For Katrina Del Percio, the path to entrepreneurship began with both experience and adversity.
With an extensive background in operating large equipment, Del Percio previously worked as a crane operator and training instructor for a large corporation before moving to Muskegon. She reached out to a West Michigan Works! career coach looking for a new beginning after her most recent employment was terminated based on her attendance; she had taken time off work to deal with the loss of her mother.
She and her fiancée, who used to own a hauling company, wanted to start a small business together. The first step: earning her commercial truck driver’s license.
Through West Michigan Works!, she worked with staff to define and overcome barriers, complete assessments, build computer skills, participate in workshops and identify training opportunities. She attended FCG Truck Driving School, where she successfully graduated from CDL training and obtained her operating license. She then connected with the Muskegon Innovation Hub, which helped her launch her own business, Tomcat Trucking, LLC. She has since purchased her own dump truck, begun making runs and hauling her own gravel.
Del Percio said she really appreciated that the West Michigan Works! team helped motivate her and keep her on the path to success. Without their support, she said, she wouldn’t have completed the process as quickly or easily.
“I am very impressed by how sincere and caring everyone was and they want you to succeed,” Del Percio said. “It’s not just a job for them.”
Her progress and determination also stood out to those supporting her along the way.
“Katrina was a lot of fun to work with and watch grow. From the beginning, I knew that she had the potential to go far,” said June Schwartz, career coach at West Michigan Works!. “I was amazed to see how easily she flew through a variety of workshops, the assessments, and the CDL Temporary Permit Exam while participating in career coaching. She received top scores in her CDL training program. I’m so proud of Katrina and her new business.”
Since 2021, the average CDL training program completion rate for job seekers supported by West Michigan Works! resources is 94%, with those employed in the role earning an average of $23.29 per hour. Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver is on the 2026 HotJobs List, which is informed by Lightcast, the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget, and local business input and data. In the last 12 months, 800 businesses posted openings for this position, and the job is projected to grow by 3% between 2025 and 2030, according to a report from Lightcast.
Job seekers interested in CDL training may be able to take advantage of a unique set of resources and supports while earning a CDL through a new partnership between West Michigan Works!, West Michigan CDL, and Earn to Learn. The program includes success coaching and mentoring, financial training, tuition assistance and workforce readiness training.
Those interested can call West Michigan Works! at 1-800-285-WORK (9675) or visit our contact page below to find a local service center.
