,” covering essential topics for aspiring dispatchers. Additionally, she has pursued academic achievements, recently completing her MBA and currently working towards a doctorate in psychology.
Business Strategies and Techniques
Hunter is proactive in managing fuel costs and load scheduling. She focuses on securing loads with early delivery options and ensures rates account for rising fuel prices. Her meticulous bookkeeping helps in evaluating monthly performance, while she strategically uses DAT load boards for better negotiation outcomes.
Future Aspirations
With plans to expand their business by acquiring more trucks, Hunter envisions stepping back from driving to take on training roles. Along with her partner and their Yorkshire Terrier, Cocoa, she advocates for harmonious partnerships in business, emphasizing the potential to create a flourishing company together.
