Star Nation Stories

#StarNation, you showed up in your entries for the 2024 Star Nation Experience! With such a large response, picking the most passionate Western Star owners and operators and American Truck Simulator brand enthusiasts was no easy task. That said, we are proud to announce the eight winners that will be our guests in Bend, Oregon, from August 8—11. There, they will visit the Madras Proving Grounds for a Driver Challenge and see the latest X-Series lineup and Western Star innovations. They will also get the opportunity to interact with Western Star product experts, go on a guided fly-fishing trip and ATV Side-by-Side adventure.

We cannot wait to see them all in the wild!

 

Raised in a family rooted in trucking, Casey’s journey into the industry began early on. From his childhood years riding alongside his grandfather in a cherished old cab-over, Casey has evolved into a seasoned driver with 20 years of on-road experience. And before all that, he spent over 5 years in off-highway construction roles.

Currently behind the wheel of a 2016 Western Star 4900 heavy wrecker, Casey values the truck's spacious and comfortable interior, as well as its rugged durability. When it comes to his job, Casey finds satisfaction in simply helping others. Looking forward to the 2024 Star Nation Experience, he expresses, "I'm excited to see the new products being released and to learn more about the future of Western Star."

When he’s not behind the wheel or on the road, Casey enjoys spending quality time with his family and friends.

 

Trista House stepped into trucking from a transformative career shift after two decades in IT and a short stint on her family's dairy farm. Dissatisfied with office life and uninterested in continuing dairy farming, she seized an opportunity in construction and equipment operation, guided by a lifelong friend in the industry. But soon, recognizing a demand for women-owned businesses in construction, Trista ventured into dump truck ownership and found a love for operating heavy equipment. Currently, she's been behind the wheel of a 2025 Western Star 47X dump truck, a rig she personally designed . "When I bought my first new truck," Trista explains, "I crafted the Western Star of my dreams, complete with purple paint!"

Since getting her CDL back in 2005 to drive buses for a rural school district, Trista has fully embraced trucking life. She loves the camaraderie that comes with construction and watching the job site come to life. Excited for the Star Nation Experience, she can't wait to bond with other Western Star fans, dive deeper into the brand and become part of the Star Nation crew.

When she's not on the road, Trista treasures moments with her daughters and grandbaby, plus adventures like kayaking and exploring the great outdoors—a perfect complement to the Star Nation Experience happening up ahead.

 

Dustin Bishop got into trucking during the 2008 recession. After tech school and college, he joined the family business, running a septic truck and getting his CDL at just 19. For the past 15 years, he's balanced managing operations with occasional drives in his trusty Western Star 4700. Dustin says, "Some of my best days are when I get a call to jump into one of our dump trucks."

Looking forward to the Star Nation Experience, he's eager to connect with other truckers and swap stories. Outside of trucking, Dustin coaches his daughters' softball teams in spring and summer and mentors a middle school wrestling team in winter. He loves hunting and spending time outdoors with his family.

 

Ronald Buffington's journey into trucking began in northern Maine's logging industry, where he started hauling oversized loads on the famed Golden Road during breaks from school. His passion for trucking grew as he earned his Class A license in high school and continued hauling timber to local mills. Today, Ronald drives a meticulously built 4900SF that he "ordered and built it [himself]. Since 2018, Ronald has taken great pride in assembling and maintaining this truck to keep it looking top-notch.

Thriving on the daily challenges and adrenaline rush of his job, Ronald finds each day behind the wheel unique and exciting. Selected for the Star Nation Experience, he eagerly anticipates exploring new places and connecting with fellow trucking enthusiasts.

Off-duty, Ronald cherishes time with his three children, enjoys maintaining his truck, and indulges in outdoor activities like hunting and fishing across Maine's scenic landscapes. His dedication to trucking and his love for adventure are what define his remarkable journey in the industry.

 

Jack Snowdon's career as a professional truck driver began in 2007 when he sought a position operating a recycling truck for a reputable local company. Since then, over the past 17 years, Jack has found immense satisfaction in his role, particularly in operating his hydrovac excavator, which he describes as an awesome experience, adding, “Everything, the entire operation of my hydrovac excavator, is just awesome altogether. I love every minute of it.”

Jack's connection with Western Star trucks was serendipitous—he didn't choose the star; the star chose him! His enthusiasm for his job is evident in his eagerness for new adventures, like the ATV excursions he participates in and driving various rigs.

Beyond work, Jack values quality time spent with his wife and daughter, cherishing these moments as much as he does his time on the road.

 

Brendan Schellenberg's deep-seated passion for trucking traces all the way back to his childhood, adding, “I’ve been obsessed ever since I was a kid. I would always play with toy trucks and pull wagons around in my yard.” This early fascination grew into a full-blown obsession with trucks, leading him to discover the world of American Truck Simulator (ATS) and a career as a driver.

Since 2019, Brendan has been an avid player, drawn to the game's meticulous detail and immersive environments, which realistically replicated real trucking experiences. In ATS, Brendan's vehicle of choice is the Western Star 4900EX, inspired by his fond memories of riding in his father's truck as a child. Captivated by its iconic design and reliability, Brendan enthusiastically recreated his favorite truck in-game, using mods to enhance his virtual trucking adventures.

Outside of ATS, Brendan's dedication to trucking extends into his professional life, where he spends most of his time on the road, logging miles as a professional truck driver. Excited for the Star Nation Experience, Brendan can't wait to meet and share experiences with his fellow winners in August. He's counting down the days!

 

Andre Smirnov's career journey began in 2011 in the automotive industry after transitioning from his previous role as a software engineer at Oracle. His favorite Western Star model to drive is the 49X, appreciating its performance and design.

What he enjoys most about his job is meeting fascinating individuals within the industry. Looking ahead to the Star Nation Experience, Andre looks forward to the opportunity to connect with others who share his passion for Western Star trucks and explore new innovations.

Outside of work, Andre finds joy in spending time with his family. Whether it's by the lake, in the mountains, or engaging in outdoor activities, when it comes to being outside, Andre is all in.

 

Connor’s passion for American Truck Simulator (ATS) began with the original Euro Truck Simulator when he was just 12 years old. "There was something about the open road and the sounds of the truck engine that always pulled me into playing more," Connor recalled.

In the virtual realm of ATS, Connor drives his favorite truck, the Western Star 57X, relishing its smooth rides and long-haul comfort. The truck's iconic logo holds a special place in Conor’s heart; it resonates with him — something he identifies with. Beyond gaming, Connor values ATS for its ability to offer a temporary escape from the humdrum of everyday life as well as the opportunity for him to immerse himself in the role of an owner-operator, participating in virtual convoys and engaging with a community of fellow trucking enthusiasts.

When not behind the virtual wheel, Connor enjoys downtime with hobbies such as hockey, spending quality time with his girlfriend, and caring for their animals.