Beyond the Bulldog

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 compan...

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 o...

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 th...

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 Tr...

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 Rot...

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 r...

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 b...

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-ener...

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 r...

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...

In this episode of Beyond the Bulldog, we talk with Scott Sokach, Senior Product Manager for Complete Vehicle and Safety at Mack Trucks. Scott walks us through the innovations behind the new Pioneer’s driver-centric design — from next-level comfort enhancements to the passive safety systems engineered to protect those behind the wheel. Discover how Mack is redefining long-haul peace of mind throug...

In our debut episode of Beyond the Bulldog, we sit down with Allen Zadeh, Mack Trucks’ Design Director and the visionary behind the bold new look of our latest truck. Allen shares the inspiration, challenges, and deep brand thinking that shaped every curve, line, and feature of this groundbreaking design. From sketches to steel, hear how Mack’s design legacy evolves to meet the future of trucking...