Bob Esler, OOIDA Secretary, was elected to the Board of Directors in 1980 and in 1983 was appointed by the Board of Directors to the position of Association Secretary.
Bob started driving full time in 1968. He bought his first truck in November of 1978. From 1978 to 2003, he hauled a variety of freight before finding his niche in the machinery and heavy haul industry.
In 2003, he took a position with the company he was leased to that involved sales, safety, and training. In 2006, Bob returned to driving full time as a company driver. Currently he is with a pneumatic bulk carrier hauling plastic pellets.
Looking back over the years Bob will tell you there are so many stories to tell…some good…some bad. The good…when he started truckers were truly “Knights of the Road.” Ready to lend a hand at a moment’s notice. The bad… nowadays trucking isn’t what it used to be. It has become just another job.
Bob and his wife, Ruth, reside in Taylor, MI. Between them they have nine children, many grandchildren, with a couple of great grandchildren in the mix. They are active members of their church, where Bob serves as a lay minister and does a prison ministry. They enjoy spending time together camping when they can.
Bob fulfills many functions for OOIDA on a volunteer basis in addition to his regular duties as OOIDA Secretary.