Thank you guys ,I've been looking for done conversions. Now I'm going to just get the damn van, and just convert as I go. Congrats John, I started in a Honda station wagon.😊 Brian ,love your inspiring and relaxing videos.
Debbie... The best advice we could give anyone who wants to live and travel on the road like this, is Don't worry so much about what your rig is, and that you've got it set up the way you want or not. Simply, get out there, and get yourself going. You'll likely rough it for a bit, but then you'll start to see patterns of where you want things to be, and how you want them to be set up. There's a wonderful series of builds from a gentleman named Lee Blake, (look them up here on RU-vid), who's built several different vans into traveling homes. And Lee clearly explains this very thing, that as you're out there living the life you'd like, that you'll eventually see that (if you've done a full conversion) you'll want to change the way things are laid out...so don't build permanent things when you're just starting out. Allow them (and yourself) to evolve. You'll find there's a lot less stress and you won't put as much pressure on yourself this way. Remember...it's about learning to relax and enjoying the journey. Best wishes and safe travels to you! :)
"When he pulled up in his new vehicle I just got excitement in my heart, it was so awesome...this is one of the main reasons I make videos...to inspire people to believe that 'they' can make this happen no matter what their situation...and he's figured it out and he's living on the road and I'm very inspired" Brian YOU are awesome...YOU are inspiring. You do so 'shine'. What goes around comes around~* Peace, Russ
This is an inspiring episode for those on the fence about living. I'm retired now at 62 and have been traveling since I was 17 and in the Marines. And daily, daily, I still plot and scheme about my next 29k 4 1/2 month motorcycle adventure to South America. You know you love adventures when you get excited to hear other travelers' stories. Not just where they've been, but why they're doing it. I usually hear, I wish I could do that, often from semi or full blown haters of their own decisions. We get one, just one life, so get out there. See. Do. Meet. I enjoy watching you and others you meet along the way doing just that, Brian.
tellfredtellfred i wouldnt go to south america at this moment with crime being through the roof. and they target americans pretty often. id take ur motorcycle journey to canada or take a trip to europe
Erick Fernandez Thanks for advice...but...already had SA adventure 2010-2011 on BMW 1200GS. Strong mems of great and evil. Still planning next SA adventure
Just a note about Canada......we just finished a highway to the arctic ocean were we have Eskimos. Could also visit Alaska and your money is 30% more powerful. Of course South Amewrica is good with some guys too.
Waytago John!! Coming from an ex-OTR driver myself, I Love the way you've found a way to travel, and get paid to do it! I too loved trucking (all through the 80's). It's certainly not the same out there from the way it used to be. Now that my kids have grown, I'm back to traveling again...altho I'm not trucking anymore. I'm now a traveling custom painter, so I work at motorcycle rallies and hot-rod runs. I also letter a lot of trucks and even do a bit of sign painting along the way. Be safe out there driver!
Retired Over The Road Trucker here. almost 30 years and 2.5 million miles. He hit the nail on the Head. That's Awesome it's working for him. I wish him the Best. I was Leased to Land Star Ranger ( in a semi) They have Expedite. Great Company.
My build is going on 8 months and I'm enjoying the project/hobby...it'll be done when it's done. I thought the "throw up in my mouth a little bit" part was a bit judgemental, and a bit surprising coming from you. Other than that, I'm glad you were able to see first hand how you inspired someone, I could tell you were pretty jazzed about it...
A few others misunderstood what I said also. I was referring to the social media accounts that glamorize vanlife by just showing the fancy builds. It is those social media accounts that nauseate me not the individuals. :)
Good Mornin Brain, EXCITED ! NERVOUSLY IMPATIENT ! SCARED ! I TOO HAVE BEEN INSPIRED BY YOU, AFTER I JUMP SOME HURDLES I WILL ALSO BE FOLLOWING THE DREAM. THANK YOU BRIAN FOR YOUR INSIGHT and PATIENCE WITH US WHO ARE ENJOYING YOUR STORY✌. (congrats to John & Lucy)
Congrats to John for making it happen. He put forth a plan, then executed. I love it! Thanks to you Brian for being such a positive force and the ultimate ambassador of inspiration and kindness. I always feel so much better about the world just knowing that people like you are out there :-)
NoProGoPronto WOW...very kind of you to say that. Brain's community of people here on his channel are some of the best. You certainly are a great example of that.
My husband and I use to team truck drive cross country. We are really interested in the expedited company talked about in this video. We did tractor trailer expedited with a company called Panther and never knew there were these kind of companies. We always wanted to go back to truck driving when he "retires" and the kids are older and "out of the house". This looks like the perfect kind of work! Thank you Brian for these videos!
Just had a fantastically long conversation w/ John today, and he's just a super guy all the way around. Thank you Brian for introducing him to the world, and hopefully we can give him the push to take the leap you took w/ making this channel. There's PLENTY of room for Nomads around here!
I’m on MediCare. I’m still a guitar player. Been one for almost 50 years. I taught, repaired, ran the store, taught (some more......even Bach had students & I’m no Bach) and played. You gotta be versatile, you gotta scuffle. Good on John. Happy folks do things with which they have a prior proclivity. I am really getting into your channel Brian. No e-begging, you work real jobs and a VERY low drama station.Thanks !
What an awesome story. I smiled from the beginning to the end. He has a nice set up and lucy is so darn cute. He is from TN, that is where i live. Wonder what part. Maybe both of you can meet up in TN some day. You are both more then welcome to use my yard and stay here anyime you want. Brian, you inspire so many people. What a gift. There is no feeling like knowing you made a difference in someones life. happy trails.
Cindys cross stitch WOW Cindy what a thoughtful gesture. Thank you for your kind offer. I'm actually from San Diego like Brian but my last job was working out of TN. My best friend for over 40 years (also from SD) lives there so I stayed with him. I was there for about 18 months. He lives in La Vergne just south of Nashville. I just spoke with him & we are planning to get together the week of May 8th at some point or that weekend. TN is pretty spread out but if your close I would be happy to meet up. If not then maybe next time. Oh & great idea to have a group meet up..maybe someday
Truly inspiring. What a great guy. And a great tip for making money, if you want to drive a lot. You can tell a lot about a person by their pets. That he has his little doggie for 16 years is truly sweet. I hope maybe John posts, through you perhaps, or some way others can check in with him once in a while. Enjoy the day!
John, I am so happy for you! Awesome setup... Great job on making it happen. Brian, you are an excellent interviewer, and a great inspiration for even those of us who don't travel. Great vlog! 👍🏼
So glad you made this video about John. This is exactly what I want to do. Have been researching expediting for a while. Glad to see someone doing it and still being able to see the sights as they wish.
You really are inspirational Brian. You have not idea how much people who want to live your lifestyle are inspired by you and the others that make videos, who are successful at enjoying life rather than doing the 9 to 5 grind just to pay rent. God bless you for all you do!
I know this video is 4 years old but I've been looking for ways to incorporate my 11 years in trucking to Vanlife.....He idea is FABULOUS!!! NOW I KNOW WHICH DIRECTION TO TAKE
WOW , Brian ..I know this is a year old but I got so happy for John and I think there should be a meet up and follow up with John it see how he is doing. What a Great Story. Geez, I'm still smiling. That's how happy it made me.You are a true inspiration and God will bless you . Take care, be happy, be safe and happy trails. PS: I love your videos, I'm retiring in 16 months and will be hitting the road too my friend.
Brian, this MUST leave you feeling fulfilled!......just one example that your pursuit has come to fruition. Surely, John will continue the process and the progress. The best to both😊
I just came back 2 days from Eastern Sierra. I saw about 50 more vans than normal. Brian I like your van better since it is so simple. Happy you got your spirits up.
Yes The way everything becomes about making things "trendy" Makes me sick too We buy very little and never anything "fashionable" Great video Brian Thank you
Good job John. What a awesome rig to do it all with. I hope John all happiness and success for his adventure. Brian I am go glad that this came about so quickly for the both of you. Thanks for being at the right place at the right time for John. That is what it is about to help each other carry the load. For encouragement and just to be there to answer questions. Good job Brian. Stay safe and happy trails. to both John and Brian. Joyce
AWESOME BRIAN and Happy trails,adventures men. Enjoyed video thanks for sharing your van ,your business and home. I will defiantly reconsider advice .not over spend on accommodations with in .To focused on goal to have my adventure .
Awesome , I have started working toward the same idea.Just waiting for my boy to graduate so i can get out there !!! He said I couldn't start traveling until he starts college ! Brian , You are an inspiration !
great video very inspiring. I hope this makes you feel much better, you do so much for so many. it's a joy to follow you, now all I have to do is get my act together.
Great interview Brian. Long time watcher (on an AppleTV, so I don't get to comment). You are a huge inspiration for my wife and I, and we look forward to watching every one of your videos when they come out. It's inspiring to see someone enjoying life so much. Thank you!
lauri robbins Yes I try and stay positive & when confronted with negativity I find something positive & focus on that. Keep my stress level low is very important to me.
This is one of the most inspiring videos, of someone who is doing what I plan to do in the near future, that I have seen. Thanks so much for getting John on your channel. Lucy is very sweet. I just subscribed to his channel. Cheers - Martin Blair - Canada
I would not want to do that much driving but I am really glad he enjoys it and it works well for him. Interesting career idea tho. We all have our priorities. I still plan to wait 3 years when I can draw on a pension early and begin a semi-retirement lifestyle. I am going to look into the ebay thing better... my first tests were awful but learned some good lessons. One must sell what the public is interested in, and not what you are interested in. :)
