Beyond the Bulldog

We are celebrating one full year of Beyond the Bulldog, and this episode is a highlight reel of the moments that defined the first season. Over the past year, the show has featured 44 guests and more than 38 hours of conversations across trucking, safety, maintenance, business leadership, history, and the people who keep the industry moving. Mile Marker 52 is a compilation of standout clips and quotes that capture what the podcast is really about: authentic stories, practical lessons, and a deeper appreciation for trucking and the community around it. From the pride of seeing a new truck design on the road, to hard-earned business lessons, to why training and accountability matter, this episode is a quick tour through the best of year one. In this episode, you will hear memorable moments from guests discussing: -Building and designing Mack trucks with a focus on simplicity, purpose, and real-world function -Growing a business the right way, including customer service, relationships, and steady expansion that matches demand -Safety lessons that protect lives, including driver training, accountability, and the value of tools like dash cams -The pride, culture, and legacy behind the Bulldog, and why trucking remains a strong career path for the next generation Thank you for watching, listening, and supporting the show. We are excited for what is next, and we are just getting started. What’s next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

Following the launch of the all new Mack Granite and Mack Keystone, we sit down with Lukas Yates, Chief Designer at Mack Trucks, to go behind the scenes of what it takes to design a truck from the ground up. Lukas explains how Mack design is built around real world function, not styling for styling’s sake, and how every exterior decision has to deliver on visibility, durability, cooling performance, and a truck that still looks right a decade later. Lukas shares how his passion for design started early, from Hot Wheels and Pinewood Derby cars to transportation design school, and how internships with heritage brands shaped his approach to bringing legacy forward without copying the past. He also describes the constant collaboration between design, engineering, suppliers, and leadership to balance performance, cost, and quality without losing what makes a Mack a Mack. Lukas discusses: -What the Chief Designer role covers, how Mack exterior and interior teams work together, and why the guiding light is always function, including visibility, ingress and egress, and cooling performance -His path into design, from early obsession with anything on wheels to learning the craft through intense design programs and internships that pushed skill, collaboration, and creativity -How Mack design language is built, including bold, honest surfaces, strong architecture inspired structure, and creating a timeless look that is unmistakable from a distance -The major challenges behind Granite and Keystone, including designing for extreme vocational versatility, packaging constraints like tire sizes and lighting, integrating sensors and driver aids cleanly, and the moment of seeing a truck you designed finally launch and hit the road This episode is a look into the mindset and teamwork behind Mack’s newest vocational lineup, and why great truck design is equal parts identity, engineering, and relentless attention to the details drivers touch every day. What’s next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

We sit down with Alexander Long, CEO and co-founder of Topia, a post-industrial plastics recycling company building a major operation in Burlington, North Carolina. Alexander explains what post-industrial recycling really means, why manufacturing waste is far larger than most people realize, and how Topia helps companies turn material that used to go to a landfill into something valuable again. Alexander shares his unconventional path into the industry, from learning on the fly in a warehouse environment to building and managing sustainability programs for large manufacturers. Along the way, he lays out a clear mindset: sustainability does not have to be economically painful. In many cases, doing the right thing is also the most profitable option when you design the system correctly. Alexander discusses: -What Topia does and why post-industrial waste is the real hidden volume problem, including how a 216,000 square foot facility scales impact and how waste streams can become reusable products -How he found his way into plastics recycling unintentionally, and how curiosity about process, economics, and employee ownership shaped his approach to building a business -Why trucking is the biggest cost in a pennies-per-pound industry, how Topia relies on drop trailers, swaps, local partners, and broker relationships, and how just-in-time manufacturing demands fast, reliable service -Practical sustainability ideas that apply to trucking and beyond, including reusable packaging, reducing disposable habits, maintenance and repair culture, and why mindset and long-term thinking are the foundation of an enduring legacy This episode connects the dots between manufacturing, recycling, and the trucking networks that make modern logistics possible. It is a conversation about building systems that work financially, reduce waste, and still deliver on speed and reliability. What’s next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

We sit down with George Quigley, a veteran truck driver with decades of experience across North America as both a company driver and owner operator. George shares the personal story that continues to shape how he drives today, and why he has made it a mission to help everyday drivers understand what it really means to share the road with an 80,000 lb truck. George is also a dedicated volunteer with a teen driving program, where he brings a full size tractor trailer and physically shows students and parents what a driver can and cannot see. He puts cars in the blind spots, walks families around the rig, then invites them into the cab so they can see the world from the driver’s seat. His message is simple and serious: the biggest danger is what the truck driver cannot see. George discusses: -His start in trucking, how the industry changed with the introduction of the CDL system, and what it took to go from company driver to building a business he hoped to pass on -Why he volunteers at teen driving events, how the blind spot demonstrations work, and what he wants new drivers and parents to understand about space, stopping distance, and visibility around tractor trailer -The crash that altered his life, how quickly it happened, what it felt like in the moment, and the long road back to driving again after the trauma -Safety habits that apply to everyone, including using a dash cam for clarity and protection, checking tires and brakes, learning the normal sounds of your vehicle, and using active vision to stay alert and aware This episode is a reminder that safe driving is not just about rules. It is about awareness, training, and respect for the physics of the road. George’s story and his mission are both hard to hear and important to share. What’s next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

America has more vehicle safety technology than ever, yet roadway fatalities have climbed sharply over the last decade. Dan Wagner, founder of Teen Driving Solutions School, joins Beyond the Bulldog to explain why he believes the missing piece is driver training and crash prevention skills, not just crash safety. Dan built his two day program for teens and parents around one idea: you do not learn control in the middle of a crisis, you build it beforehand. Training happens off public roads on private property at a racetrack, in a controlled environment where students can safely experience loss of traction, hard braking, and decision making under pressure. The goal is to mentally and physically connect drivers to the vehicle so they can make better choices long before something goes wrong. Dan discusses: -The tragedy that shaped his mission, and why watching teens in his own family crash within their first month of driving convinced him something in driver education was broken -Why he redesigned the school to include parents, how structured “training drives” during permit hours beat random seat time, and how better communication reduces parent teen friction and increases accountability -The U.S. shift from crash prevention training to crash safety focus, what other countries require to earn a license, and why safety tech can create a false sense of security that enables distraction -Practical skills every driver should understand, including stopping distance, brake pressure, hydroplaning response, tire condition awareness, and why the real goal of every trip is simple: arrive alive This conversation is a wake up call for parents, teen drivers, and anyone who wants safer roads. Dan makes the case that we cannot outsource responsibility to technology, and that skill development and mindset are the most important safety systems we have. What’s next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

We sit down with Anna Long, a pickup and delivery driver for a national LTL carrier, to talk about choosing trucking as a career and what the path really looks like from the first day of CDL school to working the dock, running linehaul, and building a stable life behind the wheel. Anna shares a background that is anything but typical. She grew up in a large blended family, went to an arts based alternative school, started college on an anthropology track, then took a hard turn into hands on work through farming, homesteading, and festival operations. After Covid disrupted everything, she moved back to North Carolina, realized she needed a fast and reliable career path, and committed to earning her CDL. In this conversation, Anna breaks down the different ways to get licensed, what surprised her most about learning to shift a manual truck, and how she landed an LTL job even though most companies want experience. She also explains why pickup and delivery is the right fit for her, the variety of stops she sees every day, and how trucking has helped her build financial stability quickly. Anna discusses: -Her path from alternative education and college to farming, homesteading, and event work, and why hands on work always felt like the right direction -Getting her CDL through a community college program, choosing to avoid an automatic restriction, and what the school structure was really like across classroom, range work, and road time -How she broke into LTL without experience by working the dock and using forklift skills to get her foot in the door, then learning logistics from the inside out -What makes pickup and delivery rewarding, from the day to day variety of customers and locations to the challenge of backing in tight places, and how trucking improved her finances and long term stability What’s next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

Ben Greenberg is back on Beyond the Bulldog for a fast-moving update from the front lines of trucking advocacy. As president and CEO of the North Carolina Trucking Association, and part of the broader ATA federation briefings, Ben breaks down what is changing right now at both the state and national level and what it means for fleets, owner operators, and professional drivers. This episode focuses on three issues getting major attention across the industry: illegal truck booting and the newer “immobilization” scheme, the crackdown on CDL mills and training integrity, and the tightening spotlight on non domiciled CDLs and English proficiency enforcement. Ben explains what NCTA is pushing in Raleigh, what is being discussed through ATA channels, and why consistency and safety standards matter for protecting the public, protecting good carriers, and protecting the reputation of the industry. Ben discusses: -What NCTA does for members across advocacy, education, and promotion, and how ATA level briefings help state associations quickly translate federal shifts into practical guidance -The evolution of illegal truck booting into truck “immobilization,” why it is still a major problem, and how North Carolina’s law that became effective December 1, 2025 is being enforced and challenged -CDL integrity efforts, including what “CDL mills” are, why enforcement is ramping up, and what prospective drivers and carriers should look for in legitimate training -Non domiciled CDLs and English proficiency, why these issues are tied to trust and safety, and how rules and enforcement are shifting in a way drivers and fleets need to track closely What’s next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

In this episode, we sit down with Heather Heggie, Managing Director of Mack Financial Services in Canada, to talk about the part of trucking that most people only think about when it is time to buy. Financing. Heather explains why commercial truck financing is fundamentally different from automotive lending, and why the best outcomes come from treating it like a relationship, not a transaction. Heather shares how she grew up around dealerships, built a career rooted in customer service, and spent more than two decades in the transportation finance world. She breaks down how Mack Financial Services works alongside dealers and the brand to tailor solutions that fit real trucking businesses, from first time owner operators buying their first truck to established fleets navigating a freight recession. She also covers practical prep tips for anyone entering a financing conversation, and the flexibility options that matter most when markets get tight. Heather discusses: -Why trucking finance is relationship based, and how Mack Financial Services supports both new owner operators and long standing fleet customers with service first, not “money first” -How a captive finance team works with dealers and the brand as one ecosystem, staying aligned and moving quickly so customers can get trucks on the road sooner -What to expect when you are financing your first truck, including what information helps most, why deals are not black and white, and how terms, down payment, and collateral depend on the maturity of the business -Loan versus lease decisions, including ownership, flexibility, equity, residuals, refinance options, and how support products like gap coverage and life event waivers can protect the investment What’s next? -Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

We sit down with Mike McMahon, co-owner of McMahon Truck Centers, a Mack and Volvo dealership group with ten locations across six states. In this conversation, Mike shares what it takes to run a modern commercial truck dealership where the real product is not just the truck, but the long-term relationship that keeps customers moving. Mike walks through the McMahon family’s deep roots in transportation, from early generations who moved freight in New York long before trucks replaced horses, to his father’s career at Mack Trucks and the launch of the family dealership in the mid 1990s. He also shares his own circuitous path, from corporate securities work in New York to truck leasing, then starting at the dealership on the ground floor as a service advisor and warranty administrator. Along the way, Mike explains why empathy and communication matter when a truck goes down, why scheduled maintenance creates a healthier customer experience for everyone, and how cross-training teams breaks down silos so the “answer is in the room” when problems hit. He also talks about the Bulldog brand promise, certified Uptime Centers, why today’s customers care about data, fuel economy, and optimization, and what it meant for the team to earn North American Mack Dealer of the Year. Mike discusses: -The McMahon family story in trucking, and how multiple generations in transportation shaped how he thinks about customers and cycles in the industry -Learning the business the hard way as a service advisor, including why breakdowns are emotional, expensive, and all about communication and solutions -Building a culture where people aim to be a “ten” every day, using cross-training and teamwork to remove silos and solve problems faster -What customers want now beyond the truck itself, including uptime, proactive maintenance, and the tools, resources, and diagnostics that help fleets optimize performance What’s next? -Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

This episode of Beyond the Bulldog focuses on the one asset truck drivers cannot afford to lose: their health. Our guest is Dr. Lon Morgan, a family practice physician at Friedberg Family Medicine in North Carolina who has spent more than three decades helping patients manage weight, blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol through lifestyle changes first and medication only when necessary. He also speaks from experience, having lost more than 50 pounds himself and kept it off for nearly 30 years. Dr. Morgan talks directly to drivers about what is realistic in the real world, not in a perfect gym schedule or a perfect kitchen. He explains why most New Year’s resolutions fail, how small daily habits build long term results, and what practical choices truckers can make with limited time, limited options, and a lot of hours behind the wheel. From cutting back on bread, potatoes, and liquid calories to using short walks and simple strength moves to protect your metabolism, he lays out a plan that fits the trucking lifestyle instead of fighting it. Dr. Morgan discusses: -His approach to medicine, why he would rather prevent disease than prescribe pills, and how he personally went from 272 pounds to about 220 by changing what he drank, what he ate, and how he used his lunch hour. -How to build a sustainable “wellness habit,” including realistic goals, the six month window it took him to make exercise non negotiable, and the mindset of not letting every lunch meeting or convenience food derail your progress. -Practical nutrition for truckers, including why bread products, white potatoes, and liquid calories are such a problem, better choices for snacks and meals on the road, and how to use caffeine wisely without living on energy drinks and sugar crashes. -Simple ways to stay active on tight schedules, from using a 30 minute break to walk instead of sit, to doing bodyweight movements or light dumbbell work near the truck, to using nationwide gyms or apps when available so fitness fits into life on the road. With straightforward advice and zero gimmicks, Dr. Morgan shows drivers that they do not need a miracle plan to improve their health, only consistent small changes in how they move, eat, drink, and rest. What’s next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

We sit down with Brian Cooke, vice president of sales and operations at R.W. McCollum in Greensboro, North Carolina, to talk about the tank trailers that keep fuel and other critical liquids moving across the Southeast. From an 80 year family business and a 13 bay repair shop to custom spec trailers and truck mounted tanks, Brian explains how his team supports petroleum, dry bulk, propane, chemical, and food grade fleets with both new equipment and complex repairs. In this episode, Brian walks through his own path from sweeping floors in the shop to running sales and the office, why long term relationships matter in a shrinking customer base, and how custom aluminum trailers can quietly generate serious money through smarter specs, lighter weight, and longer service life. He also digs into safety systems, disaster relief builds, fleet telematics, and why a trailer is no longer just a barrel on wheels. Brian discusses: -The story of R.W. McCollum, from its founding in 1946 to becoming an 80 year tank trailer dealership, and how the Cooke family has carried the business forward with sales, service, and ASME certified repairs under one roof. -How custom aluminum petroleum trailers are spec’d for payload, weight, and longevity, including compartment layouts, hose and cabinet setups, niche disaster relief and transformer oil trailers, and in house upfitting for pumps, filtration, and special applications. -Safety from the repair bay to the highway, including cleaning and internal inspections, roll stability systems, disc brakes, belly valve shear sections, emergency shutoffs, and the procedures required to weld on gasoline trailers without taking on unnecessary risk. -The new technology layer on modern trailers, from GPS and geofencing to tire pressure and temperature monitoring, wheel end heat sensing, camera systems, and scene lighting that help fleets manage uptime, reduce accidents, protect drivers, and defend against costly litigation. With a mix of hands on shop experience and long term customer relationships, Brian shows how the right trailer spec and support partner can protect margins, improve safety, and turn a rolling tank into a moving billboard for the brand. What’s next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

We are back with Wright Archer, division engineer with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, to continue our deep dive into how roads really come together. In his first episode, Wright walked through planning and design. This time, he takes us through the next stages: how projects are bid, how construction actually happens in the field, and what it takes to maintain roads and bridges so they stay safe for decades. From traditional bid build contracts to design build and construction manager at risk models, Wright explains how NCDOT chooses the right approach for each job, how risks are shared, and why collaboration between designers, contractors, and the department can save both time and money. Then he shifts to the field, describing what happens once the plans are done: clearing and grubbing, earthwork, bridge construction, pavement design for heavy truck loads, traffic control, and inspections. Wright also digs into long term maintenance, from sealing cracks and repainting beams to managing rutting, deer strikes, cable median barriers, stranded motorists, and even the emerging challenge of electric vehicle fires. Throughout, he connects every step back to one theme: keeping people and freight moving safely. Wright discusses: -How different project delivery methods work in practice, including traditional bid build, design build, and construction manager at risk, and why NCDOT uses each one depending on complexity, risk, and schedule. -The step by step process of building a road, starting with work zone setup and clearing, then moving into earthwork, structure foundations and girders, subgrade preparation, and pavement layers designed for heavy truck traffic. -How traffic is managed during construction, including phasing, detours, lane closures, traffic control plans, and constant coordination between inspectors and contractors to keep work zones safe and projects on schedule. -The importance of maintenance, from bridge joint and bearing repairs to pavement overlays, diamond grinding, wildlife crossings, cable median barriers, retroreflective markings, and incident response trucks that help stranded motorists and prevent secondary crashes. With practical examples and stories from the field, Wright shows that a finished highway is only the midpoint of the journey, and that careful bidding, disciplined construction, and ongoing maintenance all play a critical role in road safety. What’s next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

We sit down with Wright Archer III, division engineer with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, to unpack what really goes into the roads we drive every day. Born and raised in Greensboro with more than 35 years at NCDOT, Wright has worked across design, construction, bridge maintenance, and now leads Division 7, responsible for thousands of road miles and hundreds of employees. In this episode, Wright explains how a geology degree and early work in a testing lab led him into civil engineering, large airport projects, and eventually a career spent shaping highways, beltways, and interstates across North Carolina. From the Greensboro Urban Loop and “Death Valley” on I 40 to roundabouts, diverging diamonds, and hurricane washouts in the western part of the state, he shares how long range planning, funding, safety, and public input all come together before the first orange barrel ever hits the ground. Wright discusses: -How NCDOT’s 14 divisions are organized, what Division 7 covers, and what it takes to maintain about 6,000 road miles and 13,000 lane miles across five counties -The long game behind the Greensboro Urban Loop, why older corridors like “Death Valley” and Business 40 became obsolete, and how loops relieve congestion and support economic growth -How roads are prioritized and funded through the Strategic Transportation Improvement Program, including safety, congestion, travel time, and the balance between new construction and maintenance -Why design details like pavement type, roundabouts, diverging diamond interchanges, and real time communication with the public and trucking community are critical to keeping people and freight moving safely With clear, practical examples and decades of field experience, Wright shows that every smooth commute and well marked interchange is the result of years of planning, engineering, and collaboration. What’s next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

In his fourth appearance on Beyond the Bulldog, Pat Godwin Jr., President of The Godwin Group, returns to continue the story of how a small family fabrication shop evolved into the largest family-owned and operated truck equipment manufacturer in the United States. This episode dives deep into the strategic thinking, calculated risk, and people-first leadership behind Godwin’s growth through mergers and acquisitions. Pat discusses: -Early custom trailer builds that showcased innovation long before CAD and formal engineering -How strategic acquisitions like R&S, Galleon, Champion Hoist, and Williamson strengthened the product portfolio -Why culture, trust, and employee stability matter more than speed during acquisitions -His father’s practical approach to leadership, lean manufacturing, and accountability -Carrying the company into the future through innovation, succession planning, and hands-on experience With candid stories, humor, and hard-earned wisdom, Pat explains why sustainable growth isn’t about shortcuts — it’s about people, preparation, and doing things the right way over time. What’s next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

In his third appearance on Beyond the Bulldog, Pat Godwin Jr., President of The Godwin Group, returns to continue the story of how a family-run operation in Dunn, North Carolina grew into one of the most respected truck body and manufacturing companies in the region. Picking up where the last conversation left off, Pat shares deeper stories about hands-on leadership, ingenuity, and the discipline required to build something that lasts. Pat discusses: -How early lessons in budgeting, responsibility, and problem-solving shaped his leadership style -Growing Godwin Manufacturing one building, one team, and one decision at a time -The “A-Team” mentality and why the right people raise the bar for everyone -Bringing hydraulics, fabrication, and specialty systems in-house to control quality -Why customer trust, craftsmanship, and accountability matter more than shortcuts With candid storytelling and hard-earned perspective, Pat shows what it really means to build a business from the ground up — with integrity, resilience, and pride in the work. What’s next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/  

In his second appearance on Beyond the Bulldog, Tom Mack, great-grandson of Jack Mack, returns to continue the story of the Mack family after the company’s early years. Recorded at the Mack Experience Center in Allentown, this conversation dives deeper into family history, personal perspective, and what it truly means to carry the Mack name generations later. Tom discusses: -The Mack family’s life after selling the company and how history shaped later generations -The tragic loss of Jack Mack and the ripple effects it had on the family -How innovation, mechanical instinct, and resilience persisted beyond ownership -What “Built Like a Mack Truck” means from the inside, not just the brand -Why legacy is about endurance, not just success With humility, humor, and firsthand insight, Tom offers a rare, human look at the roots of Mack Trucks, and the people behind the bulldog.   What’s next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

We sit down with Jonathan Randall, "JR", president of Mack Trucks North America, to talk about what it really means to lead a 125-year-old brand through one of the most dynamic periods in trucking. From defining strategy and “what winning looks like” to spending time in the field with dealers, customers, and drivers, JR shares how he sees his role as a steward of the Mack name. JR looks back on 2025, a year that combined a freight recession, regulatory uncertainty, and tariffs with some of the biggest investments in Mack history: the launch of the new Mack Pioneer, the latest Anthem, expanded medium-duty capacity, a new frame rail supplier, and a new plant in Mexico. Even in a down market, Mack grew share, improved customer satisfaction scores, and climbed the dealer attitude rankings, signaling real momentum behind the Bulldog. Looking ahead, JR outlines how Mack is preparing for EPA 2027, a stair-step recovery in 2026, and a fully renewed conventional lineup that includes upcoming replacements for the Granite and Pinnacle. He explains why Mack now sells complete solutions rather than just “iron,” why driver comfort and safety sit at the center of product decisions, and why he believes the trades, including truck driving and diesel technician roles, deserve as much respect as any four-year degree. JR discusses: -Defining his job as setting strategy and targets for North America, then removing obstacles so Mack’s sales and commercial operations teams can deliver for customers in the United States and Canada. -An unconventional career path that runs from Colorado State communications graduate and country radio DJ to wine sales, truck leasing, and eventually senior leadership roles that led him to Mack’s Greensboro headquarters. -How billions in recent investments, from the Pioneer and new Anthem to medium-duty expansion and a new Mexico factory, position Mack to grow in long-haul, regional haul, and core vocational segments even as the market shifts. -Why he spends time at truck stops leaving Mack hats on mirrors, listening to drivers’ stories, and making sure the brand stays connected to the people who actually live in the trucks and keep freight moving. With a mix of realism about market headwinds and optimism about Mack’s trajectory, JR makes the case that there has never been a better time to be part of the Bulldog brand, whether you are a dealer, customer, employee, or driver. What’s next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

We return to the Mack Trucks Historical Museum in Allentown, Pennsylvania, with curator and self-described caretaker of Mack history, Doug Maney. Surrounded by sound-absorbing cones in the semi-anechoic chamber, Doug explains how this former test lab became one of the most unique gallery spaces in trucking, and why every truck in it still starts, runs, and moves under its own power. Doug opens the doors to a behind-the-scenes world of 50 million pages of records, half a million photos, and shelves of film, slides, and microfiche that document more than a century of Mack innovation. From the vision of former president Zenon Hansen and the first small museum in Macungie to today’s expanded collection at the Mack Experience Center, he shows how preserving, digitizing, and protecting this material keeps Mack history available for engineers, marketers, restorers, dealers, and fans around the world. Doug discusses: -What it means to “keep Mack history safe” day to day, from scanning every new document before it hits a filing cabinet to maintaining an offline local network that protects irreplaceable films and records from hacks and ransomware. -The origins of the museum under Zenon C.R. Hansen, the return of the bulldog as a core symbol of the brand, and how a small municipal garage in Macungie grew into today’s independent 501(c)(3) Mack Trucks Historical Museum. -Keeping roughly two dozen vintage trucks, buses, and fire engines in running condition on site, rotating displays, leaning on volunteers, and why “it does not do them well to sit” if you want history to stay alive instead of collecting dust. -How trucks and archives “find” the museum through dealers, families, and collectors, the careful process of adding rare vehicles to a limited storage footprint, and Doug’s dream of a larger “Mack Main Street” style museum that would recreate dealerships from different eras. With stories of pallets from dealers, boxes from retirees, and long-sought documents discovered in drawers that have not been opened in decades, Doug shows that Mack history keeps expanding, and that every new artifact adds another piece to the story of how Bulldogs helped build the modern world.   What’s next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

Our podcast team heads to the Mack Trucks Experience Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania, to sit down with Brand Experience Specialist Christa Tam. What started as a dream of becoming an elementary school teacher turned into a 20-year Mack career that touches almost every part of the business: aftermarket, engineering, manufacturing, forecasting, quality, and now customer experience. In this episode, Christa talks about learning trucks the hard way in parts specifications, moving through roles that kept her close to product change, factory operations, and forecasting, and eventually leading a product quality team at Lehigh Valley Operations. Today, she brings all that knowledge together at the Experience Center, hosting tours, ride-and-drive events, and museum visits that help customers see, feel, and drive the difference behind the bulldog. Christa discusses: -Starting in parts specifications at world headquarters, learning to support dealers with microfilm, blueprints, and decades of truck records, and realizing how much there is to know about vehicles that stay on the road for millions of miles. -Moving into engineering and factory roles, coordinating design changes, material planning, service cab builds, and acting as a single point of contact between the plant and the sales side to keep customers informed about their trucks. -Managing product quality at Lehigh Valley Operations, leading auditors and specialists who investigate campaigns, misbuilds, and warranty trends, and feeding data back to the line so customers receive the trucks they expect. -Stepping into the Brand Experience Specialist role, organizing factory and Hagerstown tours, hosting customers on the test track and off-road course, showcasing new products like the Pioneer alongside heritage trucks, and inviting Mack fans to work with their dealer to plan a visit. With a teacher’s mindset and a deep respect for the people who build and drive Mack trucks, Christa shows how a great customer visit is built on real factory experience and genuine pride in the brand. What’s next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

We are joined by trucker, country music singer, and songwriter Tony Justice, whose life has always run on two parallel highways: hauling freight and writing songs about the people who do it. Growing up around coal trucks in eastern Kentucky with a truck driver dad and a gospel-singing mom, Tony learned early how closely the road, family, and music are tied together. In this episode, Tony talks about chasing two childhood dreams at once, turning an independent music side hustle into a full-time business, and how faith, grit, and the trucking community carried his family through financial disaster, his wife’s breast cancer diagnosis, and the uncertainty of Covid. From viral hits like “Last of the Cowboys” to Facebook Live merch marathons and packed truck shows, he shows how old-school trucking songs can still move people, pay the bills, and inspire the next generation to grab a CDL. Tony discusses: -Growing up in coal country, riding in Mack coal trucks with his dad, washing and greasing equipment on weekends, and playing bass in his mom’s gospel group by age eight, with trucking and music shaping his earliest memories. -Balancing life as an over-the-road driver and working musician, booking loads around truck shows, cramming guitars and merch into the sleeper, and putting in 2,300 to 2,400 mile weeks before working the stage all weekend. -The dominoes of adversity: a distributor bankruptcy that wiped out payment on thousands of CDs, his wife’s breast cancer diagnosis, and then Covid canceling Mid-America Truck Show, and how a viral “Last of the Cowboys” video and creative Facebook Live sales kept the business and their family afloat. -Using his platform to give back, from Operation Teddy Bear for a young boy on hospice to Joy Ride school events and the Large Cars and Guitars show that has raised around $200,000 for Susan G. Komen, all while inspiring new drivers who say his songs made them want to get behind the wheel. With stories that run from hand-me-down CB radios to 60,000 pound tour buses, Tony shows how trucking songs still matter, giving voice to a brotherhood on the road and connecting generations of drivers and their families.   What’s next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

We’re back at the Mack Trucks Historical Museum in Allentown, PA. This time with Tom Mack, great grandson of founder John “Jack” Mack and the last Mack family member to work at Mack Trucks. From childhood road trips spotting bulldogs on the highway to years in military intelligence and global electronics, Tom’s winding path eventually led him to the Macungie production line, where he quietly proved himself long before anyone realized his last name matched the badge on the hood. In this episode, Tom shares how centuries of wagon-making, a Titanic-era wireless set, and a deep “fix-anything” streak shaped both his life and the Mack brand. He talks about life as a flex technician and product quality auditor—test-driving brand-new trucks, chasing down rattles and brake issues, and protecting his family’s name by making sure customers get the truck they were promised. And in retirement, he’s still wrenching: resurrecting a 1957 open-cab B-model fire truck and volunteering at the museum to keep history not just polished, but running. Tom discusses: -Growing up “just a normal kid” in a very not-normal family. Playing spot-the-truck on road trips instead of punch buggy and realizing later how deep the Mack driving and mechanical instincts run. -How a Marconi wireless radio, similar to the Titanic’s set, pulled his grandfather into ham radio and Tom into electronics, leading to work on high-power vacuum tubes and radio stages for Air Force One and global semiconductor supply chains. -Coming to Mack via a job fair after a layoff. Starting on the line installing visor labels and speakers, then stepping into the “flex technician” role, filling in across the cab line and learning how an entire truck really goes together. -Moving into product quality auditing: bringing trucks back from the yard, road-testing them, chasing down odd noises and brake behavior, and using data on repeat defects to drive continuous improvement while safeguarding the Mack name. With a mix of humility, technical depth, and genuine pride, Tom shows that Mack heritage isn’t just a family story, it’s baked into how the trucks are built, audited, driven, and preserved for the next generation. What’s next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

On this episode of Beyond the Bulldog, we’re on location at the Mack Trucks Historical Museum in Allentown, PA, where curator Doug Maney — self-described “caretaker of Mack history” — walks us through a century-plus of innovation, storytelling, and hands-on preservation. From the famous sound room gallery and test track to a living fleet of running vintage trucks and an archive measured in tens of millions of pages, Doug shows how the past powers the present at the Mack Experience Center. Doug discusses: -Growing up around trucks and building a career that spans engineering, insurance appraisals, and museum curation -The Sound Room Gallery’s origins and the Allentown facility’s role as Mack’s engineering and test center (opened in the 1970s) -Why Allentown remains central to Mack’s story—and how customers still drive modern trucks on site during visits -Inside the archive: how documentation supports restorers, dealers, and enthusiasts (from paint codes to thread pitch) -Keeping history running: starting and driving near-100-year-old trucks, and why every museum vehicle is kept operational -Tours, Trucktoberfest, donations, and how the museum (a 501(c)(3)) sustains the work of preserving Mack heritage for future generations With contagious enthusiasm and real shop-floor credibility, Doug makes the case that Mack history isn’t just something you read—it’s something you hear, crank, and drive.   What’s next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

In this episode of Beyond the Bulldog, we’re joined by Forsyth Technical Community College, the winners of the 2025 TMC FutureTech National Student Technician Skills Competition. Representing the program are Program Coordinator Alan Doub, Instructors James Murdock and Philip Grimes, and 2025 Champion Tully McKinley — whose win put Forsyth Tech in the national spotlight. Together, they discuss how hands-on learning, industry partnerships, and a passion for the craft are shaping the next generation of diesel and heavy equipment technicians. The team discusses: -How Forsyth Tech built one of the country’s most respected diesel and heavy equipment programs -The value of mentorship, problem-solving, and continuous learning in the shop -How competitions like TMC FutureTech connect education and industry at a national level -The growing need for skilled technicians — and how community colleges are meeting that challenge -Why teamwork, adaptability, and preventive maintenance are essential for success From the classroom to the competition floor, Forsyth Tech’s story is a testament to education that works — training future leaders to keep America’s trucks on the road. What's next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

In this episode of Beyond the Bulldog, we sit down with Tandy Carpenter, Director of Safety at Edwards Wood Products-Transportation, to discuss how strong leadership, clear communication, and accountability create a thriving culture of safety on and off the road. Tandy shares how she went from working in her family’s trucking business to becoming one of North Carolina’s most respected safety leaders. With over 30 years in the industry, she brings practical insight into what it takes to lead people, not just processes. Tandy discusses: -How she turned an unexpected DOT audit into a lifelong career in safety -Why communication and education are key to implementing lasting change -How Edwards Wood Products keeps drivers safe and motivated through culture and compensation -The growing importance of mentorship, networking, and women’s leadership in trucking With decades of experience and a passion for people, Tandy Carpenter proves that safety isn’t a rulebook, it’s a relationship built mile after mile. What's next?Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

In this episode of Beyond the Bulldog, we sit down with Ingrid Brown, owner-operator, safety advocate, and proud voice for America’s professional drivers. With over four decades on the road, Ingrid’s story embodies resilience, community, and a deep love for trucking. From her first days behind the wheel to her work with Women In Trucking, Ingrid shares how grit, compassion, and purpose keep her wheels turning. Ingrid discusses: -Her journey from small-town North Carolina to 4 million safe miles and national recognition -The challenges and triumphs of being a woman behind the wheel -Why advocacy and mentorship matter in today’s trucking industry -How she uses her voice to represent the backbone of America — the drivers who never stop rolling With humor, honesty, and a heart as strong as her engine, Ingrid Brown reminds us why trucking is more than a job — it’s a way of life. What's next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

In this episode of Beyond the Bulldog, we sit down with Brian Walker, Lead Instructor at Randolph Community College’s Truck Driver Training Program, 13-time North Carolina Truck Driving Champion, and 2019 National Truck Driving Champion, to talk about the skill, focus, and patience behind professional truck driving. Brian discusses: -His family’s trucking legacy and how he followed in his father’s championship footsteps -What it takes to win at state and national truck driving competitions — and why it starts with a perfect pre-trip -How patience, discipline, and awareness define the difference between driving and professional driving -What students learn in Randolph Community College’s 10-week CDL program -How competition precision translates into safer, more confident drivers on the road With decades of experience on the road and in the classroom, Brian shows how the next generation of drivers can elevate their craft — one mile, one maneuver, and one lesson at a time. What's next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

In this episode of Beyond the Bulldog, we sit down with Jamie Hagen, owner of Hell Bent Xpress and long-time Mack Trucks advocate, to talk about the business, discipline, and data behind running a successful trucking operation. Known for his fleet of Gen One Anthems and now a striking amber-orange Mack Pioneer and his social media presence, Jamie brings an open, practical look at the everyday challenges and rewards of life on the road. Jamie discusses: -His family roots in trucking and how Hell Bent Xpress was born -How he achieves fuel efficiency numbers up to 25% better than the national average -The evolution from driver to fleet owner — and what it really takes to grow responsibly -How Mack Trucks’ customization and dealer support help fleets succeed -The features of his new Pure Profit Pioneer and why it’s changing his business With humor, humility, and hard-earned insight, Jamie proves that trucking success is built one penny, one mile, and one relationship at a time.   What's next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

Jared Sweeney, Vice President, Transportation Group at Cottingham & Butler, joins Beyond the Bulldog to demystify trucking insurance—why costs keep climbing and what fleets can actually control. Jared breaks down: -What drives premium increases and how underwriters assess risk (claims history, CSA profile, routes, driver pool) -Practical ways to lower total cost: top-down safety culture, spec and maintenance discipline, dash cams, smarter deductibles -Group captives 101: when they fit mid-size fleets, how loss funds work, and why dividends are possible -Navigating a volatile market: telling a credible safety story to carriers and avoiding jurisdictional “hellholes” -Why cameras protect drivers and accelerate fair claims outcomes -Key takeaways from Cottingham & Butler’s Transportation Summit that leaders can apply immediately Whether you run 10 trucks or 1,000, this episode gives you actionable strategies to manage risk—not just buy insurance.   What’s next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

In her second of three appearances, Ingrid Brown—46-year professional driver, Operations Manager at Blackjack Express, and long-time Women In Trucking (WIT) board member—joins Beyond the Bulldog to talk about how women are shaping every corner of trucking.   Ingrid discusses: -The real challenges women face on the road—and why clear, accurate communication beats stereotypes -How WIT supports drivers: mentorship, scholarships, the Whitney education trailer, image team, and recognition programs -Mental health on the road: reducing isolation, knowing when to ask for help, and building support systems -Equipment and ergonomics: practical fixes and why design matters for every body -Career paths beyond the cab: mechanics, safety, dispatch, brokerage, leadership—and how women thrive across the industry   With candor and humor, Ingrid shows how inclusion, mentorship, and equal standards make fleets safer, stronger, and more resilient.   What’s next? Tune in weekly for new episodes!   Learn more about Women in Trucking: https://www.womenintrucking.org/   Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/   Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

In this episode of Beyond the Bulldog, we sit down with Jason Johnson, Founder and CEO of Project K9 Hero, a nonprofit dedicated to caring for retired military, police, and fire service dogs. From his early days as a U.S. Army MP and federal K9 instructor to launching a nationwide program, Jason shares his mission to give these canine heroes the care and dignity they deserve after service. Jason discusses: His journey from soldier to police officer to federal K9 instructor The stories of heroism behind dogs like Sergeant Yeager and K9 Chief How Project K9 Hero provides medical care, rehabilitation, and rehoming for retired service dogs The organization’s capital campaign to expand its Tennessee rehabilitation and sanctuary facility   With over 350 dogs served since 2016, Jason and his team are ensuring that America’s four-legged heroes live out their lives with honor, comfort, and care.   What's next? Tune in weekly for new episodes!   Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/   Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

In this episode of Beyond the Bulldog, we sit down with Amit Alhuwalia, co-founder of Class8, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping trucking operations and helping fleets build resilience in both strong and weak markets. Amit discusses: -How Class8 applies AI to fleet data to drive smarter business decisions -Why resilience matters during today’s extended freight recession -How Load Finder, offered through Mack Trucks, helps drivers and fleets secure smarter backhauls and optimize profitability With his deep background in logistics, technology, and trucking, Amit brings a fresh perspective on how practical AI tools can empower both owner-operators and large fleets to thrive in an unpredictable industry.   What's next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

In this episode of Beyond the Bulldog, we sit down with Ingrid Brown, professional driver and Operations Manager at Blackjack Express, LLC. With more than four decades behind the wheel, Ingrid shares her journey from starting out as an owner-operator to now leading drivers in refrigerated transport. Ingrid discusses: -Why culture and trust matter more than shiny trucks when it comes to retaining drivers -The realities of life on the road and how mentorship helps new drivers succeed -What she looks for when hiring drivers and building a strong team at Blackjack Express Ingrid’s story highlights both the grit of trucking and the importance of people-first leadership in keeping America’s freight moving. What's next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

In this episode of Beyond the Bulldog, we sit down with Gary Moneypenny, CDL transport driver with Jackson Motorsports. From hauling tires in the desert to delivering Aston Martin race parts across America, Gary shares the unique life of a motorsports truck driver — where the job is only 30% driving and 70% building relationships, solving problems, and representing the brand. Gary discusses: -How he went from oil rigs to his first CDL job with BFGoodrich -The evolution from off-road racing to road courses — and why the tires mean everything -Why trucking in motorsports is more about relationships, service, and image than just the miles -Stories from the paddock: Paul Newman, celebrity hauls, and lessons in generosity With humor, humility, and heart, Gary shows how trucking isn’t just about moving freight — it’s about representing a brand, serving a community, and creating stories that last a lifetime.   What's next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

In this episode of Beyond the Bulldog, we sit down with David Hartzell, President & CEO of Mack Defense. With a career spanning decades at Mack Trucks, David brings his engineering expertise and leadership to the front lines of defense, delivering mission-ready vehicles that keep troops safe at home and abroad. David discusses: -The history of Mack’s role in supporting the U.S. military for over 100 years -How Mack Defense adapts rugged commercial platforms like the Granite into military-spec vehicles -The unique engineering challenges of armoring, off-road capability, and survivability in combat zones -Why Mack Defense exists as a separate entity and the security clearances required to serve military customers With passion and pride, David shows how Mack Defense carries forward the bulldog spirit—ensuring every vehicle is built to protect those who serve. What's Next? Visit the Mack Defense website: https://mackdefense.com/ Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

In this episode of Beyond the Bulldog, we sit down with Master Trooper Scott Baker of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. With more than two decades of experience in commercial vehicle enforcement, Baker shares practical insights on inspections, crash prevention, and how technology is reshaping road safety. Scott discusses: -What really happens during Level 1, 2, and 3 DOT inspections -How pre-trip discipline and good habits prevent most violations -The rise of AI camera systems spotting distracted driving and seatbelt misuse -Crash patterns troopers see daily — and how drivers can stay out of them With a focus on education over punishment, Baker emphasizes that inspections aren’t about writing tickets — they’re about keeping drivers, fleets, and the public safe. What's next? Guilty By Association Truck Show https://www.4statetrucks.com/guilty-b... Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

In his second appearance on Beyond the Bulldog, Ben Greenberg, President & CEO of the North Carolina Trucking Association, returns to share critical updates on advocacy, legislation, and the everyday challenges facing truckers. Ben discusses: -How NCTA successfully fought back against predatory towing and booting practices -Updates on CARB rules, greenhouse gas legislation, and their impact on fleets -The medical certification reporting crisis leaving thousands of drivers sidelined -Why telling the real stories of trucking is the key to shaping fair policies With his background as a lawyer and his leadership at NCTA, Ben brings clarity to complex regulatory issues and shows how trucking associations empower both small fleets and large carriers.  What's next? Visit NC Trucking Association to learn more: https://www.nctrucking.com/ Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

In this episode of Beyond the Bulldog, we sit down with Rick Cates, Senior Consultant at Rick Cates Trucking, to talk about what it really takes to keep drivers — and the public — safe on the road. With decades of experience, Rick shares his journey from behind the wheel to leading one of the largest safety programs in the Southeast. We discuss: -The evolving role of safety directors in a changing industry -How technology, training, and culture work together to reduce risk -Why investing in people is just as important as investing in equipment Rick also offers practical advice for drivers, trainers, and fleet managers on building a safety-first mindset that can change not just a company, but an entire industry. What's next? Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

In this second part of our Beyond the Bulldog conversation with Pat Godwin Jr., President of The Godwin Group, we move from the early, scrappy years to a pivotal chapter of redemption and growth. Pat shares how his father, Pat Godwin Sr., faced personal struggles, found faith, and transformed both his life and his company — taking it from near-collapse to securing multi-million-dollar expansions. We discuss: How personal change fueled business success and long-term stability The “Godwin Way” of problem-solving, perseverance, and keeping your word The current challenges of meeting demand in a booming vocational truck market Lessons learned from over 50 years in the truck body manufacturing industry From near-homelessness to industry leadership, this episode is a testament to resilience, faith, and a relentless commitment to getting the job done right.  What's next? Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

In this two-part episode of Beyond the Bulldog, we sit down with Pat Godwin Jr., President of The Godwin Group, to hear the remarkable story of how his father, Pat Godwin Sr., turned a carport welding rig into one of the largest truck body and equipment manufacturers in the country. In Part 1, Pat shares: -The origin story of Godwin Manufacturing — including a legendary April Fool’s Day and a welder cord through the kitchen window -Life lessons from his father’s fearless approach to business and people -The growing pains, grit, and character that shaped a family-run powerhouse in truck equipment fabrication From humble beginnings to industry leadership, this episode is about more than metal — it’s about the people and purpose behind every weld. 👉 Stay tuned for Part 2, where we explore the company’s national growth, product innovation, and how the next generation is carrying the torch. What's next? Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

In this episode of Beyond the Bulldog, we sit down with Van Staley, Director of Truck Driver Training at Guilford Technical Community College. With a career that spans dump trucks, freight, and full-circle training, Van shares what it takes to shape new drivers who are ready for the real world — not just the test route. We discuss: -The evolution of CDL training and why the "human factor" still matters -Why language proficiency and safety culture are critical to the future of trucking -How today’s trucks, from automatic transmissions to integrated cameras, are changing how people learn to drive From writing his own curriculum to pushing students to earn more than just a license, Van is passionate about preparing drivers to be the kind of people you'd want behind the wheel of the truck next to your family. Whether you're a new driver, fleet trainer, or someone who's just CDL-curious, this episode puts the spotlight on the people working hard to make the roads safer — one student at a time. What's next? Learn more at GTCC Truck Driver Training Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

In this episode of Beyond the Bulldog, we’re joined by Spencer Squier, founder and CEO of Road Dog Coffee Company — a mission-driven brand that blends premium coffee with a deep respect for the men and women who keep America moving.   With a background that spans from running medical courier vans to building a national trucking company, Spencer shares how the road led him to launch a coffee company with purpose. From disaster relief to late-night hauls, he’s seen firsthand the sacrifices drivers make — and he’s using coffee to give something back.   We discuss: -Spencer’s unexpected entry into trucking and the growth of All State Express -The untold sacrifices truckers make — from natural disasters to day-to-day wear -How Road Dog Coffee honors drivers and brings awareness to the industry -Why coffee, cigars, and social media might be the next big tools for driver recognition   Whether you’re on your 10th hour behind the wheel or sipping your first cup of the day, this episode is a rich blend of gratitude, grit, and bold ideas.   What's next?   ☕ Learn more at https://roaddogcoffee.com/ Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/   Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/  

In this episode of Beyond the Bulldog, we ride along with Robert Taylor — a veteran driver who’s been behind the wheel since high school. From hauling ammo for the Department of Defense to delivering groceries for Walmart, Robert shares decades of wisdom about ownership, maintenance, and what it really means to build a life in trucking. We discuss: -His journey from driving school buses at 16 to owning and operating freight trucks -The realities of running your own business vs. being a company driver -What every new driver should know before they chase independence -Why relationships — with dispatchers, customers, and fellow drivers — can make or break your success With humor, honesty, and a toolbox full of life lessons, Robert gives listeners a no-BS view of the job — and what it takes to make it work long-term. What's Next?   Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/  

In this episode of Beyond the Bulldog, we sit down with Bes Bujupi, Executive Creative Director at Rapid Images — the creative partner behind Mack Trucks’ digital configurator, CGI visuals, and immersive storytelling. Bes shares his journey from designing digital experiences for brands like Lexus, Polestar, and Formula 1, to bringing that same creative clarity to heavy-duty trucking. We explore the art and science behind digital product experience — and how images, animation, and smart design can inspire drivers, simplify specs, and elevate the Mack brand. We discuss: -How CGI and visual storytelling shape the customer experience before they ever set foot in a truck -Why authenticity and clarity are essential for strong design -How Mack's truck builder empowers buyers to make informed, personalized decisions -Tips for small fleets and owner-operators on telling their story through modern media Whether you’re behind the wheel or behind a screen, this episode offers a fresh look at trucking through the lens of cutting-edge design and visual communication. What's Next? Learn more at rapidimages.com and follow them on Instagram @rapidimages Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

In this episode of Beyond the Bulldog, we sit down with Chad Melnik, Executive Director of Go-to-Market Strategy at Truck Club — an aftermarket warranty provider aiming to disrupt the status quo. With a background in motorsports and digital marketing, Chad brings a fresh perspective to an industry that’s long been stuck in its ways. We discuss: Why aftermarket warranties get a bad rap — and how Truck Club is changing that. What owner-operators should look for in a coverage plan. How trust, transparency, and technology can actually reduce downtime and save fleets money. Whether you’re driving cross-country or managing a fleet, this episode sheds light on how small details — like fine print, clear communication, and customer-first tools — make a big difference when things go wrong. What's next? Learn more at https://www.truckclub.com/ Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

Since 1943, J.L. Rothrock has been moving freight and shaping lives across the Southeast and beyond. In this episode of Beyond the Bulldog, we sit down with President Richard Bondurant — a third-generation leader who has worked nearly every role in the company, from wrenching in the shop to driving the trucks himself. Richard shares what it means to lead a legacy carrier in a modern world, how Rothrock scaled from two trucks to a regional fleet serving the eastern U.S., and the family values that continue to guide its culture and success. We discuss: -The history of J.L. Rothrock and its evolution from mail and catalog delivery to hauling furniture, textiles, and potatoes -How Richard’s hands-on leadership style impacts operations and customer trust -What dependability really looks like in an industry built on deadlines, relationships, and road miles   What's next? Learn more about J.L. Rothrock: https://jlrothrock.com/ Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

In this episode of Beyond the Bulldog, we sit down with Ben Greenberg, President and CEO of the North Carolina Trucking Association. Ben brings his training and experience as a lawyer to the front lines of trucking advocacy, working to ensure that the voices of North Carolina’s fleets and drivers are heard where it matters most. We discuss: Issues facing truckers in North Carolina today How NCTA recognizes outstanding professionals with the Driver Championship and Top Tech Challenge The importance of advocacy and education in strengthening the industry From building partnerships to tackling regulatory concerns, Ben shares how NCTA is helping to shape a stronger, safer, and more connected trucking community across the state What's next? Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

In this episode of Beyond the Bulldog, we talk with Gerard Heller, president of Spartan Enterprise Inc., about what it takes to build — and sustain — a specialized local hauling business from scratch. From humble beginnings with a single truck to operating a full fleet across North Carolina, Gerard shares his experience navigating growth, managing seasonal slowdowns, and maintaining a reputation built on reliability, safety, and relationships. You'll hear stories of mentorship, maintenance, and the gritty reality of life in the dirt.   You’ll learn: -How Spartan scaled from one truck to a regional fleet over nearly three decades. -What it takes to manage dump truck operations, drivers, and downtime. -Why relationships, consistency, and mentorship fuel long-term success. Whether you're a seasoned fleet owner or just starting out, this conversation is full of real-world insight and hard-earned lessons from someone who’s lived every side of the business. 📍 Watch now and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share Beyond the Bulldog. What's next? Check Out Antique Truck Club: https://www.antiquetruckclub.org/ Visit the Mackshop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

In this episode of Beyond the Bulldog, we sit down with Wesley Burleson, Digital Media and Events Manager at Mack Trucks, to explore the intersection of storytelling, training, and team development in the trucking industry. Wesley shares how compelling stories power everything from product videos to technician training. He also walks us through the evolution of Mack Masters — a hands-on, high-energy global competition designed to sharpen skills and celebrate excellence across service, parts, and warranty roles. From comic books to pro wrestling themes, discover how creativity and competition keep Mack’s training programs both engaging and effective. You’ll learn: -How storytelling enhances technical training -Why Mack Masters is more than just a competition -How digital content can connect, educate, and inspire   🎥 Subscribe now and follow Beyond the Bulldog for more powerful voices from across the trucking world.   What's next? Check Out Mack Masters: https://www.mackmasters.com/ Visit the Mackshop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

In this episode of Beyond the Bulldog, we sit down with Leigh Killam, Aftermarket Product Manager at Mack Trucks, to go behind the scenes of the parts and service strategies that keep trucks — and businesses — running. From filtration and fluids to crash parts, upgrades, and lifecycle planning, Leigh shares what it takes to support uptime from day one to year ten. You’ll learn: -What aftermarket really means — and why it’s critical to uptime -How Mack prepares for maintenance needs before a truck even hits the road -The people, planning, and partnerships behind getting parts where they’re needed most Whether you're in the cab, behind the counter, or turning a wrench, this episode offers a firsthand look at how smart planning and dedicated support keep the industry moving. 📍 Watch now and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected with Beyond the Bulldog.   What's next? Visit the Mackshop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

In this episode of Beyond the Bulldog, we’re joined by Conal Deedy, Director of Commercial Telematics at Mack Trucks. Conal defines telematics in practical terms and explains how businesses can harness this data to increase profits, optimize routes, and stay ahead on maintenance. Whether you're managing a few trucks or a national fleet, this conversation offers real-world insights into how Mack’s connected technology helps you run smarter, more efficient operations. What's next? Visit the Mackshop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/