Route Planning to Routine Planning: Dan’s 45kg Weight Loss Story

At Browns, we love to celebrate our people – not just for what they do on the clock, but for who they are beyond their work too. This month, we’re giving a big shout out to someone who’s inspired everybody at Distribution House: Dan Penfold, a Transport Planner on our General Haulage team.

Over the last year, Dan’s taken on a personal challenge that’s blown us away. He’s dropped over 45kg through hard work, discipline and determination.

I started off my journey on July 13th 2024 – weighing 106.2kg. I went clothes shopping but couldn’t fit into the clothes I wanted. I was going for the biggest size of 2XL, but when that was too tight, I knew enough was enough.

That moment sparked a major turning point. Dan signed up with a fitness and lifestyle coach, setting an initial target of 90kg. But as the weight came off and confidence kicked in, he pushed for more, even booking a professional photoshoot to mark one year of progress.

In January 2025, weighing in at 85kg, I booked the photoshoot for July 13th 2025 to mark one whole year on the coaching programme.

Fast forward to this summer, and Dan’s hit his lowest weight of 60.5kg. That’s a 45.7kg drop, and a complete lifestyle overhaul. It wasn’t easy. Between early morning workouts, prepping meals after work, and juggling the pressure of a busy transport office, it took serious mental strength.

The start is great. You’re motivated, full of energy, and people are right behind you. But it gets tough when the thrill of starting wears off and the cravings creep in. One of the biggest things I’ve learnt is that your mind is your greatest tool. You can use it to tell yourself you CAN do things, even when it’s hard - or you can talk yourself out of trying.

Beyond just smashing his own goals, Dan’s now helping others do the same. Two of our driving team are following training plans Dan’s created in his spare time, and Dan is right there with them, checking in, keeping them motivated, and helping them reach their goals too.

I’ll never put anyone through something I haven’t already done myself. I’ll be there to guide people every step of the way. Through every question, every change, every win.

Dan’s been part of the Browns team for five years and has always been a steady hand in traffic. But this year, he’s shown a different side, one that’s inspiring others to look after their own health too.

My advice? Invest in yourself. Your health is your most valuable asset. You’re never alone in trying to better yourself - people want to help.

And he’s not done yet.

My next goal is to build muscle mass and cut down again to get photoshoot ready – in even better shape next time!

Dan, you’ve smashed it. Thanks for reminding us all that even when life’s full-on, there’s always time to look after yourself, and maybe even give someone else a leg up along the way!