From Opera To Open Road: Becoming a Truck Driver
Ever since he could remember, Matthew Lord was always performing for others, whether that be by singing along to his favorite opera songs, or by telling jokes to his family for hours on end. He made this passion into a professional career by singing at the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center in New York City, NY. That professional career quickly shifted into a collegiate career at the Julliard School of Music, where he graduated as a classically-trained opera singer.
From there, he performed for thousands of people at many prestigious theaters, including the San Fransisco Opera and Dallas Opera. However, after unfortunate world events, Matthew was forced out of the industry and had to look for a new professional beginning. After scouring newspaper classifieds, Matthew happened upon an ad for Franklin Truck Driving School and knew that he had found his new beginning.
During my school experience, I listened to many presentations, but was highly impressed with Stevens’ presentation, as well as their nice, big trucks! I knew that I would be successful in this new career with such a great company!
Matthew Lord, Stevens Driving Academy Graduate
Right after receiving his CDL, the entertainment industry picked back up, and so did Matthew’s opera career. Soon after, Matthew created a show called the Three Redneck Tenors for a school in Grapevine, TX, a show that is stated to remind their audiences “that in life, it is not the destination, it’s the journey”. In 2006, the show was viewed by an agent, and offered Matthew and his co-stars, the opportunity to showcase it across the country. So, Matthew quit his opera career, packed his bags, and toured around the country for the next 18 years.
In 2015, the trio brought their act to national television by performing on “America’s Got Talent”. The performance propelled the group all the way to the Top 10 before they were ultimately cut. The show went on, and in February 2020, they were invited to perform on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon”. Two weeks later, the entertainment industry shut its doors again, this time due to COVID-19.
“When the entertainment industry closed its doors again, I knew it was time to give this career a real chance. I figured that Stevens was still in business, so I gave them a call! Because it was 18 years since I was behind the wheel of a truck, my CDL lapsed, so I had to go back through school, but I was excited to get trained by the best company in the industry!”
Matthew has since completed his school and over-the-road training, and is currently experiencing life on the road as a solo driver. “I thoroughly loved my experience in both school and with my trainer, and look forward to applying everything I have learned to my solo experience!”
We are proud of everything you have accomplished with Stevens and are excited to see what else you achieve in your new career!