CDA is pleased to announce the recipients of its second annual Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Scholarship Program, The Drive to Thrive: CDL Scholarship Program. This program provides distributor member company employees with an opportunity to grow their careers to become commercial truck drivers. The scholarship program provides 10 recipients with up to $5,000 toward training at a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) certified CDL training center.

After a rigorous and anonymous selection process, the judging panel has chosen 10 exceptional distributor member company employees to receive the scholarships. Learn more about the recipients below.

Dallas Burkhardt has worked for Team Sledd for almost two years. He is a non-CDL delivery driver based in Wheeling, WV. Burkhardt is pursuing his CDL to grow within the company and build a secure future. Known for his dependability and work ethic, he’s seen as a great fit for a long-term route driver.

Marquis Coburn has worked for SpartanNash for a year and a half. He is an order selector and trainer based in Oklahoma City, OK. Coburn is excited to gain experience as a CDL driver and advance within the company. As a “Wall of Fame” inductee, he is a standout example of passion and growth.

Lenin Cruz has worked for Resnick Distributors for a year and a half. He is a Class D delivery driver based in New Brunswick, NJ. Cruz hopes to use his CDL to gain experience and build a successful career. His commitment to continuous improvement makes him a valued member of the team.

Sergio Esquivel has worked for Grocery Supply Company for two years. He is a driver’s helper based in Brenham, TX. Esquivel is looking forward to the knowledge and career growth that comes with earning a CDL. Named the 2024 Brenham Helper of the Year, he is known for his adaptability and strong work ethic.

Micheal Hooten has worked for Harbor Wholesale Foods for over three years. He is a driver assistant and non-CDL box truck driver based in Roseburg, OR. Hooten sees obtaining a CDL as the next step to grow within the company. As a two-time President’s Club award winner, he’s recognized for his dedication, skills, and positive influence.

Brandon Lappin has worked for Grocery Supply Company for six years. He is a driver’s helper based in Sulphur Springs, TX. Lappin is eager to obtain his CDL and grow within the company. He is valued for his strong communication skills and commitment to the company’s success.

Luis Martinez has worked for Resnick Distributors for two years. He is a Class D delivery driver based in New Brunswick, NJ. Martinez’s proactive approach and attention to detail makes him an invaluable team member. Earning his CDL will allow him to expand his role and advance his career.

Antonio Overstreet has worked for Lyons Specialty Co., LLC, for nine years. He is a dock and loader lead based in Port Allen, LA. Gaining a CDL will fulfill a longtime goal for Overstreet, enabling him to contribute more to his team’s success and enhance his career.

Brad Stephens has worked for Renfro Supply Company for eighteen years. He is the general manager based in Williamsburg, KY. Stephens looks forward to gaining a deeper knowledge of the transportation industry and plans to use his CDL to help the company expand their footprint.

Daryl White has worked for SpartanNash for eight years. He is a forklift operator and parcel associate based in Omaha, NE. White hopes to use his CDL to grow within the company and take on new challenges. His manager praises his reliability and longtime desire to become a CDL driver.

CDA’s Distributors Education Foundation (DEF) is focused on addressing the shortage of CDL holders by offering The Drive to Thrive: CDL Scholarship Program for employees of distributor member companies who are interested in becoming a commercial driver. We are honored to support these talented and committed employees on their journeys toward obtaining their CDL. Congratulations to all scholarship winners, and we wish them the best of luck.

To learn more about The Drive to Thrive: CDL Scholarship Program, visit: https://www.cdaweb.net/CDL.