​Early Life and Entrepreneurial Beginnings

 

Born and raised in the Republic of Moldova, Eastern Europe, I grew up in a hardworking family of five. My parents instilled in me strong moral values and the importance of education. At the age of 14, circumstances forced my father to seek employment in Spain to support our family. Meanwhile, I remained in Moldova with my mother, younger siblings, and two grandmothers.

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During this time, I took my first steps into the world of business. Inspired by local entrepreneurs, I built a small greenhouse and cultivated flowers—a popular trade in our village. Selling these flowers provided me with an income to cover basic necessities. Later, my father returned from Spain, and my family continued the flower business, which remains their primary source of income today.

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Pursuing the American Dream

 

In 2008, at just 18 years old, I moved to the United States to build an independent future. Arriving with no knowledge of English, American culture, or customs, I faced significant challenges. My first job was in hardwood flooring, earning $300 a week—this was during the 2007-2008 financial crisis, one of the most severe economic downturns since the Great Depression. Despite the struggles, I considered myself fortunate to have stable employment when so many others did not.

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After a year, I relocated to New York City and took on construction work, further adapting to my new environment and developing valuable skills.

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Stepping Into the Trucking Industry

 

At 21, I obtained my Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and embarked on a career as a truck driver. The job offered significantly better pay compared to my previous roles. After just one year, I made the bold decision to purchase my first truck—an old model, but it was mine. Unfortunately, the truck broke down within weeks, and the cost of repairs exceeded its value. I made the difficult decision to abandon it, marking my first hard lesson in trucking.

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Determined to succeed, I started again as a truck driver, eventually purchasing a second truck, followed by a third. This experience taught me resilience and financial discipline.

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Establishing GPN Express

 

In 2013, I officially founded GPN Express, operating across 48 states with four trucks and four drivers. As both an office manager and occasional driver, I learned the complexities of the industry, including dispatching, recruiting, compliance with FMCSA & DOT regulations, and managing extensive paperwork. Operating older equipment came with frequent breakdowns, offering another critical lesson in fleet management and business efficiency.

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Venturing Into Auto-Hauling

 

By 2016, I expanded into auto-hauling, transporting vehicles nationwide. The business grew rapidly, with a fleet exceeding 50 drivers, serving car dealerships and individual customers. However, the complexities of car-hauling—significantly more challenging than reefer, van, or flatbed trucking—proved to be a formidable challenge. After a few years, we decided to close the auto-hauling division, but the knowledge gained was invaluable.

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Luxury Car Rental Business

 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when many industries came to a halt, I relocated with my family to Miami and launched a Luxury Car Rental business. As a car enthusiast, particularly passionate about high-performance vehicles, I embraced this venture wholeheartedly. Within a short time, we became one of the top Exotic Car Rental companies in Miami. However, despite its initial success, the business did not meet long-term profitability expectations. After two years, we made the strategic decision to sell the company and return to Illinois.

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Current Endeavor: Equipment Leasing

 

Today, GPN Express specializes in leasing commercial trucks and trailers to trucking companies. Our competitive advantage lies in offering new and modern equipment (models from 2020 to 2024) with long-term lease options, typically a minimum of one year.

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For lease inquiries, partnerships, or business proposals, feel free to reach out.

Nice to meet you,
Petru Grati