In the early hours of the workday, long before many of us have silenced our alarm clocks, Bob Gobrogge is already behind the wheel of his lowboy truck. In his specialized heavy-duty semi-trailer with its low deck height, Bob transports heavy road construction equipment from one job site to another. He has been hauling equipment since his early days with The Gerken Companies in 2003, and it’s a job he truly loves.

Early Years

Bob’s story begins in Napoleon, Ohio, where he grew up on a family dairy farm near Malinta. From a young age, hard work and early mornings were part of his everyday life. He would rise before the sun to milk cows before school, only to return home for a second round after classes. He spent weekends laboriously baling hay, developing a strong work ethic that would serve him well in his career.

It was on the farm that Bob learned to drive, mastering the operation of various farm equipment long before he was old enough for a driver’s license. That early hands-on experience proved invaluable in his role as a lowboy driver, which requires him to know how to operate every piece of equipment Gerken has so he can load and unload his truck. While someone taught him how to drive some vehicles, he figured out the rest on his own.

After graduating from Patrick Henry High School, Bob went to work for a local farmer. He then took a job driving for a freight company, transporting loads to and from Chicago, before returning to the farm for a while. He eventually took a job driving a semi-truck for Gerken, and he jumped at the chance when an internal lowboy driver position became available.

“Hauling equipment is what I enjoy doing,” says Bob. “Having the responsibility for doing the job right is like being your own boss, and doing it safely is incredibly rewarding.”

Outside of Work

Bob and his wife, Marcia, have been married for 26 years. Their love story began when Bob was volunteering at Big Brothers Big Sisters, where Marcia was employed. Their son is set to graduate from high school this spring and plans to pursue a career as a diesel mechanic.

In their free time, Bob and Marcia enjoy riding their 2002 Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic motorcycle and camping. “My best memories are from being on the Harley together,” he says. Whenever they can, they love exploring the country on their bike and have visited 38 states so far. They cherish day-long rides that include a lunch stop, relishing the simple joys of life on the road.

“Cell phones and GPS have taken some of the fun out of exploring,” says Bob, reflecting on the days when getting lost and having to find their own way home was part of the adventure.

In addition to riding the motorcycle, Bob has a budding passion for restoring old tractors, a hobby he hopes to pursue more actively when he retires. For now, however, he remains wholeheartedly committed to hauling equipment for Gerken. The family-owned business resonates deeply with his values, providing not just a job but a community.

“I appreciate working for a company that truly cares for its employees and treats everyone with respect,” Bob states. “I would absolutely recommend Gerken to any young person looking for a job.”

When asked how he believes his friends and coworkers would describe him, Bob immediately responds, “Hardworking.” He hopes they see him as a dependable person, always willing to step in and help.

“Really, I’m just a hardworking individual who understands the importance of completing a job.”

At his core, Bob Gobrogge embodies dedication, resilience, and benevolence. He serves as a powerful reminder that hard work, coupled with a genuine respect for others, can lead to a fulfilling life. His mantra resonates deeply: be kind, take the time to appreciate life’s simple pleasures, and savor life because tomorrow is never guaranteed. In a world that often prioritizes speed over substance, Bob stands as a beacon of integrity and purpose, inspiring those around him to embrace life fully and always lend a hand to those in need.