A Tail of Two Bobs: One Man’s Dream, One Dog’s Mission
ICAN Bob as a puppy.
In 1950s Wisconsin, Robert “Bob” McCoy worked two jobs—milk truck driver by day, cheesemaker by night—to support his family. But he was building more than a livelihood; he was building a legacy.
In 1954, Bob launched McCoy Enterprises with a single truck hauling milk. Over the next 70 years, that modest start grew into McCoy Group, Inc.—a family-owned powerhouse with 25 truck dealerships, 1,000+ trucks, and 25 construction firms. His values of hard work and service still drive the company today.
And his legacy lives on through his grandson, Brian McCoy, president of Stoops Freightliner-Western Star, a McCoy Group subsidiary, as well as through another Bob—one with four legs and a wagging tail.
ICAN Bob is a service dog in training, named in honor of Robert McCoy. Over the summer, Brian and his wife, Renee, partnered with the Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN), Indiana's only accredited service dog training program, to support ICAN Bob’s training, continuing the family’s tradition of giving back.
Brian and Renee McCoy share a special moment—meeting Bob for the very first time!
The McCoys have long embraced the healing power of dogs. Their own pet serves as a therapy dog for children in Westfield, IN schools, and they’ve donated therapy dogs to the Central Indiana Place Foundation and the Metro Police Department.
Brian has also woven this spirit of service into Stoops’ culture. “We’ve been fortunate,” he says. “We didn’t build this business alone. We’ve had incredible employees for over 60 years. When people work hard for you, it’s important to give back—not just to them, but to the community.”
That commitment includes Stoops for Troops, the company’s foundation supporting Veteran causes. It’s one reason ICAN’s mission resonates so deeply—it provides psychiatric service dogs to qualifying Veterans living with service-related trauma free of cost.
An ICAN service dog in training at a Stoops event.
This fall, Stoops will sponsor ICAN’s inaugural Salute to Service 5K on November 2 at Kreager Park in Fort Wayne. The event supports ICAN’s Veteran programs and offers in-person and virtual options, plus a kid-friendly walk. ICAN Bob will be there, walking proudly alongside Stoops employees and supporters. (Registration is still open!)
“We’re so grateful to Brian and the McCoy Group,” said ICAN President Jillian Ashton. “Their generosity is helping us grow across Indiana and reach more Veterans and clients in need.”
From one man’s milk route to a movement of healing and hope, the McCoy legacy proves that true success is measured not in profits, but in lives touched.
And now, that legacy walks on four paws.
ICAN Bob isn’t just a service dog—he’s a living tribute to Robert McCoy. Just as the original Bob built a business rooted in service and integrity, this new Bob is being trained to serve those who need him most.
With every step, he carries forward the values of a man who believed in hard work, family, and giving back.
If your business is interested in sponsoring a service dog like ICAN Bob, we invite you to connect with Samantha Wodecki, ICAN’s Director of Philanthropy, at swodecki@icandog.org. Discover how your support can make a meaningful impact in our community.