John Clay Jr. ’17

John Clay Jr., a 28-year-old graduate of Manchester Community College and Central Connecticut State University, is making waves in the transportation industry. In May 2022, he founded DriverReady, a company focused on revolutionizing logistics by providing certified, on-call, independent drivers and 26-foot box trucks to delivery companies nationwide.

Clay likens DriverReady to Uber for logistics, offering a web platform where companies can request drivers and vehicles for last-minute needs, regular contracts, or long-term roles. "Logistics is the lifeblood of transportation," says Clay, emphasizing the essential role his company plays in connecting businesses with reliable transportation solutions. Currently consulting for XPO Logistics, a major freight transportation provider, Clay aims to expand and collaborate with other companies, including venturing into tractor-trailer requests.

Raised in Connecticut and later relocating to Virginia, Clay's journey led him back to Connecticut, where he attended community college with the goal of eventually transferring to a state university. Despite initial challenges, he completed his associate degree in general studies at Manchester. Transferring to CCSU, he majored in marketing, combining his love for business and entrepreneurship.

Clay's career in the transportation industry began with roles as a dispatcher and later a general manager. In 2022, he partnered with programmer Phil Ginsburg to establish DriverReady. Leveraging his education and real-world experiences, Clay credits the guidance of his professors at CT State Manchester and CCSU for shaping his entrepreneurial mindset.

As he continues working with XPO, Clay envisions DriverReady evolving into a network of trucks accessible to those in need. Despite the challenges, he remains dedicated to his vision. Clay also expresses a desire to give back by returning to his alma mater institutions to inspire and guide students on the path of entrepreneurship. Reflecting on his journey, he encourages persistence and determination: "You just have to be persistent, push forward, and don't give up. I've believed in this company to make it happen."