For nearly ten years, Anthony Evans has been more than a driver — he’s been a mentor. As a trainer at our #KnightPhoenix Refrigerated Terminal, he’s helped shape the careers of many new drivers, using the skills he developed during a 22-year military career: patience and adaptability.
Anthony’s journey to trucking wasn’t immediate. After retiring from the military in 2003, he spent 12 years in the resort industry before deciding it was time for a change. “It was just something I always wanted to do,” he says. “And it gives you the freedom, for the most part, where you don’t have to deal with people all day, every day. Coming out of the resort business, you're constantly dealing with hotel guests and vendors—so I call this stress-free.”
Within a year of driving, Anthony was approached about becoming a trainer. Given his extensive experience training soldiers in the military, the role felt like a natural fit. “I’ve done it all my adult life, so why not?” he says. “It gives you the opportunity to give back, to try and cultivate the next group of professional drivers.”
Since stepping into the role, Anthony has developed an adaptive training style, prioritizing the needs of his students over rigid instruction. “As a trainer, you have to be able to adapt to the learning abilities of your student—not the other way around. What worked for the last person may not work with the next person.”
To ensure success, he spends the first few days of training getting to know each student: understanding their goals, how they learn best, and what challenges they might face. Some need detailed explanations, while others learn best by doing. For Anthony, it’s all about meeting them where they are.
We’re proud to have him within our fleet as a #KnightTrainer!
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