This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett talks with Bryan “Bossman” Martin of 4 State Trucks and Chrome Shop Mafia to talk all things custom rigs, chrome, and the state of the trucking industry. Bryan shares highlights from their massive biennial truck show, including 600+ trucks, a packed convoy, and a popular “social media row” of trucking influencers. They dive into current customization trends like LED “watermelon” lights, underglow, bumpers, visors, stacks, fenders, and custom metal fabrication work that solves real storage and usability problems for drivers. The conversation also explores the challenges of attracting younger drivers to trucking, the impact of regulations and congestion, and why both believe the industry is poised to rebound despite current headwinds. Bryan closes by outlining Four State’s growth through authorized dealers, a new podcast, and their powerful new app, while Jeremy connects it all back to Oakley’s own truck show and commitment to supporting owner operators.
Key topics in today’s conversation include:
- Welcome to Today’s Show with Bryan “Bossman” Martin (0:42)
- Shout Outs to Sponsors and 100k YouTube Subscribers Milestone (1:40)
- Recap of 4 State Trucks 2025 Truck Show and Atmosphere (5:13)
- State of Trucking, “Chrome Season,” and Economic Outlook (9:39)
- Must-Have Chrome: Bumpers, Visors, Stacks, Fenders, and Lighting (11:20)
- Comfort Upgrades and Why Seats Are a Big Investment (15:49)
- Challenges With Newer Truck Dash Designs and Interior Chrome (17:47)
- Smart Storage Solutions for Sleepers, Boxes, and Deck Plates (20:17)
- Are Young Drivers Getting Into Trucking? Generational Trends (23:53)
- Shortage of Technicians and Other Trucking-Related Careers (26:43)
- Why Trucking Is Still a Rewarding, Freedom-Filled Career Path (29:18)
- 4 State’s Expansion With Authorized Dealers Across North America (30:53)
- Good Ideas, Bad Ideas, and Learning From Misses (35:26)
- 4 State Trucks Mobile App Features and Fast Parts Search (37:40)
- Oakley’s October Truck Show and Highly Customized Rigs (40:25)
- Final Thoughts and Takeaways (41:56)
Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com.