Leading from the Heart: How Jerry Curl is Elevating Safety and Well-being in Trucking

In this impactful episode of On The Front Line: The Safety, Learning and Operations Podcast, host Dr. Gina Anderson welcomes Jerry Curl, Director of Operations and Certified Director of Safety at Hoffman Transportation, to explore what compassionate leadership looks like in an industry known for long hours, high stress, and operational challenges. Jerry shares his deeply personal and professional journey—one shaped by his commitment to health, empathy, and people-first leadership. His insights go far beyond trucking, offering universal lessons for any leader seeking to transform culture, boost morale, and create a workplace where people feel seen, valued, and inspired.

Redefining Leadership in High-Stakes Environments

Jerry Curl believes leadership starts by recognizing the humanity of every team member. In trucking, drivers are often treated like numbers, but Jerry calls them heroes—and he means it. He shares how he began his transformation by focusing on his own health, inspiring a ripple effect among his team to prioritize their well-being too. Dr. Anderson and Jerry dive into the systemic changes needed to support frontline workers—from advocating for healthier food options at truck stops to encouraging open conversations around mental health.

Building real relationships is central to Jerry’s leadership philosophy. He describes how daily journaling and one-on-one connections have become tools for staying present and purpose-driven. Vulnerability also plays a key role: Jerry reflects on how stepping into the spotlight, despite discomfort, has expanded his impact. From participating in summits to speaking on social platforms, he's modeling what it means to lead by example and to grow boldly.

Dr. Anderson closes the conversation by honoring Jerry with the symbolic “Pelican Award,” celebrating those who lead with quiet strength and a deep sense of service. Their conversation is a masterclass in leadership for safety and operations professionals—and a powerful reminder that true impact often comes not from the loudest voice, but from the most consistent heart.

About Jerry Curl

Jerry Curl is Director of Operations and Certified Director of Safety at Hoffman Transportation. A passionate advocate for frontline health and safety, Jerry blends operational excellence with people-centered leadership to drive lasting culture change in the trucking industry.

About Hoffman Transportation

Hoffman Transportation is a family-owned business committed to safe, reliable freight transport across the country. With a strong emphasis on driver support and operational efficiency, Hoffman is redefining what it means to care for the people behind the wheel.

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• Jerry Curl on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jerry-curl-45383411

• Hoffman Transportation: hoffmantransportation.com

• Apply to be a guest: podcast.learningwithgina.com/podcast-guest

Key Episode Highlights:

• Treating drivers as professionals and heroes, not just job titles

• Modeling personal health changes to influence team wellness

• Using journaling to stay intentional in daily leadership

• Embracing discomfort to grow and amplify your impact

• Celebrating the power of quiet, consistent leadership

Conclusion

This episode with Jerry Curl is a must-listen for leaders looking to bring more empathy, accountability, and purpose to their operations. His example proves that leadership rooted in heart—not ego—can change lives.

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