Written by David Harper
I’ve had a Ford F-150 since 2016. But long before I ever had a truck, I had plenty of experience doing “truck things.”
My wife and mother-in-law are both realtors, which means open houses, staging homes, and moving furniture were regular parts of life. My brother-in-law ran a warehouse selling vitamins and supplements—guess who helped with the heavy lifting? I’ve lugged boxes, hauled mattresses, made countless donation runs, and helped pack more than a few moving vans. Even before I owned a truck, I was living the truck life.
Once I got the F-150, everything got a whole lot easier.
From Pennsylvania to Florida: A Tale of Two Truck States
I grew up in Western Pennsylvania, where trucks make a lot of sense. The weather can turn harsh fast, and if you live outside the city, having a truck can mean the difference between getting where you need to go—or not.
But when I moved to Florida over 20 years ago, I was confused. Why were there so many trucks in a state with no snow? Why were the ditches on either side of the road so deep?
Then came my first Florida summer.
Baptism by Storm
That summer, we were hit with Hurricanes Charley, Frances, and Jeanne. Not to mention the daily afternoon thunderstorms that roll in like clockwork. I’ll never forget one particular storm. I had driven my minivan through a dip in the road on the way to a destination. It was dry. On the way back? The water had risen so high it washed over the hood and splashed against the windshield.
Suddenly, those six-foot ditches made perfect sense. So did the trucks.
Why I Got a Truck—and Why I Keep It
It didn’t take long before I joined the ranks of Florida truck owners. Since then, I’ve used my truck to help family, friends, and even strangers. A move here. A delivery there. A quick donation drop-off or a furniture haul for someone who didn’t have the means.
My truck has become a tool—not just for convenience, but for kindness.
Kindness Doesn’t Require a Truck
At HPK Provident Advisors, we believe in the power of small, everyday acts of generosity. A truck may help, but it’s not necessary. Holding a door. Offering a ride. Taking time to listen. Lending a hand when it’s needed most.
These things matter. They make a difference in someone’s day, and they change us for the better too.
So, whether you drive a truck, a car, a bike—or you’re just walking down the street—we encourage you to look for opportunities to help others. The world needs more of that.
And who knows? Maybe one day, your own story of kindness will start with, “I have a truck…”