Beyond the Bulldog

Mile Marker 44 – Mike McMahon on Dealer of the Year Service, Customer Trust, and Being a Ten Every Day

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/

Mile Marker 43 – Dr. Lon Morgan on Health, Habits, and Fitness for Truck Drivers

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/

Mile Marker 42 – Brian Cooke on Tank Trailers, Safety, and Custom Solutions

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/

Mile Marker 41 – Wright Archer III on Bids, Building Roads, and Keeping Highways Safe

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/

Mile Marker 40 – Wright Archer III on Road Design, Urban Loops, and Safer Highways

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 safelyWith 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/

Mile Marker 39 – Growing with Purpose: Pat Godwin Jr. on Mergers, Innovation, and the Future of The Godwin Group

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 experienceWith 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/

Mile Marker 38 – Built from the Ground Up: Pat Godwin Jr. on Family, Fabrication, and Doing It the Right Way

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 shortcutsWith 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/
 

Mile Marker 37 – Carrying the Bulldog Legacy: Tom Mack on Family, History, and What Endures

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 successWith 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/

Mile Marker 36 – Jonathan Randall on Mack’s Momentum, New Trucks, and the Road to 2026

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/

Mile Marker 35 – Doug Maney on Mack Bulldogs, Archives, and the Future of the Museum

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/