This year, we wanted to do something a little different to reflect and look back on the year 2023. Instead of doing a general overview of the whole company and what happened at Nussbaum, we decided to take a more personal approach and ask everyone about their year, individually. It was so special to see the variety of responses.
Part three of this series:
What did you learn this year?
Chris Aranda: I learned that the people you work with can become close confidants & great friends to journey life with. What an incredible year with incredible people!
Darien Aviso: How to Batch Crunch without getting kicked off the remote server.
Peg Balducci: One thing I have learned this year is that when driving my husband Kevin’s truck, I can’t leave the keys in the ignition, then get out of the truck and lock the doors. Does not make for a happy husband! 😊
Jason Banwart: Life doesn’t always go as anticipated, so we just need to learn to be flexible and make the most of each moment.
Neil Barbour: Retirement may not come as soon as I would like (Steve Schultz as an example worked into his 70s).
Jessi Blunier: Something I am continually learning—it’s good to make plans, but it’s equally as good to be flexible and go with the flow when things don’t go according to plan. Some of the best memories are made when you let go of what you think should be happening, and just let what is happening, happen. Also, it’s always good to laugh. Find something to smile about every day 😊
Donzell Boyd: Something I learned is how to treasure my time in learning more about Christ and His word.
Doug Bradle: That being a highly functional team is not a destination but a continual work in progress. We need to always focus on this to maintain our edge.
Taja Burte: I learned to take life one step at a time.
Lisa Burton: I learned that many of the people I work with are just as selfless outside of work. Lindsey Staff, for example, gave up MUCH of her time to help me with my daughter’s wedding.
Jackie Coffey: Being patient on deliveries – they’re all different.
Addis Coffman: I learned that I am not in control of my life (God has the ultimate say in my life), I have realized that it’s not what others think of me that matters, but what and who God says I am, and I have learned to memorize scripture and it’s been a major burden-lifter and encouragement. Two passages that have been a comfort for me are Psalm 4:8 and Philippians 4:6-7 😊
Clint Coleman: That OTR trucking is a marathon and not a sprint.
Hunter Collins: I learned in 2023 that work doesn’t have to feel like “work”. I was very unhappy at my past employer, and it was difficult to motivate myself to go to work every day and perform well. Making the transition to Nussbaum has been so refreshing – professionally and personally. To me, “work” at Nussbaum is purposeful and it is encouraging to be a better person and employee!
CJ Conger: These type of reflection things are hard … that’s what I learned 😊
Donovan Craig: I’m doing my best to continually develop my situational awareness skills.
Jackie Derrick: How to use a Cab King.
Josh Detmers: The transportation industry in general. Coming to Nussbaum in early January, I had A LOT to learn and continue to learn something new daily.
Tyler Dietrich: How to be a product manager – we had a huge wave of things we put in place to effectively form the Product Manager Process, and I’ve learned most of it to a baseline degree.
Bryce Domnick: I learned and am still learning how to save money.
Colin Domnick: A cheerful smile and a hearty “Good morning!” can work wonders for your day and co-worker relations.
Derek Dotterer: I learned that even if you haven’t been working somewhere for long, there are still some things you might be able to teach the more experienced.
Todd Evans: Sometimes, you have to let go of the thing you think is the best for you so that you can see that God’s plan for you is so much better.
Levi Fehr: learned better people skills, and where to be critical when needed.
Oscar Flores: Leave my worries with Father – “God’s Got Me”.
Jeremy Fox: I learned to be more patient when making big life decisions.
Ed Gabriel: I learned how to make sushi with my wife and 2 friends.
Donna Gardner: I met Tony Jackson in Texas.
Caleb Gee: The difference between walking in the spirit and the flesh, even in the small things. Still not great at it, but getting better at realizing which one I am actively in, in the moment!
Kirsten Gee: God’s goodness has brought me to where I am today, and without it, I wouldn’t be able to handle some of the craziness of life right now!
Wyatt Gerber: I learned to trust God through hard times and unwanted outcomes. I also learned that sometimes other people know you better than you do.
Joe Good: Reminded that God has His hand in everything.
Matt Gordon: Changing careers turned out to be the best professional decision I’ve ever made.
Angie Green: Started the LeadRED journey this year, and have learned a lot about other departments here at Nussbaum.
Brad Haney: We have an awesome OAH team. Wouldn’t trade them for anyone!!
Eric Hartter: Yaml, powershell, CL, sending emails, logic apps, how to replace coffee canisters, vulnerability, and that I am going to be a father.
Pierre Hawkins: Trucking requires a lot of patience.
Scott Herrmann: The focus on generosity through the I Like Giving training was very impactful. It’s not something that comes naturally for me, but there is a lot of missed joy and relationship when I’m not generous, so I appreciated the practical advice. I would also say using the “2-minute” rule from James Clear’s book Atomic Habits has been very helpful.
Zack Hildebrand: There are no consequences for hitting “Reply All” when responding to a group email.
Dillon Hodel: The trucking industry can swing fast from a hot market to a cold one – we all have to be ready to adapt quickly!
Kylie Hoffman: A LOT! But I think the biggest thing I learned was that I don’t always have to make everyone happy. Sometimes I need to do what is right for me!
Jeremy Howard: I learned about investments and trading options.
Larry Hubbell: To listen to the Lord more often and pray more.
Dustin Huber: I learned that the trucking industry is a lot more complex than I ever thought it to be!
Carol John: Life is short. Life is fragile. Relationships matter. With Jesus’ help—‘As far as it depends on you—live at peace with everyone’ .. my dad modeled a wonderful life and love for His Savior. I will be grateful for all that I learned from him.
Brian Johnson: How to slow down a little bit and how important it was to make more time for myself, family and friends.
Josh Kissinger: I realized how many “lasts” we experience each year.
Doug Knepp: Using sticky notes during a prioritization meeting drives engagement by bringing everyone to their feet.
Grant Knepp: I learned (and am still learning 😊) to slow down when I have a conflict with someone, and not tell myself a story of what they were thinking/intending but find out from them firsthand.
Jerrid Knight: I learned how a lot this year and have a lot to be thankful for. I would say the biggest thing I’ve learned this year was patience and the ability to be more accepting with how things are going.
Roger Kyler: I have learned this year that I have to stop eating so many Cheetos!! Lol.
Spencer Larson: I learned how to wire electrical outlets myself 😊
Ryan Mara: I learned what it’s like to go over 12 months without welcoming a new baby into the world.
Brent Martin: This year has been kind of a journey for our family medically – I have learned to be more restful and appreciative of God’s promises.
Drew B. Martin: I did in fact learn how to operate the coffee maker in the break room.
Cristian Martinez: Time and patience are the best solutions.
Wes Meador: Take deep breaths.
Emily Miller: “The root of joy is gratefulness.” You won’t ever be satisfied if you aren’t thankful for what you’ve been given.
Michaela Mogged: Mom brain is a real thing.
Paul Mool: I’ve learned a lot this year with taking on a new position. I would say my people skills have developed a lot more with having to deal with different situations. I also went to the Crucial Conversations class this year and I think that helped also. I also learned that I don’t ever want to leave this company—I love working here!
Sam Moravec: I learned a lot about the procedure Nussbaum follows when a truck is infested with bed bugs. (For the record, no I have not had a bed bug infestation in my truck 😊)
Stephen Mueller: How to properly support a second story in my home after removing a load-bearing wall … and re-routing 4 heat ducts, 1 pvc drain, and one electrical supply line from that same wall.
Evan Nestel: Theology is not theoretical, but is ultimately practical for greater Godliness.
Billie Joe Nussbaum: That being more direct really does pay off … not everyone understands subtle hint-dropping the way that I think they will. 😊
Jeni Nussbaum: “Trust the magic of new beginnings” .. if you aren’t changing, you aren’t growing. One little leap could change your life in the best way possible.
Toby Plattner: I learned a new Excel keyboard shortcut! CTRL+D. So handy!
Dave Rainwater: Getting to work with such a great team that will go above and beyond to help one another! I truly feel blessed!
Shawn Reischauer: Something I have learned throughout ’23 and continue to learn is how to navigate a demanding schedule and avoid burnout. My commitments throughout this year professionally and personally were greater than I had ever experienced up to this point and challenged me to increase my capacity regarding time commitments, leadership, and personal development. It was a productive, tiring, and really great year!
James Rocke: That starting/running a successful business is hard!
Dayton Rumbold: I learned to take advice. Smart people know when someone else is doing something better than them. I can be hard-headed at times, so it’s been refreshing to learn that I can be my best self when I see the ways God has gifted other people and trust their advice. This has been helpful in both my personal and work life.
Lexie Salgado: I’ve learned (and continue to learn) that you never know what someone else may be dealing with or going through, so it is so important to be kind and non-judgmental to everyone. Not only does this benefit them, but it also brings you peace of mind and positive thoughts.
Joshua Schermerhorn: Most recently, it was how to put chains on a truck. I’ve never had to do it before and I didn’t know how because my last company never showed me.
Rick Schmidt: To rely more on others and God – in 2022 and 2023 between work and personal life, there were some stressful moments. If you ask my parents, I can be stubborn and proud and it can be hard to let go, whether that is with job or home items. I think over the last year (year and a half) I have found the beauty of being able to rely on others and God. We aren’t meant to walk this world alone. We are here to support and help each other. This doesn’t mean I can just be lazy or slack on my task. I still have to work hard and prove myself. But we can’t be afraid to say we need help!
Mark Stalter: The Chicago Bears are still bad, lol.
Thad Steffen: In 2023 I have learned, and am still learning, that I can’t go through life all on my own strength. I don’t have the wisdom, experience, or discipline to always make the right decisions, so I need to look toward others for help. My help comes from mentors, family, friends, and most importantly, the Lord. I have also been learning to truly put into perspective what a bad day is. When I realize what a bad day really is, I can see that mine are few and far between.
Jeremy Stickling: The SharePoint is the same thing as OneDrive which is 365online which is the same thing as SharePoint (all satire, obviously).
Heather Swords: That confidence is silent and insecurities are loud! (Grant Knepp’s motto for ESOP jeopardy 😊)
Lauren Turpin: Life is short. I learned (and am still learning) to slow down and enjoy every moment, big or small.
Scott Ubbenga: Made an improvement in embracing change and practicing gratitude in the face of challenging situations.
Anthony Voorhees: Inflation sucks!
Brent Wagenbach: Deepening relationships with co-workers and other departments pays dividends. Increased confidence in my role. Even more proud of what Nussbaum stands for and the impact we are making on customers and everyday people we interact with.
Heather Warnick: I learned to get out of my head and “just drive the truck” in situations that make me nervous. It’s not perfect but definitely better than 2022!
Bill Wettstein: I heard this many years ago, but I had some valuable lessons in 2023 regarding how our capacity for joy in life is a function of our ability to love imperfect people. Having a thankful heart is a blessing to us and those around us.
Shannon Wright: The greatest lesson I learned in 2023 has been that timing is everything. Therefore, I give thanks for how blessed I am (we are) to live in this time, in this era with all of the technology and new resources available to me in fine art photography, filmmaking, design, and more. I love being an auto didactic, curious, life-long learner, and student of life. What an amazing time to be an artist!
Cody Zeller: Everybody thinks differently and internalizes everything just like me. I need to be more aware and empathetic to others.
Lena Zimmerman: I learned payroll and still more to learn in the next year 😉
Matt D. Zimmerman: That the Working Genius assessment is pretty accurate! I found it very helpful in understanding my team and what they like to do/not like to do.
Matt “Zimmy” Zimmerman: Learning how to be a father – big work in progress 😊
Noah Zimmerman: Tim Tams are great additions for coffee (or other hot drink) lovers! Can’t just eat plain though. You have to use it as a ‘straw’ to allow the insides to become soft and delicious.
