Women of Nuss: Pioneers in the Diesel Industry
The presence of women in the diesel industry has seen a remarkable surge, with the number of female diesel technicians doubling since 2023. This significant growth reflects a broader shift towards inclusivity and diversity within the field, breaking long-standing barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry. As more women enter the diesel maintenance workforce, they bring fresh perspectives, heightened attention to detail, and a robust commitment to excellence. This transformative change is not only reshaping the industry but also paving the way for future generations of women to thrive in roles that were once considered unconventional.
Nuss Truck & Equipment, a 65-year-old family-owned truck and construction dealership, has been a cornerstone of the industry in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. Representing renowned brands like Mack Trucks, Volvo Trucks, and Volvo Construction Equipment, Nuss has a rich history in parts, sales, service, lease, rental, and finance. Amidst this legacy, Nuss is championing diversity in the workplace, particularly through the remarkable journeys of their women diesel technicians.
Andra’s Journey: From CVTC Career Fair to Body Shop Technician
Andra, a body shop technician from just north of the Twin Cities in Minnesota, recalls her path to Nuss. “I attended a career fair at CVTC where Nuss was present. A classmate who started here said she enjoyed it, so I thought I’d give it a try,” she says. Andra found a welcoming environment where she felt valued. “They pay well, treat their employees well, and the shop is clean and runs smoothly.”
Starting as one of the few women in the body shop, Andra admits it was initially intimidating. “There was only one other female when I started, and she isn’t here anymore. But once you get to know the guys, it’s very easygoing,” she shares. Her favorite moment at Nuss has been learning to do estimates and integrating into the paint booth. “Nuss is preparing me with training in new paint and estimates, ensuring I know everything in a body shop.”
Kaylee’s Path: From WyoTech to Diesel Mechanic
Kaylee, a diesel mechanic from Gelman, Wisconsin, was drawn to Nuss through a career fair at WyoTech. “Josh went through every restraint to track me down. I toured the place and liked the openness, the way the diesel shop runs, and how people treat each other,” she says. Kaylee appreciates the respect and camaraderie she found at Nuss. “Here, they treat you like a person, not just a number on a paper.”
Kaylee’s journey in a male-dominated industry was less daunting due to her college experience. “In college, being around all the guys taught me to either deal with their way of talking and joking or take it personally,” she explains. Her training at Nuss is ongoing, with ever-changing electronics and gears in diesel technology. “They’re already talking about 2025 Volvo training. I still prefer gears over electronics, but it’s something to get used to.”
Teresa and Kelly: Respect and Learning in a Nurturing Environment
Teresa Paquette and Kelly Hanson, both technicians at Nuss, highlight the respect and learning opportunities at the company. “When faced with challenging problems, we send it off to Nuss or the dealer. I figured, why not work at the dealer if I want to get into the nitty-gritty?” Teresa says. She feels more respected at Nuss than at any other place she has worked. “I don’t feel like anyone talks down to me here, even when I’m asking a really stupid question.”
Kelly shares a similar sentiment, emphasizing equality at Nuss. “Everybody is pretty much equal across the board, whether you’re male or female. If they give a challenging job to a guy, they’ll give it to you too,” she says. Kelly takes pride in the variety and complexity of the projects she works on. “I work on a lot of garbage trucks, and I enjoy the challenge they present. Each truck is different, and figuring out the unique issues is rewarding. The people I work with are knowledgeable, and we feed off each other’s expertise. There’s always someone to help if you get stuck.”
Haley Colby: From High School Auto Body Class to Body Tech
Haley Colby, a body tech who preps for paint and paints, didn’t go to a tech school but took an auto body class in high school. “It was just me and one other girl, and she didn’t pursue auto body,” she recalls. Haley found her training at Nuss invaluable. “They helped me a lot, and I got paint certified recently. They’ve been really helpful.”
Haley enjoys the variety in her job. “I’m not just stuck doing one thing. I get to prep, buff, and learn more than I would elsewhere,” she says. Her passion for cars and artistic inclination led her to this field. “I wanted to be a body tech because my dad went to Dunwoody and worked in auto body. I’m an artist, and painting cars seemed like a good idea.”
Growing the Presence of Women Diesel Mechanics: A Vital Industry Shift
The presence of women in the diesel industry is not only growing but is essential for its future. According to the 2023 Women in Trucking Index, women now account for over 7% of diesel technicians in transportation, up from 3.7% the previous year. This substantial increase underscores the importance of diversifying the workforce in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Jennifer Hedrick, president and CEO of the Women In Trucking Association (WIT), highlights the critical role of diesel technicians: “Drivers cannot complete their mission when their trucks are in the shop or broken down on the side of the road. Skilled truck maintenance technicians are indispensable in keeping professional drivers productive, on the road, and delivering on-time.”
The diesel industry offers abundant opportunities for women to thrive. Erin Willard, a Schneider service truck technician, emphasizes the benefits: “There is a lot of opportunity for women to thrive in a maintenance role. Accomplishing something as a woman in a male-dominated industry is a great feeling!”
Tips for Aspiring Women Diesel Technicians
- Gain Basic Maintenance Experience: Secure a part-time position as an entry-level diesel or automotive technician to build the foundational skills necessary for success in the field.
- Be Inquisitive: Engage with seasoned technicians, asking for their advice and insights. This can provide you with useful tips and techniques to enhance your efficiency and effectiveness.
- Emphasize Hands-on Training: Prioritize practical experience by actively participating in hands-on tasks. This direct involvement is invaluable for mastering the intricacies of the job.
- Stay Driven: Maintain your motivation by networking with other technicians, seeking mentorship, and keeping up-to-date with the latest advancements in diesel technology.
- Welcome Constructive Criticism: Understand that feedback, even when critical, is essential for your development. Learn from your mistakes and view them as opportunities for growth.
- Expand Your Comfort Zone: Be willing to tackle new challenges and tasks that may push your limits, fostering both personal and professional growth as a technician.
Nuss Truck & Equipment: A Supportive and Inclusive Workplace
Nuss Truck & Equipment’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in the experiences of these women. By fostering an environment of respect, continuous learning, and equal opportunities, Nuss is not only supporting women in the industry but also setting a benchmark for others to follow. The journeys of Andra, Kaylee, Teresa, Kelly, and Haley are testaments to the positive impact of Nuss’s inclusive policies and supportive culture.
As the trucking and construction industry evolves, Nuss Truck & Equipment remains dedicated to empowering women, providing them with the tools and opportunities to succeed, and proving that diversity in the workplace is not just a goal but a reality.