10-4 Magazine July 2024

34 10-4 Magazine / July 2024 has crossed paths with, good or bad, they have taught him what to do and what not to do, helping to make him better than he was the day before. Brandon has been a proud member of Chi-Town Large Cars since January 2023, which has been an ongoing group based on a brotherhood of like-minded individuals in the trucking industry, and a way to keep alive what trucking used to be, in respect to helping each other out. According to club president Kris Santoianni, “Chi-Town is a worldwide family of truckers, as well as a registered not-for-profit organization. Our goal is to keep the old ways of trucking alive while helping others. We are dedicated to keeping pride, camaraderie, and family in our industry.” Katlin Powell’s widow Amber is Brandon’s keeper, because she is the one that brought him into the Chi-Town club. It is “keeper” because you are in essence putting your neck on the line for that person and willing to vouch for them. Being a part of Chi-Town means the world to Brandon, and it is a true honor to be a part of this great family. Also, according to Kris, “Brandon ‘Little Legs’ has been a great addition to this club! Solid as an oak, he’s there with a hand, or an ear, whatever you need. I preach to my members ‘you get out what you put in’ and Brandon is constantly putting into the club, its members, and my life personally. He is top shelf in my book.” Brandon got the nickname “Little Legs” because of the little tires he runs on his stepdeck trailer. While running with two other guys, he had to tell them, “Wait for me, I got little legs!” And it stuck. Today, Brandon still hauls hogs, pulling one of Hansen Trucking’s trailers, which is usually the pictured 2018 Eby Bull Ride livestock trailer. His main region of running is Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Missouri. His fiancé Janine works as a teacher for children with autism. Together, still residing in Brownsdale, MN, they have three fur babies – Bentley (a 10-year-old Pit Bull), Zeus (a 6-year-old Pit Bull), and Bella (a 4-year-old Pomsky). Recently, Brandon purchased a sister truck to his blue Peterbilt – another 1995 flat cab with a standup sleeper – and eventually plans to hire a driver and get it on the road. and he didn’t know where to start – the number of people he looks up to, both in life and in the trucking industry, are many. His dad and grandpa started the list with their guidance, love, support, and reminding him that it is always cheaper to learn to do things yourself than hiring someone. Kris “Halfkut” Santoianni for being someone to look up to and always being there as a friend, confidante, and mentor who has the experience of going through a lot, seeing a lot, and knowing a lot. To his cousins Cody and Mitch Ulrich, two men that he respects and appreciates for all they have taught him (and continue to teach him). Also, to his buddy Mark Broyles, who is about the same age as Brandon, who is a man he truly values. Lastly, to anyone he