Get to know our incoming drivers and office/shop team! If you see them around, be sure to say hi and welcome them to Nussbaum!
New Hire Drivers
Mark Starace
Domicile: Marion, OH
Mark Starace is a 2026 CDL graduate and is excited to begin his trucking career with Nussbaum. Inspired by his father, who was also a driver, Mark grew up spending his summers in the passenger seat learning the rhythms of the road. Before earning his CDL, he worked in law enforcement and now calls Grove City, Ohio home.
Off the road, Mark loves fishing, off‑road cycling, and spending time with his two boys. One of his favorite memories is a 4‑day motorcycle trip along the famous Tail of the Dragon (Rt. 129), and his go‑to road snack is beef jerky. Mark is also proud to share that he’s been with his high‑school sweetheart since age 15 — married since 19 — celebrating 26 years together. Welcome aboard, Mark!
Dream Vacation: Israel
James “Jim” McDougal
Domicile: Coraopolis, PA
James McDougal brings 6 years of trucking experience and a security background, holding a Baccalaureate in Security Management. While supervising security for a trucking company, he learned to drive and discovered he loved it!! Before trucking, James served 28 years in the U.S. Army as a Special Forces Green Beret, retiring with a distinguished career.
James enjoys working on his house, gardening, and spending time with his grandchildren. His favorite road memory is an unforgettable night in Tennessee when he stopped at a rest area and helped deliver a baby. Chicken sandwiches or pizza are his go‑to road meals, and he shared that he feels lucky to be here at Nussbaum. We’re lucky to have him too — welcome, James!
Dream Vacation: Thailand
John Shirley
Domicile: Youngstown, OH
John brings 9 years of driving off and on experience and a love for the freedom of the open road. His background includes missionary work, motivational speaking, banking, music teaching, and several other unique roles but trucking continues to call him back.
From Boone, Iowa, John plays bass guitar in a praise & worship band and stays grounded through daily conversations with his pastor. He aims to attend church every Sunday when possible. His favorite place he’s traveled is the Philippines, and he enjoys gummies as his go‑to snack. John says one of the things he treasures most is reconnecting with past friends and roommates while on the road. Welcome to Nussbaum, John!
Dream Vacation: Philippines
Olijuawn “OJ” Jones
Domicile: Oak Grove, KY
OJ Jones comes to Nussbaum with over 4 years of driving experience, all sparked by one memorable conversation that set him on a new path. Originally from Memphis, TN, OJ has a background in college studies and enjoys spending time with family and friends plus a little basketball when he gets the chance.
His favorite place he’s traveled is Dubai, and he still remembers the incredible mountain views in Colorado. Chips are his preferred road snack, and he brings an easygoing attitude to every mile. Welcome to the team, OJ!
Dream Vacation: Dubai
Timothy “Tim” Hatton
Domicile: Des Moines, IA
Tim Hatton brings 50 years of professional driving experience and a passion for restoring the image of truckers as “Ambassadors of the Road.” Tim began working by moving auction furniture with his father and is now based in Columbia, Missouri.
Outside the truck, Tim is a Christian‑based novelist and finds joy in praying for the people he meets on his journeys. His favorite place he’s visited is Hawaii, and he loves fried chicken tenders as his road treat of choice. We’re grateful to have someone with Tim’s heart and professionalism at Nussbaum. Welcome, Tim!
Dream Vacation: Hawaii
Daniel Marx
Domicile: Cordele, GA
Daniel Marx joins Nussbaum with 2.5 years of driving experience and a strong background in the Army and corrections. A Georgia native, Daniel loves traveling, trying new foods, playing video games, and working out. He recently got his passport and is excited to figure out where it might take him next.
His favorite trip so far has been from Ankeny, Iowa to Tacoma, Washington, and he never passes up a chance for boiled peanuts. Daniel describes himself as upfront and honest which is a perfect fit for Nussbaum’s culture. Welcome aboard, Daniel!
Dream Vacation: Hawaii
New Hire Shop
Jonathan Williams
Detailer
Jonathan Williams spent the last few years as a Corrections Officer for Peoria County and is currently still enlisted in the National Guard Reserve. Prior to that he spent time detailing for Heller and Uftring. He is excited to get back into detailing and join everyone here at Nussbaum!
