An Inspired Chat with Jennifer Ann Warner

We recently had the chance to connect with Jennifer Ann Warner and have shared our conversation below.

Jennifer Ann, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
What do I think others are secretly struggling with… but never say?

I think many professional drivers are silently carrying the weight of being expected to operate like machines—always on, always tough, always fine. Behind the wheel, there’s this unspoken pressure to keep going no matter what: long hours, dangerous roads, isolation, and the constant stress of providing for families. And yet, most drivers won’t say a word. They’ll smile at the fuel stop, crack a joke on the radio, and keep rolling—because vulnerability isn’t something the industry has made room for.

But I believe that struggle deserves a voice. That’s why Compass & Convoy Creative has created Guardrail Wellness Solutions—to offer practical wellness tools, honest guidance, and a space where drivers can be human again. Because strength isn’t just about endurance—it’s about knowing when to rest, reset, and reach out.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Meet Jennifer Ann Warner:

I’m a professional driver, creative entrepreneur, and founder of Compass & Convoy Creative LLC. My work lives at the intersection of storytelling, wellness, and advocacy—especially for those of us who spend our lives on the road. After decades behind the wheel and in the classroom, I’ve built a brand that honors the lived experience of drivers while offering practical tools for wellness, resilience and connection.

My vlog, Just A Typical Day Of Trucking, (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook) gives a real and relatable look at life on the road—equal parts humor, honesty, and heart.
My book, THE ROUGH ROAD AHEAD – A Driver’s Guide to Resilience, is the book I wish I had when I first started driving. It’s a roadmap for navigating life on the road, – from healthier eating and better sleep to managing stress and staying connected. And the 5 – star reviews and glowing testimonials speak for themselves.
Through my new website, www.compassconvoy.com, I share creative resources, merch, and wellness tools designed to meet drivers where they are.

Most recently, I launched Guardrail Wellness Solutions—a consulting and coaching initiative that brings driver-focused wellness directly to drivers, as well as CDL schools, fleets, and communities. It’s about more than self-care; it’s about stewardship, legacy, and giving drivers permission to be human.

Whether I’m sharing a monthly article on wellness, designing individualized dashboard affirmation cards, hosting a book signing at truck stops, or building curriculum for the next generation of drivers, my mission is clear: to empower, uplift, and create space for real conversations in an industry that often forgets we’re people first.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
Who taught me the most about work?

I’d have to answer that on two levels—one personal, one professional.

On the professional side, Harry has been my compass in the trucking world. With decades of experience, he’s taught me the kind of wisdom you won’t find in a manual: how to navigate the industry with integrity and how to stay grounded when the road gets rough, His mentorship has shaped my time as a Class A driver and continues to guide me as I build Guardrail Wellness Solutions.

But the deepest lessons came from my father. He was a driver too—boat captain and cab driver — and he worked tirelessly to provide for our family. His dedication ran so deep that he kept going until his body simply couldn’t anymore. He passed in 2013, but his love of driving and his unwavering commitment to family still fuel everything I do. He taught me that work isn’t just about earning—it’s about showing up, staying the course, and honoring the people you love through your effort.

Between Harry’s mentorship and my father’s legacy, I’ve learned that work is sacred when it’s rooted in service. And that’s the heart of my mission today.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
When did I stop hiding my pain and start using it as power?

It happened the moment I realized I wasn’t alone—and that silence was costing me more than honesty ever could.

When I first started driving, I had my CDL, a job, and a brave face. But inside, I was craving something deeper: structure in the chaos, balance between work and life, connection to people who understood, and peace in the middle of it all. That’s why I wrote THE ROUGH ROAD AHEAD—because it’s the book I wish I’d had back then. It’s not just a guide; it’s a lifeline for anyone who’s ever felt like they had to keep rolling while falling apart inside.

I stopped hiding my pain when I realized it could be a bridge—not a barrier. Sharing my story didn’t make me weaker; it made me a resource. It gave other drivers permission to feel, to heal, and to speak up. That’s the power behind Guardrail Wellness Solutions. It’s not about perfection—it’s about showing up with truth, tools, and a little bit of humor to remind folks they’re not alone.

Pain taught me how to listen. Resilience taught me how to lead.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
What are the biggest lies my industry tells itself?

The biggest one? That we have a “driver shortage.”

It’s a convenient narrative—but it’s not the whole truth. What we really have is a retention crisis. Drivers aren’t disappearing; they’re burning out. They’re leaving jobs that undervalue them, underpay them, and stretch them to the breaking point. The turnover rate in trucking is still over 80%, and yet the industry keeps dangling sign-on bonuses that are often spread out over two years—just long enough to mask the churn.

This myth allows companies to avoid accountability for poor working conditions, lack of support, and the emotional toll of the job. It shifts the blame onto drivers instead of addressing the systemic issues that push them out.

That’s why I created Guardrail Wellness Solutions. Because drivers deserve more than a paycheck and a pat on the back—they deserve structure, balance, connection, and peace. We don’t need more bodies in seats. We need to care for the ones already there.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
When do I feel most at peace?

I feel most at peace when I’m helping—plain and simple. Whether it’s supporting my husband, encouraging a fellow driver, guiding a coaching client, or just being there for a friend who needs a listening ear, that’s when I feel most grounded and fulfilled. It doesn’t matter if the task is big or small; what matters is knowing I’ve made someone’s load a little lighter.

Helping is my heartbeat. It’s the through-line in my work, my relationships, and my mission. From the daily vlog to the book and the services, every piece is meant to serve someone’s real need. That’s what gives my life meaning—and that’s the legacy I hope to leave behind: a trail of kindness, wisdom, and practical support that reminds people they’re never alone.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
All photos by Jennifer Ann Warner

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