Skip to main content

2021 Emerging Leader Award

Nussbaum is thrilled that Chris Aranda, Vice-President of Sales, has been named a 2021 Emerging Leader by Heavy Duty Trucking Magazine.

The 2021 Emerging Leader distinction recognizes industry leaders who are under 40 and “are making a difference in both the trucking industry and within their work for a for-hire, private, government, or vocational fleet. These leaders are influential in the trucking industry, innovative and successful. They can point to outstanding accomplishments and demonstrate excellent leadership qualities.” – HDT 

Meaningful Relationships

Chris joined Nussbaum in 2013 as a Driver Manager. After working in operations for a few years, he transitioned to sales. He was promoted to Director of Sales in 2018 and assumed the role of Vice-President in November of 2020.

Today, Chris continues to lead the sales department to meet Nussbaum’s growth goals and design optimal customer solutions. And, as HDT rightly noted in their biography of Chris – he does so by building meaningful relationships with Nussbaum’s drivers, employees, and clients (you can read HDT’s full story about Chris here: Chris Aranda Bio – Heavy Duty Trucking. 

Chris’s colleagues at Nussbaum have seen this people-oriented leadership in action. For Angie Green, Customer Success Manager, a key component is Chris’s desire to learn from others. “You’ll often hear him saying ‘challenge me on this’ or ‘is this how you see it?’ as he looks for feedback from his team.” She also notes that drivers will often stop by Chris’s office when they come through the terminal to give feedback on their experience.

Dillon Hodel, Business Analytics Manager, reflects that Chris’s commitment to building relationships extends to everyone – without partiality. “He treats everybody with dignity and respect – it doesn’t matter if you’re new here at Nussbaum or his most highly-valued sales client,” says Hodel. “Chris takes the time to get to know people and build those relationships. He becomes more than just a coworker or a sales rep by doing so. He becomes a friend to his colleagues and a trusted advisor to his clients.”

Ultimately, a commitment to strong relationships leads to positive business outcomes. “Chris works hard on relationships and represents Nussbaum well, ensuring that our customers receive great service while negotiating win-wins for Nussbaum and the shipper,” said Bill Wettstein, CFO.

Purpose Driven

Congratulations, Chris! Nussbaum is proud – not only of your achievement –  but of the way you exemplify what it means to be purpose-driven. Thanks for listening, putting people first, and striving to positively impact everyone you meet.

We’re so thankful for employee-owners like Chris, who make Nussbaum a great place to work.