Get to know our incoming drivers! If you see them around, be sure to say hi and welcome them to Nussbaum!
New Hire Drivers
Shawn Nichols
Domicile: Paris, TN
Shawn brings 2.5 years of driving experience to the team — he got his start fueling and driving trucks around a facility, which set him on the path to trucking. Before that, he worked as a slitter operator. He enjoys gaming in his free time, and shoestring potatoes are his road snack of choice. As Shawn puts it, “I’m an open book.” Welcome, Shawn!
Most Interesting Load Hauled: Not sure, he’s mainly delivered beer and box store goods
Dream Vacation: Hasn’t decided yet
Andrew “Drew” Hugghis
Domicile: Chattanooga, TN
Drew is a newer driver with about 6 months on the road. An older coworker loved trucking so much that it made Drew want to see what it was about — and he ended up loving it too. Before trucking, he worked in quality control and recycling. He likes trying new things: new food spots, new experiences out in nature, and finding new music. His road snack of choice is easy chicken, or spicy or raisin trail mix. As Drew puts it, he loves to cook and try new flavor combinations — and a lot of people like what he comes up with! Welcome, Drew!
Most Interesting Load Hauled: About 40,000 pounds of nostalgic Capri Sun drinks
Dream Vacation: An all-inclusive week in Greece, by the water
Lonny Paasch
Domicile: Company yard (Nussbaum)
Lonny brings 4 years of driving experience to the team — a lower-back issue from his previous work pushed him toward trucking. Before that, he worked in warehouse management. In his free time, he likes to sleep in and run his dog, Ringo. Walnuts are his road snack of choice, and — in his words — reading is his favorite hobby. Welcome, Lonny!
Most Interesting Load Hauled: A farm load from a secured facility out of Michigan
Dream Vacation: Undecided!
Michael Copenhaven
Domicile: Jackson, TN
Michael brings 10 years of driving experience to the team. The freedom is what drew him to trucking, and before that he worked in lawn treatment. He enjoys boating and fishing. Chex Mix is his road snack of choice. Welcome, Michael!
Most Interesting Load Hauled: Government documents, headed for destruction
Dream Vacation: Switzerland
Jovan Washington
Domicile: South Holland, IL
Jovan brings 2.5 years of driving experience to the team. Freedom is what drew him to trucking, and before that he drove a city bus. He enjoys reading, traveling, and learning about cars. Almonds are his road snack of choice. Jovan is from Chicago and comes from a family of 11. Welcome, Jovan!
Most Interesting Load Hauled: Copper
Dream Vacation: Japan
Melissa Purser
Domicile: Savannah, TN
Melissa brings an impressive 12 years of driving experience to the team. The freedom of it, and the independence of seeing our beautiful country, is what drew her to trucking. Before that, she worked in law enforcement. She enjoys gardening, reading, and traveling. Licorice is her road snack of choice. As Melissa puts it, she has “9 beautiful grands!” Welcome, Melissa!
Most Interesting Load Hauled: Smith & Wesson firearms, for the Yavapai County, Arizona Sheriff’s Department
Dream Vacation: Tahiti
Brian Spencer
Domicile: Centerville, OH
Brian brings 3 years of driving experience to the team, drawn in by curiosity, a love of travel, and the chance to make good money. Before trucking, he worked in construction. His road snack of choice is bananas. As Brian puts it, he’s “a stay-to-myself, quiet introvert.” Welcome, Brian!
Most Interesting Load Hauled: Scrap
Dream Vacation: Sofia, Bulgaria
Demetrius McGregor
Domicile: Elgin, IL (on-site)
Demetrius brings 5 years of driving experience to the team, running a dedicated account for DHL Supply/Discount Tire — trucking runs in his family. Before that, he worked in retail. He enjoys eating out and spending time with friends and family. Cookies are his road snack of choice. As Demetrius puts it, he’s a Seattle Seahawks fan. Welcome, Demetrius!
Most Interesting Load Hauled: Food
Dream Vacation: London
Wesley Lee
Domicile: Company yard (Nussbaum)
Wesley brings an impressive 23 years of driving experience to the team, running a dedicated account for Rivian. He got into trucking looking for a better-paying job, and before that worked at Arby’s. He loves relaxing with his 2-year-old son and playing Xbox. His road snacks of choice are boiled eggs, grapes, bananas, and strawberries. As Wesley puts it, he loves helping people when it comes to trucking. Welcome, Wesley!
Most Interesting Load Hauled: Furniture, delivered to the CEO of Caterpillar’s home
Dream Vacation: A relaxing night in — wine, cheese, crackers, and grapes on the sectional, playing Xbox
William “Bill” Platt
Domicile: Manistee, MI
Bill brings an impressive 35 years of driving experience to the team, running a dedicated account for Morton Salt. Better pay drew him to trucking, and before that he worked in printing. He enjoys softball, riding motorcycles, and working out. Pizza is his road snack of choice. As Bill puts it, he’s “a devoted father and dedicated Christian.” Welcome, Bill!
Most Interesting Load Hauled: An airplane
Dream Vacation: Italy
Roderick “Rod” Lacy
Domicile: Grand Prairie, TX
Rod brings 25 years of driving experience to the team, running a dedicated account for GE in Grand Prairie. Better pay for his family and himself is what drew him to trucking, and before that he worked in a warehouse. He enjoys relaxing with his wife and family . Cashews are his road snack of choice. As Rod puts it, he’s very family-oriented and loves family reunions. Welcome, Rod!
Most Interesting Load Hauled: Milk
Dream Vacation: Hawaii, or a cruise along the coast
Renato Godinho
Domicile: Milford, CT
Renato brings 5 years of driving experience to the team, running our dedicated Uline account, simply because he likes driving. Before trucking, he detailed cars. He enjoys sports in his free time, and his dream vacation would be a trip to China. Quesadillas are his road snack of choice. Welcome, Renato!
Most Interesting Load Hauled: None that stand out
Dream Vacation: China
Re Hire Driver
Bruce Caldwell
Domicile: West Frankfort, IL
Bruce brings an impressive 13+ years of driving experience to the team, running a dedicated account for Rivian. Money is what drew him to trucking, and before that he worked in a warehouse and drove a school bus. He enjoys DIY projects and camping. Cashews are his road snack of choice. Welcome back, Bruce!
Most Interesting Load Hauled: Castings for Caterpillar
Dream Vacation: A road trip with his wife
