Activity Equals Opportunity: An Inside Look at One of our Most Successful Graduates

I would like to start off by saying that Brandi Patterson is a winner. She’s a tenacious worker who has a “take no prisoners” attitude. She gets things done. I don’t for one minute take any direct credit for her success, but I will say she is the only student that has come through our school to take all three freight broker courses.

She first started out by taking our online course, then the basic, and then the advanced. Brandi would check in from time to time and tell me how hard things were. Her husband was on assignment in the military. She had young daughters just like my wife and me.

She confided in me about her struggles - financial hardships, being alone as a military wife, raising the girls, and trying to find a career that she could put all her energy and brilliance to work. Brandi found her niche - or as I like to say, her niche found her because she was working hard.

Out of all of our students who have gone on to work as agents, she’s among the top achievers.  I asked Brandi if we could ask her a few questions about her journey and challenges. Here’s what she shared:

What were your biggest challenges starting out?

Fear of rejection when calling for new business.

What is the best advice you can give anyone wanting to enter this industry?

Don’t give up! Even though you’ll get many “No’s,” the one “Yes” you get is all the motivation you need to know that you are making progress.

I have always said, “Winners never lose and losers never win.” If you go into any industry with zero expectations, then what do you have to lose? Nothing. Go for it and you will be surprised at the opportunities that may open up to you.

How did taking all three courses help you?

It helped me understand the lingo in the industry and prepped me in the right direction for screening clients and carriers.

What does your day look like as a freight broker?

My days are busy. I’m constantly providing quotes, dispatching loads, confirming carriers are still on schedule, invoicing, and confirming carriers have active authority and proper insurance.

Brandi Patterson is truly a rockstar. The entire team at Brooke is so proud of her for her hard work, tenacious spirit, and ability to inspire others.

One last thing we’d like to mention about Brandi is that she has a heart for giving back to others and to her community. As a part of her success and growth, she wanted to be able to give back to those in need. She serves as the foundation event coordinator for Hanna4Hope, a non-profit foundation established to bring teenage suicide, one of the leading causes of death among today’s youth, to the forefront of communities.

This is an organization that the Brooke Family supports, as well. You can learn more about it here. Thanks, Brandi, for sharing with our community!

Moving Forward,

Jeff Roach

214-206-1169

brooketraining.com

Monica's Incredible Journey: From Stay-at-home Mom to Successful Freight Broker Agent

Today, we’d like to introduce you to one of our most recent graduates, Monica Jaramillo. Monica graduated from Brooke in June and has since landed an agent position with Prosper Logistics. Monica is a great example of what you can accomplish in this industry with the right attitude, work ethic, and education. Here’s an inside look at her journey. 

Monica was introduced to the transportation industry long before coming to Brooke. At a young age, Monica observed her father working for JB Hunt Transport. She was intrigued and knew she wanted to follow in his footsteps. 

She began working as a receptionist at Swift Transportation and was promoted after 10 short months. She went on to hold a variety of positions including Safety & Compliance Administrative Assistant, Certified DOT Log Instructor, Safety Coordinator, and Driver Manager Business Advisor. One of her biggest achievements was graduating from Texas A&M International University.

Before coming to Brooke, Monica was a stay-at-home mother. She owned a truck with her husband and was in the process of purchasing another. Monica wanted the absolute best for her family and had the drive to achieve anything she set out to do. 

“I just remember setting my goals and going for them. I had to be a good role model. I wanted to do this not only for me, but for our four girls, and our family to come in the near future,” Monica said. 

We interviewed Monica about her new career, her experience at Brooke, and her future moving forward. Here’s what she shared:

What are you doing now in your career?

Currently, my husband and I have two trucks. I am working for Prosper Logistics as a freight broker agent and have three great customers. I moved about ten loads in the first week. The best is yet to come!

What challenges have you faced in your new career? 

I had to overcome the fear of rejection. There really is no other option. When someone says, “No!” I kindly say, “Thank you. I will call you again in the future to see if I’m able to help you and your business.”

What have been your biggest “wins” in your new career?

First starting out as an agent, I was worried I wouldn’t be able to make any sales. Being a housewife and barely making ends meets, I thought, “How am I going to do this?” 

My biggest win is not only getting one but three contracts in about 6 weeks.  I set my goals and made things happen! I knew that this was a real opportunity for me to start making money.

How was your experience training with Brooke?

I went in not knowing a single thing about the freight brokerage industry. By the time I left, I was already thinking about where I was going to apply. It opened up a passion in me that I didn’t know I had. 

My husband, who is my number one fan, had been telling me to pursue this career for months. He has had no doubt that I would be successful, determined, ethical, and above all, happy - and he was correct. When I met the staff and instructors, I knew it was worth it. I thought very highly of their training. I met great people and lifelong friends.

How was working with our team at Brooke?

Not only are the instructors well experienced in the field, but they have humility and respect for each other and for all the students. They were willing and able to share their knowledge with us, without holding anything back. The faith and desire to help others prosper is the foundation of the Brooke team.

What are your goals moving forward? 

I want to do everything that I was meant to do in this world. I have a very supportive family. I want to be successful and remembered as being a hard worker. I want to be able to afford to take my daughter to Disney Land, take family vacations, help others, and give back to my community.

What are you most excited about moving forward? 

The great success story that awaits for me in the future, an incredible journey, and the many blessings I am thankful for.

Thank you, Monica! For sharing your incredible story with us and the community. You truly are a rockstar and we are so proud of all you have and will accomplish. 

If you’re interested in this career path, we’d love to be apart of your journey. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions at 214-206-1169.

Moving Forward,

Jeff Roach

214-206-1169

brooketraining.com