When Dave Johnson entered the bus and motorcoach industry in 1997, he felt lucky. Now, 27 years later, as he retires from Motor Coach Industries (MCI), he still feels the same gratitude.
Through the ups and downs, including the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic, the bonds he has built in the industry have only grown stronger.
“I remember when I first got into the motorcoach side of the business at GE Capital,” Johnson recalls. “Everyone wanted this job. It was the pinnacle of the financing world, handling transactions for big, beautiful motorcoaches rather than smaller equipment. It was a privilege.”
Johnson is taking part in his last UMA Motorcoach EXPO this week in a professional capacity.
For 41 years, Johnson has worked in financing, from municipal equipment to trucking and finally, motorcoaches.
His journey took him to MCI 11 years ago, where he became a crucial part of the team, serving as Regional Finance Director.
“Moving to MCI was the right choice for me. I wanted to be part of a manufacturer, to be on the team pulling in the same direction,” he says.
“A relationship business”
Johnson’s impact on the industry goes beyond his talent for numbers and transactions. He has prioritized relationships with customers to give them the support they need during the financial process.
“This is a relationship business,” he says. “I’ve seen people’s children grow up and take over operations. I’ve built connections that have lasted decades. And that’s what makes this industry special.”
One of the most challenging yet defining moments in his career came during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.
“Operators weren’t burning fuel or making money,” he recalls. “If the finance community had demanded payments as usual, there would have been mass defaults and thousands of repossessions. Instead, we worked together, extending modifications and giving operators room to breathe. That saved the industry.”
A highlight during those tough times was the weekly Wednesday evening calls, “Buses & Beer,” started by industry veteran Jeff Goldwasser, a longtime friend of Johnson. The virtual gatherings gave industry professionals an outlet to commiserate, share, and even find humor amid uncertainty.
“It became the highlight of my week,” Johnson admits. “We weren’t selling buses, but we were supporting each other. It forged lifelong friendships.”
Hobbies, family time ahead
As he prepares for retirement, Johnson looks forward to new adventures and more family time.
He plans to spend more time with his grandchildren – his fourth grandchild is due in March — and indulge his passion for woodworking. Some of his projects decorate his office in his home in the Minneapolis suburbs.
“I’ve made close to 100 flags from pallet material, along with Santa faces, tables, and more,” he says. “I’ll also have more time at the lake and for volunteering. And if I get too bored, maybe I’ll tap someone on the shoulder in the industry to see if they need a broken-down finance guy.”
MCI has brought in Phil Wellington to take over Johnson’s role. Wellington, who has a strong finance background and industry experience, has been shadowing Johnson during the transition.
“He’s a younger, more energetic version of me,” Johnson jokes. “I think he’s going to be a great fit.”
Reflecting on his career, Johnson acknowledges the difficulty of stepping away.
“It would be easier if I hated my job, my colleagues, or my customers. But that’s not the case. This industry has been my home, and I love it,” he says. “I wrote the script for my retirement years ago — 65 and out. Now, it’s time to turn the page to the next chapter.”
