Madison Reporter

Max, a recent graduate of Madison College, is not just embarking on a new career; he's joining a family enterprise. Soon, Max will don the logo shirt of Guy’s Truck & Service and work alongside his father Ryan and grandfather Guy, who founded the business 47 years ago.

“I’ve been in the shop my whole life. I started with taking out the trash and washing trucks," Max says. "Dad made sure I had considered all my career options. These past two years in college have gone fast and have been a lot of fun: I have no doubt this is what I want to do.” The three men share more than just a surname; they are all alumni of Madison College’s Diesel Program: Guy graduated in 1970, Ryan in 1998, and Max on May 10, 2024.

Upon graduation, Max will bring cutting-edge skills that meet today's industry standards to the table. “I hope to share my skills, not all at once, but when a situation comes up, I can put my skills to the test, and hopefully everybody will be impressed,” he shares.

Guy has witnessed the evolution of the industry firsthand. After graduating from Madison College, he worked for seven years with a truck fleet before starting Guy’s Truck & Service in 1977 in Kieler, Wisconsin. Today, the business employs 32 people, including ten family members and operates another location in Galena, Illinois.

When it was time for Max to choose a school for further education, Madison College was his first choice. His father and grandfather saw value in a Madison College education and appreciated the resources it offered.

“This college is committed to this industry, the next new thing, and getting equipment to teach these kids what they will see in their job,” Ryan explains. “That doesn't happen in all schools."

The entire family benefits from their connections as alumni: Guy often invites Madison College instructors to his business to teach employees new skills. Ryan sits on the program advisory board, and they both maintain contact with their classmates and instructors.

Max is also keen on preserving his connections from Madison College. “The guys I go to school with, we’ve talked about getting together after graduation because we don’t want these relationships to end,” he says.

Guy takes pride in the successful business he built using the skills he learned at Madison College. He shares, “I’m pretty proud of that. It does my heart good to drive into the parking lot and see my employees driving some nice-looking trucks. They are making a good living, and what does my heart even better is they love what they do and have fun with one another. We are one big family.”

When Madison College instructor Aaron Dix informed them that they were the first third-generation family to graduate from the Diesel Program, all three were astounded. At Max’s commencement, they will celebrate this unique distinction.

“My chest will stick out…I will be pretty proud,” Guy says. “Max is a good boy.” Ryan agrees: “It’s a proud moment to see your kid graduate, especially in the same trade as you."

Max anticipates that walking across the stage to receive his diploma will be a fleeting moment but one that will bring lasting satisfaction. “When I graduate on May 10, it will be very cool," he shares. "Afterward, it will be pretty rewarding for me to see my family, knowing that I’m done with school, and I’ve accomplished this.”