Driven By Purpose: Ra's Road to Success at Wausau Supply Company

Ra’s story is one of grit, growth, and generational legacy. A truck driver for Wausau Supply Company, Ra has spent the past six years building a career that began in the warehouse and now spans the highways of Wisconsin and beyond.

Originally from the Ivory Coast of Africa, Ra moved to the United States at age 11. His grandfather, a military veteran and refugee, brought the family here in search of safety and opportunity. “He was a truck driver too,” Ra shares. “So in a way, I’m continuing what he started.”

Before joining Wausau Supply, Ra worked at Merrill Steel. He started at Wausau Supply Company as a picker in the warehouse, but it didn’t take long for him to realize his passion was on the road. “I love driving. I can go for hours without getting tired. At first, it was about the money, but then I realized I really enjoy it.”

Ra’s enthusiasm for trucking is matched by his appreciation for Wausau Supply’s culture. “The ESOP program is huge,” he says. “And the open-door policy here, leadership actually listens. They care about your schedule, your family. If I need time off for my kids, it’s never a problem.”

Ra is a proud father of two boys and has a longtime girlfriend. He’s also fluent in French, a skill that reflects his international roots and adds depth to his story.

But Ra isn’t just thinking about today, he’s looking ahead to the future of the industry. “A lot of truck drivers are older. In about a decade, they’ll retire. That’s going to leave a big gap.”

He’s passionate about mentoring the next generation and sees trucking as a stepping stone to financial independence. “Kids today look at trucking like it’s a dirty job. They don’t realize that if you play your cards right, you can build a solid net worth by 30. You don’t have to stay in trucking forever, you can use it to elevate yourself.”

Ra believes part of the problem is visibility. “Back in the day, you’d see blue-collar jobs on TV, Sanford and Son, In the Heat of the Night. Now it’s all executives and doctors. Kids don’t see trucking as a viable path.”

He’s even considering starting a business to help bridge the gap. “There aren’t many online classes or mentors for new drivers. Some of the older guys don’t do social media, so their knowledge isn’t getting passed down. I want to create something that helps Gen Z understand the trade while giving older generations a way to share what they know.”

Whether he’s navigating the scenic roads of Door County or dreaming up ways to support future drivers, Ra brings heart, hustle, and heritage to everything he does.

Here's to you Ra, and the rest of our drivers, this National Truck Driver Appreciation Week!