Mike Hall

Ledwell Employee Spotlight Mike Hall

Since joining Ledwell in 2024, Mike Hall has become a valued part of our IT team. As one of our IT Technicians, Mike helps keep the systems behind the scenes running the way they should, so the rest of the team can focus on getting the job done.

Mike earned his Associate’s degree in Computer Technology and Information Systems from Texarkana College, bringing both technical knowledge and a practical mindset to his role. No two days look the same for him. He checks systems daily to ensure everything is operating correctly and addresses new challenges as they arise.

What Mike enjoys most about working at Ledwell is the people. “Everyone is really nice,” he says. That sense of family and teamwork shows up in his day‑to‑day work, especially since most people would be surprised to learn that Mike talks with someone from nearly every department, every single day.

One project Mike is especially proud of is helping get Ledwell Advanced Imaging up and running. Starting from the ground up, the project involved new machines, new systems, and learning an entirely new set of medical rules. “We basically started from scratch,” Mike explains, taking on the challenge with determination and focus.

The Ledwell value Mike connects with most is Grit. “Some things have to be done no matter what,” he says. “Getting those things done takes a lot of grit.”

That mindset also ties into how he defines Ledwell Made: quality equipment, backed by real support.

What motivates Mike to show up every day is simple: being reliable. That dependability makes a difference across the company and reflects what Ledwell stands for.

Outside of work, Mike enjoys watching Rangers games and spending time at the range doing target practice.

We’re glad to have Mike on the team and appreciate the grit, reliability, and behind‑the‑scenes support he brings to Ledwell every day.

Ledwell Employee Spotlight Mike Hall

Jason Pond

Ledwell Employee Spotlight - Jason Pond

Jason “Catfish” Pond has been a dedicated part of the Ledwell family since 2000. He began his career in the kit bay, where he pulled together the parts needed for each truck order. Today, he handles input for truck parts on both new and service orders, and his work touches nearly every corner of the shop. Jason keeps production moving by entering parts into orders, moving units forward in the build process, and hanging work orders. His day is filled with countless small but important tasks that help the shop run smoothly. What many may not realize is how much time and attention to detail his job requires, and he takes pride in doing it right.

When asked what he enjoys most about working at Ledwell, Jason does not hesitate. He says it is the people. Over the years, he has learned the value of a simple principle: show up. That mindset, paired with a strong sense of grit, shapes the way he approaches his work. He likes to get things done the way they need to be done, with a steady, reliable presence that his team can count on.

To Jason, “Ledwell Made” means doing the job right and fixing it if it is not.

His motivation comes from the work itself and from the atmosphere created by the people around him. He genuinely loves what he does, and that passion shows in every task he takes on.

Outside the shop, Jason enjoys a full and active life. He has been married to his wife, Barbara, for 25 years, and together they have raised three daughters. When he is not at Ledwell, he spends his time fishing, hunting, and being with his family. His love of the outdoors mirrors the grounded, hardworking spirit he brings to his role every day.

Ledwell Employee Spotlight - Jason Pond

Ledwell to Showcase Historic World Trade Center Beam at CONEXPO 2026

Tunnel to Towers Foundation to feature World Trade Center Beam in Ledwell's booth at Conexpo 2026

Ledwell and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation will bring a powerful piece of American history to CONEXPO this year, displaying an authentic beam recovered from the World Trade Center. The beam will be featured in Ledwell’s booth S62747 in the South Hall, Level 1, where attendees can learn about Tunnel to Towers, their mission, and the nationwide journey ahead. This rare World Trade Center beam exhibit offers families a meaningful opportunity to connect with American history.

The beam will travel across the country from May through September as part of the Foundation’s Steel Across America campaign, a moving tribute to the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and the heroes who stepped forward in the aftermath. At every stop, Tunnel to Towers will share its mission of supporting Gold Star and fallen first responder families, catastrophically injured heroes, homeless veterans, and helping America keep its vow to Never Forget 9/11.

Ledwell is honored to support this effort by building a patented Gull Wing Truck to transport the beam throughout its tour.

Visitors to CONEXPO are encouraged to stop by Ledwell’s booth to view the beam, meet Foundation representatives, and learn more about Tunnel to Towers and the work they do across the nation.

Drake Morgan

Ledwell Buddy Award winner 2026 - Drake Morgan

Since 2021, Drake Morgan has played an essential role on the Pattern Torch night shift. As Night Shift Supervisor, he keeps production moving while most of the world sleeps, ensuring every part is cut accurately and ready for the next step by sunrise.

Drake takes pride in how he tackles challenges. When something goes wrong, he does not get discouraged. He leans in, finds the issue, and gets things back on track. His problem solving skills set the tone for his team and show the kind of leadership they can count on.

Many people assume the Pattern Torch crew only moves material on and off the table, but Drake knows the job is far more technical. “You see us taking material on and off the table, but what you do not always see is the machine programming and technical side that tells the torch how to cut the parts,” he explains. His work requires focus, precision, and a strong understanding of the equipment.

During his time at Ledwell, Drake has learned that hard work truly pays off. The value he connects with most is Grit. As he puts it, “No matter how hard the work is, I get it done.” That attitude defines how he approaches every shift, every challenge, and every responsibility.

Drake’s foreman, Tim Snider, sees that effort daily. “He does what I ask and more. Drake steps up to do what needs to be done,” Tim says. Drake stands out because he shows up fully, follows through, and helps wherever he is needed.

Outside of work, Drake keeps busy on his homestead, where he raises goats and rabbits, and he enjoys hunting. His steady, hardworking nature carries through every part of his life.

To Drake, “Ledwell Made” means a quality product that lasts forever. He takes pride in knowing that the parts he cuts help create equipment customers rely on for the long haul.

Thank you, Drake, for your hard work, grit, and commitment. We appreciate everything you bring to the team.

Ledwell Buddy Award winner - Drake Morgan
Ledwell Buddy Award winner 2026 - Drake Morgan

Celebrating 80 Years of American Manufacturing

buddy ledwell with lumber

Ledwell is celebrating 80 years of building tough, dependable equipment for the industries that keep America moving. From equipment rental and transportation to agriculture and feed delivery, Ledwell has become a trusted name across sectors that rely on hardworking machines built to last.

What began in 1946 as a small operation building livestock racks has grown into one of the country’s leading custom truck body and trailer manufacturers. Still family-owned and based in Texarkana, Texas, Ledwell continues to engineer American-made solutions for customers nationwide.

buddy ledwell with lumber
Ledwell Pick Up Cattle Rack
Ledwell Sales Team at IPPE in 1971

Custom Equipment for the Jobs That Matter

With a strong presence in rental fleets, farm operations, hauling, and service applications, Ledwell equipment is known for unmatched durability and smart engineering.

Whether it’s a Dump Truck clearing storm debris, a Feed Trailer delivering nutrients across rural America, a Vacuum Truck supporting critical infrastructure, or a Water Truck delivering life-saving water to extinguish brush fires, Ledwell builds equipment that holds up under pressure.

At the core of it all is the Ledwell Made Guarantee; our promise to deliver quality equipment, fast lead times, and long-term value, backed by responsive service and support.

University of Arkansas Feed Body with Ledwell Sales and Parts team members
Ledwell Parts Counter - history

Rooted in Values. Driven by Purpose.

Ledwell’s success is built on values that run deep. Quality is never negotiable. Grit is part of our DNA. We don’t back down from tough jobs or unique challenges.

Our legacy is something we take seriously. This company was built with hard work and determination. Above all, we treat people like family. We do what’s right, we look out for each other, and we take pride in what we build together. These values support our mission: manufacturing tough, innovative equipment that moves you forward.

Bobcat loading Ledwell Dump Truck with material
Ledwell rollback helping deliver equipment to Hurricane Helene clean up in North Carolina
Ledwell Water Truck watering lawn at Arlington National Cemetery

Built in America. Backed by Experience.

Ledwell fabricates over 85% of parts in-house and offers some of the shortest lead times in the industry. Every product is manufactured in Texas using American steel and backed by teams who know the equipment inside and out. As we look to the future, we remain committed to innovation, customer service, and the belief that American manufacturing still builds the best.

From one small shop to two full facilities in Texas and North Carolina, now spread across 91 acres that support operations throughout the United States, Ledwell’s journey proves what it means to get the job done right.

This year, we celebrate 80 years of hard work and progress, with our sights set firmly on a century of American manufacturing.

Ledwell Feed Trailer watching sunrise
Ledwell new manufacturing space

Winter 2026

Ledwell Winter 2026 Newsletter
Winter 2026 Newsletter

Celebrating 80 Years of American Manufacturing

 

Ledwell is celebrating 80 years of building tough, dependable equipment for the industries that keep America moving. From equipment rental and transportation to agriculture and feed delivery, Ledwell has become a trusted name across sectors that rely on hardworking machines built to last.

What began in 1946 as a small operation building livestock racks has grown into one of the country’s leading custom truck body and trailer manufacturers. Still family-owned and based in Texarkana, Texas, Ledwell continues to engineer American-made solutions for customers nationwide.

 

Celebrate with us!

buddy ledwell with lumber
Ledwell Sales Team at IPPE in 1971
Ledwell Water Truck watering lawn at Arlington National Cemetery
Ledwell Feed Trailer watching sunrise
Ledwell new manufacturing space

Decades of Grit: Ledwell Through the Years

 

1940’s

1946 Buddy Ledwell and his father started hauling lumber in Texarkana, Texas.

 

1950’s

1950 Ledwell shifted from hauling to building pick-up racks.
1955Ledwell began manufacturing dump trucks.
Moved to the Waco Street shop.
1957 First Feed Body sold & delivered 100 miles away—Ledwell started expanding reach.

 

1960’s

1963 Became a Bobcat Dealer.

 

1970’s

1971 Built Satellite Antenna and shipped to South America in sections.
1972–1976 Ledwell Film Distribution helped release:
Legend of Boggy Creek (1972)
Bootleggers (1974)
Winter Hawk (1975)
1976 HydraTail Trailer was introduced.
1977 First Water Trucks were built.

 

1980’s

1980Invested in CNC Machine
First step in automating parts production.

 

1990’s

1990 Machine Shop was modernized, and production capacity expanded.
1999 Products began shipping internationally.

 

2000’s

2008 North Carolina Office opened.
2009 Ledwell Machinery opens, offering Bobcat, Toro and Argo equipment.
Partnered with First Response Team of America.

 

2010’s

2010 Entered Vacuum Truck industry.
2012 Ledwell Office opened.
2013 First Truck Mounted Attenuator was built.
2016 First Gull Wing was manufactured.
2017 Added Powder Coating facility.
First Robot Welder was installed.
2019 Built first HydraTilt Truck.

 

2020’s

2020 MaxTilt Trailer was released.
Solar Lift Loading Ramp won Innovation Award.
2022 Patent was received for Gull Wing, HydraTilt Truck & MaxTilt Trailer.
2023 Manufacturing expanded by 63,000 sq. ft.
2025 Opened Ledwell Advanced Imaging.

Buddy Award Winners

 

The Buddy Award is an employee recognition program honoring individuals who embody Buddy Ledwell’s spirit. Recipients are celebrated for their unwavering commitment to our core values: Quality, Grit, Legacy, and Family.

These outstanding team members excel in their roles and inspire others. The Buddy Award is a testament to their hard work, integrity, and positive impact at Ledwell.

Romondo Carroll

Machine Shop

Kyle Hillis

Driver

Dylan Smith

Fabrication

Luis Rojas

Paint Department

Ledwell history of logos

#lovemyledwell

I have had the best time and break down free with my hydratilt equipment bed.

Arnie TognozziTognozzi Trucking

We needed reliability and a workhorse of a code vacuum truck and Ledwell executed and delivered.

John ShawCampbell Transportation

I appreciate the customer service we get from Ledwell. It makes our lives easier when we have a vendor that will stand behind their product, and jump in and help us when we have issues.

Allen WaltersCovenant Logistics

Experiencing Ledwell’s exceptional customer service for years, it was enlightening to see nearly every component being built on-site.

Blake AlstonSitePro Rentals

We load, haul and unload heavy drilling equipment every day in a variety of challenging environments. Our Ledwell Hydratail truck handles anything we need to haul for our work—the truck is fantastic.

Tony PressimoneEnvironmental Probing Investigations

 

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Jacob Tetlow

Ledwell Employee Spotlight - Jacob Tetlow

Jacob Tetlow has been part of Ledwell for nine years, working in the Parts Sales Department at our Fayetteville, North Carolina, location. His day-to-day can look different, but it usually includes fulfilling part orders, managing inventory, and determining the parts required for service jobs. Jacob ensures customers get what they need quickly and accurately, living up to the Ledwell Made Guarantee.

One of Jacob’s favorite parts of his job is engaging with customers. He enjoys building relationships and helping solve problems. Over the years, he has contributed to projects like building and refurbishing feed trailers. He is proud of his personal growth and being part of Ledwell’s expansion in North Carolina.

Jacob’s role is more versatile than most people realize. It involves welding, fabricating, customer service, inventory management, sales, traveling, and computer work. That variety keeps things interesting and shows the depth of skills needed to deliver on Ledwell’s promise of quality and grit.

When it comes to Ledwell’s values—Quality, Grit, Legacy, and Family—Jacob connects most with Family.

“It’s what’s most motivating,” he says. For Jacob, Ledwell isn’t just a company; it’s family. That is why the phrase “Ledwell Made” means “Family Made” to him.

He shows up every day for one reason: his wife of 22 years and three amazing daughters. They inspire him to give his best, and that dedication shines through in everything he does.

Thank you, Jacob, for your hard work, versatility, and commitment to our customers and team. We’re proud to have you as part of the Ledwell family.

Ledwell Employee Spotlight - Jacob Tetlow

Luis Rojas

We believe in celebrating the grit and grind that keeps this place moving. Today, we’re putting the spotlight on Luis Rojas, a dedicated member of our team since 2011.

Luis works in the Paint Department, where he’s been making our equipment look sharp and job-site ready for over a decade. From day one, he’s brought precision and care to everything that comes through his bay. He takes pride in painting all types of equipment that roll through the shop.

His favorite? Trailers. Luis enjoys putting the final touch on these hardworking machines. You can see his attention to detail and pride in the way each one shines when it leaves the shop.

When asked about the toughest part of the job, Luis doesn’t hesitate—taping. It’s slow, detailed work that takes a steady hand and a lot of patience. But Luis knows the difference it makes. He takes the time to do it right because quality matters.

Outside of work, Luis spends time with his wife, Betty, and their three sons. As a family, they love going on bike rides and spending time outdoors. It’s a good way to unwind and enjoy time together.

Before coming to Ledwell, Luis worked as a valet driver. He enjoyed the chance to drive all kinds of vehicles and says that job helped sharpen his focus and work ethic. Skills that still serve him well on the job.

Over the years, he’s learned one lesson that sticks with him: “To get something good, you’ve got to put in 100%.”

It’s a mindset he carries every day, whether he’s at work or at home. His family inspires him to lead by example and give his best, no matter the task.

Luis Rojas is more than a painter. He’s a key part of the Ledwell family. His dedication, skill, and pride in his craft help set the standard for what Ledwell Made really means. We’re proud to have him on our team and grateful for everything he brings to the job. Thank you, Luis.

Dylan Smith

When it comes to building something strong from the ground up, Dylan Smith knows the job starts with precision. Since 2017, Dylan has been a vital part of the Ledwell team, working in the Fabrication Shop as a Code Welder and Jigger, the first step in building our Vacuum Tanks.

His job is all about alignment and accuracy. “I have to line up pieces of the tank perfectly and then weld them together,” Dylan says. The parts he works with include two large tank shells, rings, and angles. He handles the inside welds before passing the tank to the next welder for external work.

As a certified Code Welder, every weld Dylan makes is held to the highest standard, tested and inspected without compromise. It’s a job that comes with serious responsibility. “If I don’t do my job right, someone could be critically injured,” he says. That accountability drives his focus and pride in his craft.

Dylan hasn’t always worked on vacuum tanks. He once built Loading Ramps and credits that time for helping him grow his skill set, especially thanks to his former partner, Levi, who he says taught him a lot. 

The most challenging part of his job? Exceeding expectations. But Dylan wouldn’t have it any other way.

For anyone thinking about a career in manufacturing, his advice is simple: “Have a strong work ethic. Never turn down possibilities.”

Outside of work, Dylan stays busy with his family. He and his wife, Kelsey, have been married since 2012. Together, they’re raising a son and daughter. When he’s not welding, you can find him on the sidelines coaching soccer and spending quality time with his kids.

Dylan Smith is a reminder of what makes Ledwell strong: skilled hands, a serious work ethic, and a heart for family. We’re proud to have him on the team.

Comparing the Best: Rollback Trucks vs. HydraTail Trucks

Find the right heavy haul truck. Rollback or HydraTail Truck

Trying to decide on the best hydraulic dovetail truck?

There’s a reason that Rollback Trucks and HydraTail Trucks are trusted across job sites. These trucks are built to handle a wide range of hauling needs. When you’re looking for the right hydraulic dovetail truck, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Start with your needs. Do you need more clearance or stronger bed support? Do you need extra flexibility in how you load? Make a list of what matters most and go over it with your manufacturer before you buy.

Rollback and HydraTail Trucks both haul multiple pieces of equipment with ease. Both come equipped with a heavy-duty 20,000-pound planetary winch and full wireless controls. They provide a stable, flat surface for hauling and each one is built to take on tough jobs. But depending on your work, one may fit better than the other.

HydraTail Truck made by Ledwell for heavy haul transport

Height

The HydraTail bed sits about five and a half inches lower than a standard Rollback. That extra room can make a big difference when hauling tall equipment or when you need to stay under clearance limits, like underpasses or bridges. For many construction and equipment rental companies, that height difference matters.

Operation

A HydraTail uses a folding tail to load moveable equipment onto the bed. You can winch it up easily. The Rollback, on the other hand, tilts the entire bed, which gives you a great load angle. That means you can guide equipment into position smoothly using the winch. Both styles work well—just depends on the type of equipment and job site you’re working with.

heavy duty rollback truck by ledwell - Machinery Moving Bed Truck for sale

Footprint

Where you load and unload matters too. A Rollback bed slides back, so you’ll need extra space behind the truck. The HydraTail lifts instead, which means it takes up less room on the ground. That makes a difference in tighter areas, like busy city streets or cramped yards.

Still unsure which one is right for you? Reach out to our sales team. We’ll learn about your job and help you pick the right truck to get it done.