By Eugene Mulero

Chief PodWheels Correspondent

MINNEAPOLIS – Carlos Ortiz with the National Truck Driving Championships and National Step Van Driving Championships organizing committee just had a birthday, like two days ago. He is the big Six O. I’m not sure, but if my math is correct, Carlos’ birthday was Aug. 20.

Could you please wish him a happy birthday. He kind of not-really told anybody; he simply hinted his birthday was around this time and that his fam will celebrate it after NTDC. So most of his NTDC colleagues don’t know it was just his birthday. But, if you’re reading this, stop Carlos and wish him a great birthday. His family is not at the tournament, and only myself and a few buddies here took him out to dinner last night. This is not a flex, but we went to best restaurant in town (#undefeated).

Carlos is one of those individuals who is central to the NTDC ecosystem – he comes here to do the work and makes sure everything runs smoothly. It takes a village to make NTDC happen, and Carlos is a key part of that village. 

He is with NFI Industries and coordinates the New Jersey truck driving championships. An overall great guy, Carlos is a worker’s worker–early to the assignment; last guy to leave. No job is too big or too small. A true worker bee. 

Wish him a happy birthday. 

Full disclosure: I met Carlos a few years ago at NTDC. I learned he is instrumental to making the New Jersey TDC happen – the Garden State is our home state. And, fun fact: We’re both from the same places in New Jersey (we’re not related). Then, we’re both Puerto Rican – so, we’re kind of like automatic great friends. 

Did I say to wish him a happy birthday?

Just say: Happy birthday Carlos. He’ll be modest in his reaction, but he’ll really appreciate it.

My favorite birthday ever was when I turned five, and we held it at El Morro in Old San Juan. My buddies and I flew our kites around the historic Conquistador-era castle in the Puerto Rican capital. When I turned 13, Michael Jackson ruined my birthday party because the launch of the “Black or White” video on MTV kept my party in suspense: No one cared about me. They wanted their dose of MJ. True story.

I’ve had birthdays alone, with few people remembering them–not fun. So, Carlos Ortiz. A member of the NTDC organizing committee. Wish him a happy birthday. He doesn’t know I’m doing this. This is a way for me to amplify his contributions to this beautiful event. 

Speaking of which: tomorrow will be the final round at NTDC. There will be 45 peeps gunning for them gold medals. 

Twenty-nine men have been crowned grand champion. Who will be our big winner Saturday night. Many seek the blue ribbon. Only one will prevail.

Did you wish Carlos a happy birthday?