Robert Nuss Earns ATHS 50 Years of Service Award
The American Truck Historical Society is dedicated to honoring trucking leaders from across the country for outstanding service to the industry.
(Photo by Aaron Marsh) Bob Nuss, President/Founder of Nuss Truck & Equipment, and wife Sharon Nuss, at the American Truck Historical Society award ceremony.
Watch the Award Intro of Bob Nuss Video Here:
June 28, 2023
By Melissa Gacek
Nuss Truck & Equipment Founder/President Robert (Bob) Nuss was awarded the American Truck Historical Society’s (ATHS) 50 Years of Service Award at the ATHS National Convention in Reno, Nevada in June, 2023.
Overview: Bob Nuss is honored for being a pioneer in the trucking industry and for his dedication to supporting the men, women, and trucks who are part of building America. Nuss took over NTE when his father retired and continues to be an active leader in the 64-year-old family-owned business with his two sons, Greg and Brad and serves as a national spokesperson for the industry. The Nuss family also owns the Nuss Collection of restored and preserved historical trucks in Rochester, MN.
Award Highlight: “Robert Nuss “Bob” is a distinguished figure in the trucking industry. His career spans over five decades. His journey began in 1969 when he joined Mack of Rockford, IL as a parts manager, where he served until 1973. He eventually transitioned to the Mack Trucks of Rochester, MN, where he became general manager between 1973 and 1979. In 1979, Bob’s exceptional leadership skills earned him a promotion to the President and General Manager position. He held this position for an impressive 44 years guiding the company to unprecedented success. Under his leadership, the company expanded its operations and achieved tremendous growth. In 2008, the company rebranded to Nuss Truck Group, reflecting Bob’s pivotal role in transforming into a successful multi-store truck dealership, now in its third generation. Bob’s dedication and commitment to the industry have earned him several and numerous accolades, including the prestigious 2017 American Truck Dealer of the Year Award. His passion for the trucking industry led him to establish the Nuss Collection Truck Museum in 2019, where he has served as the manager of the 501c3 organization. The museum boasts a vast collection of over 60 antique trucks. Bob is committed to using the platform to preserve and share the stories of the men and women who have contributed to the growth and development of the trucking industry.”
Historical photos shared by the Nuss family.
The Story of Bob Nuss, Nuss Truck & Equipment and The Nuss Collection (Rochester, MN):
Nuss Truck & Equipment is a three-generation, family-owned, and operated business built on American values.
For Bob Nuss, he can proudly say that trucking and service is in his blood. The Nuss Truck & Equipment 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.
The legacy of Charles Nuss Jr’s commitment to family and community, passion for business, and drive for service continues to this day. The current president, Robert (Bob) Nuss, grew up with the family business and learned from his hardworking father and role model the nuances of what it takes to make a business thrive. Bob took over the reins after his father retired in 1973 and helmed the business, guiding it through its first acquisition of Mack Trucks of Rochester in 1979.
Under Bob Nuss’ direction, the business has continued to flourish, adding two iconic brands; Volvo Trucks and Volvo Construction Equipment, as well as multiple related business lines to better serve our customers and their needs. Nuss now offers trailers, leasing, rentals, financing, full-service body shops, and custom-engineered solutions for trucks and trailers. Through our expansive growth, Nuss now specializes in all realms of truck and equipment, becoming the brand we know today – Nuss Truck & Equipment.
Affirming the Nuss legacy is a reminder that even in a rapidly changing environment, we strive to adhere to the principles that brought us this far, and still move towards a path of innovation. Through dedication, hard work, and perseverance, Nuss has indeed established an advantage in the geographical areas we serve. Our investment in the trucking and construction industry brings value to the products and services we provide.
The Nuss Truck & Equipment story starts with founder Charles B. Nuss, Jr., a repair shop helper turned business owner, and his legacy of commitment to family and community, passion for business, and drive for service. Since 1959, Nuss Truck & Equipment has grown across the North Midwestern United States, providing businesses a helping hand with a hard-working team, quality products, and service that is second to none.
About The Nuss Collection:
Affirming the Nuss legacy is a reminder that even in a rapidly changing environment, we strive to adhere to the principles that brought us this far, and still move towards a path of innovation. Inspired by this idea and the reliable, American-made products that brought us here, The Nuss Collection was created.
The Nuss Collection features a variety of vintage trucks and construction vehicles from the early to mid-1900s. Restored and maintained by the Nuss Family and many generous collaborators, this collection offers a joyful look back at the rise of the trucking industry and celebrates resilience and innovation on American soil.
“Growing up around Mack Trucks, the deep history of American Trucking has been a part of our family for years. Our passion for preserving old historic trucks has become much more than a hobby. It has become an incredible opportunity to share the history and American legacy, preserving it for many generations to enjoy.” – Greg Nuss