Our History
At Nuss Truck & Equipment, we can proudly say that trucking and service are in our blood. Our story starts with Charles B. Nuss, Jr. who started out as a helper in a repair shop and worked his way to the top by opening his own business, Charley Nuss Garage. With the success of the garage, Nuss launched Mack of Rockford in 1959.
Nuss Truck & Equipment: A Legacy of Service, Innovation, and Family Values
At Nuss Truck & Equipment, trucking and service run deep. The company’s legacy began in the early 20th century with Charles B. Nuss Jr., who worked his way up from a helper in a repair shop to founding Charley Nuss Garage. His passion and entrepreneurial spirit eventually led to the launch of Mack of Rockford in 1959, marking the family’s official entry into the trucking industry.
Vision & Mission
The Nuss family has always prioritized customer service as their mission. As Bob Nuss eloquently put it, “We never went into business for the money. The money came after we built relationships with customers.” This deep-rooted philosophy has driven Nuss Truck & Equipment to consistently focus on building lasting relationships, growing alongside their customers, and adapting to new challenges.
Their vision is to innovate while preserving the core values of family and community. With Greg Nuss as the Chief Operating Officer and Brad Nuss as the Chief Financial Officer, the leadership team exemplifies the strength that comes from balancing complementary talents.
Affirming the Nuss legacy is a reminder that even in a rapidly changing environment, the company strives to adhere to the principles that brought them this far while moving toward a path of innovation. Through dedication, hard work, and perseverance, Nuss has established an advantage in the geographical areas they serve. Their investment in the trucking and construction industry brings value to the products and services they provide.
Looking Forward
Today, Nuss Truck & Equipment operates across multiple locations, offering a full suite of services, including leasing, rentals, financing, and custom engineering. Their legacy is not just about selling trucks—it’s about building long-term partnerships with their customers and supporting communities across Minnesota and Wisconsin. Bob Nuss continues to emphasize the importance of family values and service, staying true to the company’s roots while steering it toward a future of continued innovation.
Historical Timeline: Key Milestones
- 1959: Charles B. Nuss Jr. establishes Mack of Rockford, planting the seed for future expansion in the trucking industry.
- 1973: Bob Nuss takes over the business after his father’s retirement and quickly sets the company on a path for growth.
- 1979: Nuss acquires Mack Trucks of Rochester, marking their first major acquisition under Bob’s leadership.
- 1983: The second branch opens in Mankato, MN, driven by customer demand, becoming the oldest truck dealer in the market.
- 1984: Nuss acquires Wally’s Mack Sales in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, quadrupling business in the first year.
- 1991: The business expands to Duluth, MN, and builds a new dealership in Proctor, serving large customers and municipalities.
- 1997: Nuss moves into the St. Cloud market and later constructs a new 30,000 square-foot facility in 2008.
- 2001: Nuss acquires RDO Truck Equipment, growing by 60% in a single day, adding staff and increasing volume.
- 2008: The acquisition of Sweeney Brothers Tractor in Burnsville adds Volvo Trucks and Volvo Construction Equipment to their product line, strengthening their foothold in the industry.
- 2021: Nuss opens the Nuss Collection Museum, a 501c3 nonprofit, and hosts its Grand Opening in Rochester, MN.
- 2022: Nuss Truck & Equipment opens its Monticello, MN location, marking its 9th location in the region.
The Nuss Collection Truck Museum
In addition to running one of the largest truck dealerships in the region, the Nuss family preserves trucking history through the Nuss Collection Truck Museum, established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation. The museum serves as a tribute to the history of trucking, showcasing vintage trucks and educating future generations on the industry’s importance to the American economy.