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:

1. His journey from soldier to police officer to federal K9 instructor

2. The stories of heroism behind dogs like Sergeant Yeager and K9 Chief

3. How Project K9 Hero provides medical care, rehabilitation, and rehoming for retired service dogs

4. 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!

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https://mackshop.com/

Book a virtual truck tour!

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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/