Brent Nussbaum decided the time was right to step aside from the day-to-day leadership role of his family’s trucking business and turn the reins over to a trusted long-time company executive.
After serving as CEO since 2000, Nussbaum will transition to executive chairman of Hudson, Illinois-based Nussbaum Transportation on Jan. 1, the company his father, Alden, launched 80 years ago. Company President Bill Wettstein will succeed Nussbaum as CEO.
“Nussbaum has been part of my life for almost as long as I can remember,” Brent Nussbaum wrote in a LinkedIn post last month announcing his decision.
But Nussbaum isn’t retiring. As executive chairman he plans to remain involved in company activities and industry associations.
Nussbaum reflected on his journey to the C-suite, which detoured away from the family’s trucking business.
Before taking his first job in the front office, Nussbaum spent time in the maintenance shop, then hit the road as a driver from 1974 to 1976. However, a different path called him as he pursued a career in sales and marketing after graduating from Illinois State University.
Nussbaum returned to the family business in a sales and marketing role in 1997 and later spent time in operations positions until becoming CEO in 2000.
He looked back on his personal growth and the company’s since his return. The family’s fleet has grown to 640 power units, 1,800 trailers and more than 800 employees, Nussbaum said.
The carrier, which primarily serves the eastern half of the U.S. today, is ready for a new leader, and Nussbaum believes Wettstein is the right person for the job.
“Bill has been part of the team for 25 years,” Nussbaum said.
Wettstein, who served as CFO before becoming president in 2024, knows the company, its people and its values as well as anyone, he said.
“I have full confidence in Bill and in the team around him, and I'm excited for this next chapter,” Nussbaum said.
Wittstein said in a separate LinkedIn post that taking over as CEO is a responsibility he does not take lightly, noting he was appreciative that Nussbaum will continue his involvement with the company.
Wittstein said the company’s leadership is strong and well equipped for the future.
“I have full confidence in our employee-owners, drivers, technicians, and support team members who live out our Mission, Vision, and Values every day,” he said. “They are the reason for our success over these past eighty years of our history.”
