Beyond the Bulldog

Mile Marker 15 – Turning the Corner: Pat Godwin Jr. on Redemption, Resilience, and the Godwin Way

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/

Mile Marker 14 – Built From Steel: Pat Godwin Jr. on Family, Fabrication, and the Godwin Legacy

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/

Mile Marker 13 – Building Safer Roads: Van Staley on Training the Next Generation of Truckers

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/

Mile Marker 12 – Fueling the Road: Spencer Squier on Trucking, Coffee, and Giving Back

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/
 

Mile Marker 11 – From Bus Routes to Big Rigs: Robert Taylor on Life, Freight & Finding the Right Fit

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/
 

Mile Marker 10 – Designing Trucks with Pixels and Purpose: A Conversation with Bes Bujupi

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/

Mile Marker 9 – Rethinking Warranty: Chad Melnik on Truck Club and Putting Drivers First

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/

Mile Marker 8 – Building a Legacy: A Conversation with Richard Bondurant

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/

Mile Marker 7 – Advocacy in Motion: A Conversation with Ben Greenberg

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/

Mile Marker 6 – Dirt, Drive & Dedication: The Story of Gerard Heller and Spartan Enterprise

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/