Thank you guys ,I've been looking for done conversions. Now I'm going to just get the damn van, and just convert as I go. Congrats John, I started in a Honda station wagon.😊 Brian ,love your inspiring and relaxing videos.
Debbie... The best advice we could give anyone who wants to live and travel on the road like this, is Don't worry so much about what your rig is, and that you've got it set up the way you want or not. Simply, get out there, and get yourself going. You'll likely rough it for a bit, but then you'll start to see patterns of where you want things to be, and how you want them to be set up. There's a wonderful series of builds from a gentleman named Lee Blake, (look them up here on RUclips), who's built several different vans into traveling homes. And Lee clearly explains this very thing, that as you're out there living the life you'd like, that you'll eventually see that (if you've done a full conversion) you'll want to change the way things are laid out...so don't build permanent things when you're just starting out. Allow them (and yourself) to evolve. You'll find there's a lot less stress and you won't put as much pressure on yourself this way. Remember...it's about learning to relax and enjoying the journey. Best wishes and safe travels to you! :)
Retired Over The Road Trucker here. almost 30 years and 2.5 million miles. He hit the nail on the Head. That's Awesome it's working for him. I wish him the Best. I was Leased to Land Star Ranger ( in a semi) They have Expedite. Great Company.
"When he pulled up in his new vehicle I just got excitement in my heart, it was so awesome...this is one of the main reasons I make videos...to inspire people to believe that 'they' can make this happen no matter what their situation...and he's figured it out and he's living on the road and I'm very inspired" Brian YOU are awesome...YOU are inspiring. You do so 'shine'. What goes around comes around~* Peace, Russ
Waytago John!! Coming from an ex-OTR driver myself, I Love the way you've found a way to travel, and get paid to do it! I too loved trucking (all through the 80's). It's certainly not the same out there from the way it used to be. Now that my kids have grown, I'm back to traveling again...altho I'm not trucking anymore. I'm now a traveling custom painter, so I work at motorcycle rallies and hot-rod runs. I also letter a lot of trucks and even do a bit of sign painting along the way. Be safe out there driver!
Good Mornin Brain, EXCITED ! NERVOUSLY IMPATIENT ! SCARED ! I TOO HAVE BEEN INSPIRED BY YOU, AFTER I JUMP SOME HURDLES I WILL ALSO BE FOLLOWING THE DREAM. THANK YOU BRIAN FOR YOUR INSIGHT and PATIENCE WITH US WHO ARE ENJOYING YOUR STORY✌. (congrats to John & Lucy)
This is an inspiring episode for those on the fence about living. I'm retired now at 62 and have been traveling since I was 17 and in the Marines. And daily, daily, I still plot and scheme about my next 29k 4 1/2 month motorcycle adventure to South America. You know you love adventures when you get excited to hear other travelers' stories. Not just where they've been, but why they're doing it. I usually hear, I wish I could do that, often from semi or full blown haters of their own decisions. We get one, just one life, so get out there. See. Do. Meet. I enjoy watching you and others you meet along the way doing just that, Brian.
tellfredtellfred i wouldnt go to south america at this moment with crime being through the roof. and they target americans pretty often. id take ur motorcycle journey to canada or take a trip to europe
Erick Fernandez Thanks for advice...but...already had SA adventure 2010-2011 on BMW 1200GS. Strong mems of great and evil. Still planning next SA adventure
Just a note about Canada......we just finished a highway to the arctic ocean were we have Eskimos. Could also visit Alaska and your money is 30% more powerful. Of course South Amewrica is good with some guys too.
My husband and I use to team truck drive cross country. We are really interested in the expedited company talked about in this video. We did tractor trailer expedited with a company called Panther and never knew there were these kind of companies. We always wanted to go back to truck driving when he "retires" and the kids are older and "out of the house". This looks like the perfect kind of work! Thank you Brian for these videos!
My build is going on 8 months and I'm enjoying the project/hobby...it'll be done when it's done. I thought the "throw up in my mouth a little bit" part was a bit judgemental, and a bit surprising coming from you. Other than that, I'm glad you were able to see first hand how you inspired someone, I could tell you were pretty jazzed about it...
A few others misunderstood what I said also. I was referring to the social media accounts that glamorize vanlife by just showing the fancy builds. It is those social media accounts that nauseate me not the individuals. :)
Congrats to John for making it happen. He put forth a plan, then executed. I love it! Thanks to you Brian for being such a positive force and the ultimate ambassador of inspiration and kindness. I always feel so much better about the world just knowing that people like you are out there :-)
NoProGoPronto WOW...very kind of you to say that. Brain's community of people here on his channel are some of the best. You certainly are a great example of that.
John, I am so happy for you! Awesome setup... Great job on making it happen. Brian, you are an excellent interviewer, and a great inspiration for even those of us who don't travel. Great vlog! 👍🏼
What an awesome story. I smiled from the beginning to the end. He has a nice set up and lucy is so darn cute. He is from TN, that is where i live. Wonder what part. Maybe both of you can meet up in TN some day. You are both more then welcome to use my yard and stay here anyime you want. Brian, you inspire so many people. What a gift. There is no feeling like knowing you made a difference in someones life. happy trails.
Cindys cross stitch WOW Cindy what a thoughtful gesture. Thank you for your kind offer. I'm actually from San Diego like Brian but my last job was working out of TN. My best friend for over 40 years (also from SD) lives there so I stayed with him. I was there for about 18 months. He lives in La Vergne just south of Nashville. I just spoke with him & we are planning to get together the week of May 8th at some point or that weekend. TN is pretty spread out but if your close I would be happy to meet up. If not then maybe next time. Oh & great idea to have a group meet up..maybe someday
lauri robbins Yes I try and stay positive & when confronted with negativity I find something positive & focus on that. Keep my stress level low is very important to me.
Just had a fantastically long conversation w/ John today, and he's just a super guy all the way around. Thank you Brian for introducing him to the world, and hopefully we can give him the push to take the leap you took w/ making this channel. There's PLENTY of room for Nomads around here!
I’m on MediCare. I’m still a guitar player. Been one for almost 50 years. I taught, repaired, ran the store, taught (some more......even Bach had students & I’m no Bach) and played. You gotta be versatile, you gotta scuffle. Good on John. Happy folks do things with which they have a prior proclivity. I am really getting into your channel Brian. No e-begging, you work real jobs and a VERY low drama station.Thanks !
You really are inspirational Brian. You have not idea how much people who want to live your lifestyle are inspired by you and the others that make videos, who are successful at enjoying life rather than doing the 9 to 5 grind just to pay rent. God bless you for all you do!
Truly inspiring. What a great guy. And a great tip for making money, if you want to drive a lot. You can tell a lot about a person by their pets. That he has his little doggie for 16 years is truly sweet. I hope maybe John posts, through you perhaps, or some way others can check in with him once in a while. Enjoy the day!
This is one of the most inspiring videos, of someone who is doing what I plan to do in the near future, that I have seen. Thanks so much for getting John on your channel. Lucy is very sweet. I just subscribed to his channel. Cheers - Martin Blair - Canada
I know this video is 4 years old but I've been looking for ways to incorporate my 11 years in trucking to Vanlife.....He idea is FABULOUS!!! NOW I KNOW WHICH DIRECTION TO TAKE
Carol Barnsley Thank you for your compliment. I actually created a channel based off yours & others encouraging me to do so. I named it "Small Spaces Big Places" also created email smallspacesbigplaces@gmail.com
WOW , Brian ..I know this is a year old but I got so happy for John and I think there should be a meet up and follow up with John it see how he is doing. What a Great Story. Geez, I'm still smiling. That's how happy it made me.You are a true inspiration and God will bless you . Take care, be happy, be safe and happy trails. PS: I love your videos, I'm retiring in 16 months and will be hitting the road too my friend.
Brian, this MUST leave you feeling fulfilled!......just one example that your pursuit has come to fruition. Surely, John will continue the process and the progress. The best to both😊
I just came back 2 days from Eastern Sierra. I saw about 50 more vans than normal. Brian I like your van better since it is so simple. Happy you got your spirits up.
S Naas The income is very difficult to pin point. There are peaks & valleys so you have to know how to run a business with that kind of volatility. It's really easy to do with just some common sense. I ran a business like this so I knew it would not be an issue. The van is very expensive but there are other types of expediting vehicles that are over 100k. There are also just regular cargo vans which are a bit cheaper than the Sprinter but you are limited in what loads you can run. There is no right or wrong, it comes down to what works for the individual. Yes people do use a cargo trailer to haul the load. I actually may do this down the road so I can utilize the whole interior of the van for my living space. If you have more questions you can email me at. smallspacesbigplaces@gmail.com I also created a channel with same name.
awesome Van love your 4 lagged baby🐕 I am saving to get small rv for me and my 4 legged children. can't wait to have my dream come true thanks for sharing it is a inspiration🌹
AWESOME BRIAN and Happy trails,adventures men. Enjoyed video thanks for sharing your van ,your business and home. I will defiantly reconsider advice .not over spend on accommodations with in .To focused on goal to have my adventure .
Brain ,how could I get in touch with John? THX
CAJUN Jamis You can ask John questions by contacting him at SmallSpacesBigPlaces@gmail.com
Thank you, Sir! Be safe out there!
THX................GR-8!
Thank you guys ,I've been looking for done conversions. Now I'm going to just get the damn van, and just convert as I go. Congrats John, I started in a Honda station wagon.😊 Brian ,love your inspiring and relaxing videos.
Debbie...
The best advice we could give anyone who wants to live and travel on the road like this, is Don't worry so much about what your rig is, and that you've got it set up the way you want or not.
Simply, get out there, and get yourself going. You'll likely rough it for a bit, but then you'll start to see patterns of where you want things to be, and how you want them to be set up.
There's a wonderful series of builds from a gentleman named Lee Blake, (look them up here on RUclips), who's built several different vans into traveling homes. And Lee clearly explains this very thing, that as you're out there living the life you'd like, that you'll eventually see that (if you've done a full conversion) you'll want to change the way things are laid out...so don't build permanent things when you're just starting out. Allow them (and yourself) to evolve. You'll find there's a lot less stress and you won't put as much pressure on yourself this way.
Remember...it's about learning to relax and enjoying the journey.
Best wishes and safe travels to you! :)
Very inspired! Thanks to Brian and John for getting this awesome video made for us! I'm so very happy to see that John made his dream come true!
Retired Over The Road Trucker here. almost 30 years and 2.5 million miles. He hit the nail on the Head. That's Awesome it's working for him. I wish him the Best. I was Leased to Land Star Ranger ( in a semi) They have Expedite. Great Company.
"When he pulled up in his new vehicle I just got excitement in my heart, it was so awesome...this is one of the main reasons I make videos...to inspire people to believe that 'they' can make this happen no matter what their situation...and he's figured it out and he's living on the road and I'm very inspired"
Brian YOU are awesome...YOU are inspiring. You do so 'shine'. What goes around comes around~* Peace, Russ
Congrats John!! Brian, Your videos are paying huge dividends. Great story!....Go Lucy...
It's so awesome to see you inspire people, who then inspire more people.
Waytago John!!
Coming from an ex-OTR driver myself, I Love the way you've found a way to travel, and get paid to do it!
I too loved trucking (all through the 80's). It's certainly not the same out there from the way it used to be.
Now that my kids have grown, I'm back to traveling again...altho I'm not trucking anymore.
I'm now a traveling custom painter, so I work at motorcycle rallies and hot-rod runs. I also letter a lot of trucks and even do a bit of sign painting along the way.
Be safe out there driver!
The 😁 on your face! Makes me happy. Gave me goose bumps. Congrats to the man with the Sprinter van!
Joleen Minarik You may have suggested a name for John's RUclips channel! "SprinterVanMan"! Or, "SprinterExpediterVanMan"! :-)
Joleen Minarik Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed the interview. It was a lot of fun being interviewed by Brian.
The name I came up with is: Small Spaces Big Places
Good Mornin Brain,
EXCITED ! NERVOUSLY IMPATIENT ! SCARED ! I TOO HAVE BEEN INSPIRED BY YOU, AFTER I JUMP SOME HURDLES I WILL ALSO BE FOLLOWING THE DREAM. THANK YOU BRIAN FOR YOUR INSIGHT and PATIENCE WITH US WHO ARE ENJOYING YOUR STORY✌.
(congrats to John & Lucy)
This is an inspiring episode for those on the fence about living. I'm retired now at 62 and have been traveling since I was 17 and in the Marines. And daily, daily, I still plot and scheme about my next 29k 4 1/2 month motorcycle adventure to South America. You know you love adventures when you get excited to hear other travelers' stories. Not just where they've been, but why they're doing it. I usually hear, I wish I could do that, often from semi or full blown haters of their own decisions. We get one, just one life, so get out there. See. Do. Meet. I enjoy watching you and others you meet along the way doing just that, Brian.
tellfredtellfred i wouldnt go to south america at this moment with crime being through the roof. and they target americans pretty often. id take ur motorcycle journey to canada or take a trip to europe
Erick Fernandez Thanks for advice...but...already had SA adventure 2010-2011 on BMW 1200GS. Strong mems of great and evil. Still planning next SA adventure
tellfredtellfred I never left country. 30 hours in Mexico I'm cut bleeding almost dead 2000 hospital bill for my broken cell and 20 bucks.
I love the cute dog 🐶
Just a note about Canada......we just finished a highway to the arctic ocean were we have Eskimos.
Could also visit Alaska and your money is 30% more powerful.
Of course South Amewrica is good with some guys too.
Thoroughly enjoyed his story! See, we dog papa's and mama's always think of our "kids" first even when building out a van to live in! I love it!
maxiedoodle oh yes...Lucy comes first..no exceptions. One of reasons I'm doing this so she can be with me all the time.
Awesome story! Thanks for sharing, John! Living the dream with your little buddy Lucy!
Thanks Brian and John! Good video! Some people dream their life away. I say... set a date, work towards it, and go!
My husband and I use to team truck drive cross country. We are really interested in the expedited company talked about in this video. We did tractor trailer expedited with a company called Panther and never knew there were these kind of companies. We always wanted to go back to truck driving when he "retires" and the kids are older and "out of the house". This looks like the perfect kind of work! Thank you Brian for these videos!
Great story!Being 65 myself I give John credit. The older you get the tougher it becomes to make these lifestyle changes.Thank you Brian!
Very inspiring video! Great job Brian and John! Than you for showing what is available out there besides workcamping!
there are many many more stories just like this one that you don't hear about, way to go Brian
he is a freedom person! making money on the road and in the same traveling around us! stay safe! keep on rving!
oh, I'm soooo happy for him! he's found a way to live on the road with his best friend, and his happiness shines like a beacon! yay!
My build is going on 8 months and I'm enjoying the project/hobby...it'll be done when it's done. I thought the "throw up in my mouth a little bit" part was a bit judgemental, and a bit surprising coming from you. Other than that, I'm glad you were able to see first hand how you inspired someone, I could tell you were pretty jazzed about it...
A few others misunderstood what I said also. I was referring to the social media accounts that glamorize vanlife by just showing the fancy builds. It is those social media accounts that nauseate me not the individuals. :)
This story is pure delight. And yes...this why you make vids.
Keep getting fired up Brian. Doing what you do. It's working. What a great story of just do it. Love it.
That is awesome John. Stay safe. Thanks Brian, you are a sweetheart to help people.
Congrats John! Great video Brian!
With your upbeat personality and positive attitude I know you would make a fantastic teacher! Love the vids and have a great weekend!
Great example!! Thank you for shring
What a neat well organized man! I am thankful he has found his solution and most important enjoying it! TY FOR SHARING!
Why thank you for the compliment Pamala. I appreciate your support.
Great video. Congrats. to John for figuring out how to do what he wanted
great video Brian! Thanks for staying positive!
This is a great video. Thanks for sharing!! GO JOHN (and Lucy :)!!!!!! Good for you!!! Safe travels to all. :))))
You are so supportive, that's beautiful
Congratulations John! Living life and making money! Lucy is such a sweetheart. Brian, you're such an inspiration! Take care & safe travels.
Hi Brian! Yeah, you do look pumped!!! Great vid, very inspring.😃
Congrats to John for making it happen. He put forth a plan, then executed. I love it! Thanks to you Brian for being such a positive force and the ultimate ambassador of inspiration and kindness. I always feel so much better about the world just knowing that people like you are out there :-)
NoProGoPronto WOW...very kind of you to say that. Brain's community of people here on his channel are some of the best. You certainly are a great example of that.
Great story of success ; the man on the road; I'm right behind you.
John, I am so happy for you! Awesome setup... Great job on making it happen. Brian, you are an excellent interviewer, and a great inspiration for even those of us who don't travel. Great vlog! 👍🏼
Thank you for your support. Brian made me feel quite relaxed so I'm glad that you saw that.
Hey baby ! ! AWESOME ! !
John seems like a very charming fellow, neat video.
Sparkingdogg Thank you for the compliment.
That is awesome, good for John and to you Brian for giving him the inspiration.
Both of you guys are INSPIRATIONS!
Gil Thank you Gil. That was my hope in letting Brian interview me.
Bravo, John is a man of action!
Good luck to both of y'all very good video thanks for sharing.
Great vid! Creativity and hope at its best. Thx.
Thanks Brian :)
Great vid. Best wishes to John and his success.
What an awesome story. I smiled from the beginning to the end. He has a nice set up and lucy is so darn cute. He is from TN, that is where i live. Wonder what part. Maybe both of you can meet up in TN some day. You are both more then welcome to use my yard and stay here anyime you want. Brian, you inspire so many people. What a gift. There is no feeling like knowing you made a difference in someones life. happy trails.
lol
I'm in Southern Kentucky. Maybe Brian, John, Cindy and some more of us can have a meet up somewhere in this area sometime.
James Wells that would be awesome
Cindys cross stitch WOW Cindy what a thoughtful gesture. Thank you for your kind offer. I'm actually from San Diego like Brian but my last job was working out of TN. My best friend for over 40 years (also from SD) lives there so I stayed with him. I was there for about 18 months. He lives in La Vergne just south of Nashville. I just spoke with him & we are planning to get together the week of May 8th at some point or that weekend. TN is pretty spread out but if your close I would be happy to meet up. If not then maybe next time.
Oh & great idea to have a group meet up..maybe someday
im just over the line in ky a meet up sounds like fun.
So cool Brian, you inspire people all the time. Congratulations to your friend John and Lucy. Via con Dios!
OMG What a happy guy! Good luck to you.
lauri robbins Yes I try and stay positive & when confronted with negativity I find something positive & focus on that. Keep my stress level low is very important to me.
WOW that is inspiring! Great video Brian
That is so awesome. Safe travels John and Brian. May both of you have all your days filled with Love, Peace, Light and Blessings.
It sounds like a very cool semi-retired lifestyle, and John seems very happy and relaxed.
HAPPY FOR YOU JOHN! hope your enjoying yourself and everything works out for you
Just had a fantastically long conversation w/ John today, and he's just a super guy all the way around.
Thank you Brian for introducing him to the world, and hopefully we can give him the push to take the leap you took w/ making this channel. There's PLENTY of room for Nomads around here!
Thank you for the kind words. I also enjoyed our conversation.
Thumbs up. ENJOY... THE SIMPLE LIFE
Awesome video. Very inspiring! Practical!
I’m on MediCare. I’m still a guitar player. Been one for almost 50 years. I taught, repaired, ran the store, taught (some more......even Bach had students & I’m no Bach) and played. You gotta be versatile, you gotta scuffle. Good on John. Happy folks do things with which they have a prior proclivity. I am really getting into your channel Brian. No e-begging, you work real jobs and a VERY low drama station.Thanks !
Great story, wish him much success! Love his dog!
Awesome attitude and inspiring for sure. Thanks for allowing us to take a pick into your life John.
RV NUT Your Welcome
You really are inspirational Brian. You have not idea how much people who want to live your lifestyle are inspired by you and the others that make videos, who are successful at enjoying life rather than doing the 9 to 5 grind just to pay rent. God bless you for all you do!
I saw Cholula sauce in the supermarket here in Australia, and thought of you😀 Brian's sauce!
ari. Hell! He got me addicted to that stuff... ha ha
Darren Genge Too funny 😂
I carry it everywhere we go.
Chili lime our favorite.
Great video ……Great option for Van life !!
Great video and John seems like a great guy!
Why thank you David for the compliment.
Lucky dog to have found a buddy like that
great great video Brian. John is da man! Love love love that van.. WOW!
Outstanding Brian! Well done, well said. All the best to John and much success.
What a great pair of dudes, on the road! Yay🙏
Wonderful - truly inspiring. Seizing life with both hands!
congratulations both of you one of the most inspiring videos yet thank you very much
Machete e You a quite welcome. My hope was to inspire...so mission accomplished...John & Lucy
Thank you so much for giving us more options to life on the road!
Truly inspiring. What a great guy. And a great tip for making money, if you want to drive a lot. You can tell a lot about a person by their pets. That he has his little doggie for 16 years is truly sweet. I hope maybe John posts, through you perhaps, or some way others can check in with him once in a while. Enjoy the day!
This is one of the most inspiring videos, of someone who is doing what I plan to do in the near future, that I have seen. Thanks so much for getting John on your channel. Lucy is very sweet. I just subscribed to his channel. Cheers - Martin Blair - Canada
Good to see you out there inspiring people.
I know this video is 4 years old but I've been looking for ways to incorporate my 11 years in trucking to Vanlife.....He idea is FABULOUS!!! NOW I KNOW WHICH DIRECTION TO TAKE
Congrats John! Thank you Brian for sharing his story with us 😀
Remarkable story
Awesome video. So inspiring.
what a great job hes got while van living. lucy is a cutey and he should start his own channel
Carol Barnsley Thank you for your compliment. I actually created a channel based off yours & others encouraging me to do so.
I named it "Small Spaces Big Places" also created email smallspacesbigplaces@gmail.com
Love John and Lucy. All the luck in the world to you. Safe travels. Brian, you are so inspiring.
WOW , Brian ..I know this is a year old but I got so happy for John and I think there should be a meet up and follow up with John it see how he is doing. What a Great Story. Geez, I'm still smiling. That's how happy it made me.You are a true inspiration and God will bless you . Take care, be happy, be safe and happy trails.
PS: I love your videos, I'm retiring in 16 months and will be hitting the road too my friend.
What a cool guy!!
Great video Brian!
way cool story - thanks Brian
thanks for the inspiration
Brian- YOU, dear friend on the road, ARE AN INSPIRATION to MANY!!!! Congrats to John! Keep up the good works!! with ALL my support, love and ☮️
I get my van next week woohoo
Congrats!!! :)
Brian, this MUST leave you feeling fulfilled!......just one example that your pursuit has come to fruition. Surely, John will continue the process and the progress.
The best to both😊
Way to go John, this is such an awe inspiring story:) Brian, thank you so much for sharing. You ROCK!!
thanks for help ! good info .....
Brian: this is the van you need for your adventures!
John, you got it right. Keep it simple and hit the road! Safe travels, John & Lucy. ✌🏿
I just came back 2 days from Eastern Sierra. I saw about 50 more vans than normal. Brian I like your van better since it is so simple. Happy you got your spirits up.
I'm making it too, best wishes sir! 👍🐧
Great Video interview.
Very cool guy! Very cool dog!
I would love to know how much per load (on average) you can make expediting. How much the van cost? Do people use a trailer? Thanks.
S Naas The income is very difficult to pin point. There are peaks & valleys so you have to know how to run a business with that kind of volatility. It's really easy to do with just some common sense. I ran a business like this so I knew it would not be an issue.
The van is very expensive but there are other types of expediting vehicles that are over 100k. There are also just regular cargo vans which are a bit cheaper than the Sprinter but you are limited in what loads you can run. There is no right or wrong, it comes down to what works for the individual. Yes people do use a cargo trailer to haul the load. I actually may do this down the road so I can utilize the whole interior of the van for my living space. If you have more questions you can email me at. smallspacesbigplaces@gmail.com I also created a channel with same name.
This was such a great video. I am sure you have inspired a lot of folks out there. Good job.
That is the hope.
awesome Van love your 4 lagged baby🐕 I am saving to get small rv for me and my 4 legged children. can't wait to have my dream come true thanks for sharing it is a inspiration🌹
So cool. Another inspirational video. Great stuff from both of you.
AWESOME BRIAN and Happy trails,adventures men. Enjoyed video thanks for sharing your van ,your business and home. I will defiantly reconsider advice .not over spend on accommodations with in .To focused on goal to have my adventure .
That thing was a mint! Well done. I'm trying to find a 2006 HR 170wb.
So cool to be friends with legit make it happen people. $$ is really a pull on all of us . Y'all seem to get away ...as much as possible 🏄🏻🌓