Meet the Team: Southwest Truck Driver Training, Tucson Campus

Do you have kids or friends that are heading back to school this August, and has it gotten you thinking about doing the same thing? Earning your CDL is an excellent option because the training does not take long, and the return on your investment in truck driver training is very high. Maybe you know all of this, but you're still not ready to dive in. For those of you who like to start by dipping your toes in the water, let us put you at ease by introducing you to our awesome Tucson team and campus. 

Southwest Truck Driver Training's Tucson campus is housed in a small, unassuming building with a large lot and a few semis peeking around from the back. Surrounding the campus are many other businesses also related to the trucking industry. 

Left to right: Adri Negrete, Milly Gamez, Ben Mahar, Rodney Fitzsimmons, Serina Contreras

Once you enter the glass double doors, you'll be greeted by a comfortable seating area and Serina, behind the front desk and ready to help. On the walls you'll notice an array of certifications and awards, specific to that location. In addition, there are many great photographs of trucks, and even one of a wedding party posed around a big rig in true trucker wedding fashion. It feels warm and inviting, like home, and that is how campus director Rodney Fitzsimmons wants you to feel when you first arrive at Southwest Truck Driver Training Tucson. 

"What makes us different from other truck driver training schools are our people," says Fitzsimmons. He goes on to say that his staff really cares about positive student outcomes, and that shows through in the extra time they spend with the students who need it. Rodney has been in the training and education industry for 13 years, so he knows a thing or two about helping students to be successful after graduation. 

He loves what he does, because he is passionate about changing lives with education and training. That is apparent when you first meet him, as his contagious upbeat and friendly attitude make you wonder how soon you can get started. Rodney is not a campus director that you'll meet once and then never see again. You'll meet him when you visit the campus and see him again on your first day of classes, but you'll also see him often throughout your training. 

Another person you'll get to know quite well is Lee Landis (not pictured), the Training Department Manager. Lee is a great example of a veteran-turned-truck driver; he spent 21 years in the military, and went on to earn his CDL and drive trucks for almost a decade. He personally enjoyed the travel aspect of being a professional truck driver. That was reminiscent of his military days, during which he had the opportunity to travel to every continent. Many professional drivers will agree that the sense of freedom and autonomy is what they like best about trucking. Landis agrees with Fitzsimmons about what makes SWTDT different from other CDL training schools: management maintains a positive attitude and an ongoing commitment to the success of the student, even after graduation. 

Left to right: Gene Garza, Mark Henley, Rodney Fitzsimmons, Kenny Rodriguez, Gary Mikas

The job of helping YOU get a job falls to Adri Negrete, Job Placement Coordinator. As a mom, Adri understands how important it is to find a job quickly, which, according to instructor John Navarro, is not a hard thing to do once you have your CDL. The demand for truck drivers is so high that you will never again have to worry about being out of work if you hold a CDL. 

Adri will also help find the right job for you. SWTDT will never push any specific carrier, like some job placement coordinators are expected to do. She is proud to work for a company that offers lifetime job placement assistance, so you are never left hanging. At SWTDT, every staff member is there with you from start to finish, and beyond, cheering you on. They are all there to ensure the success of you: the student, and most important person on campus. 

Sounds great, doesn't it? So what are you waiting for?? It's time to jump in and get started on your path to a new career. Rodney and his team are looking forward to meeting with you! Call them at 520-620-6350, or just stop in at 1230 W. Glenn. 

For information on what it takes to earn your CDL in Arizona, click here.