Hatter Bradley Russell stands Thursday with his Donut Commander food truck. Russell served 13 years in the military before driving trucks for 22 years. After a PTSD diagnosis, he decided it was time for something new. -- NEWS PHOTO MO CRANKER
mcranker@medicinehatnews.com@mocranker
Bradley Russell’s journey to becoming a food truck owner has been a rollercoaster ride.
After serving in the army for more than 10 years and driving trucks for 22, Russell was diagnosed with PTSD and needed something new.
“I did about five years in the reserves here in Medicine Hat with South Alberta Light Horse and then I did another eight and a half with Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in Calgary,” he said. “After 22 years driving trucks, I started getting these horrible headaches and lots of nightmares. About three years ago I was diagnosed with PTSD and walked away from work.
“When it came time to start thinking about a new career, I ended up seeing an ad for a food truck business.
“It seemed like a good fit.”
The Hatter founded his truck, Donut Commander, earlier this year. He purchased a military radio truck to give his business a unique look that fit with his background.
“I was originally looking for an army Jeep to pull a trailer behind it,” he said. “I found this truck out in B.C. And it seemed perfect for what I wanted to do.
“I got it done up and a kitchen area in the back, now I’m just starting up with the business.”
Originally from Calgary, Russell moved to Hilda with his family when he was 12. He has lived in the area since.
“This is home for me,” he said.
Although his business is just coming to life, it has not been without setbacks.
“Because of COVID-19 the truck wasn’t ready when it was supposed to be,” said Russell. “It’s also been really hard to get my business licence, but I’m finally getting everything up and running now.”
Russell’s truck specializes in doughnuts, which are $5 per dozen. He also sells pop and water. He asks that people be patient with him as he learns a new line of work.
“I’ve never done things like making change before,” he said. “I’m still learning something new every day, so I’m just hoping people can be patient with me here.”
Russell will be behind Esminger Beck and Thompson downtown today around 1 p.m. selling his doughnuts.
The best place to reach Russell is on his Facebook page, Donut Commander. He will announce his locations on the page.
