Meet the National Van Lines Team

TIM HELENTHAL

Chairman & CEO

“We truly operate on the basis of small-company values with big-company resources.”

Tim oversees National Van Lines’ corporate direction and strategy by combining industry expertise with visionary thinking. Focusing on developing his leaders, he champions an employee team dedicated to maintaining the reputation of a trusted company that values its customers.

Tim’s scope extends beyond NVL’s corporate boundaries. He was the International Association of Movers’ Vice-Chairman before his 2017 election to Chairman and two subsequent re-elections. He’s on the Board of Directors for the American Moving & Storage Association and serves on that organization’s Government Traffic Committee. In the military sector, Tim serves on the newly formed Personal Property Executive Working Group created by the United States Transportation Command. He was elected in October 2020 to serve as a member of the American Trucking Associations’ newly formed Moving & Storage Conference’s Board of Directors.

Emphasizing the strengths of a boutique van line, Tim prides himself on the close relationship he’s built with NVL drivers, agents, and employees over the 25 years he’s worked at National.

“The biggest differentiator between us and our competition is that we truly operate on the basis of small-company values with big-company resources,” Tim said. “I know our drivers on a first-name basis. If folks want to get in touch with me, they can. My door’s always open.

“We want to have that open-door policy throughout the company. I think that helps make us a lot closer to our customers, so we can hear them and reach them when they need help.”

With the transportation industry’s reliance on machines and technology, it might seem the human element is at risk of getting lost in the shuffle. However, Tim fully understands the value people bring to the moving-and-storage world.

“Human capital is a tremendously important part of the business. I think we’re in a great position to offer folks an opportunity to be a part of the company, to be an employee-owner.

“I’m extremely collaborative. I want folks’ ideas,” Tim said. “I don’t want to rush into any kind of a decision without going to the people who are the subject-matter experts. At National Van Lines, we give people a great opportunity to think on their own and not have a top-down, ‘this is the only way things are going to work’ approach.”

Tim was honored in 2020 with a Daily Herald Business Ledger C-Suite of the Year Award that recognized his combination of business leadership and devotion to community. An ardent supporter of the hunger-battling organization, Move For Hunger, Tim and his daughter, Lauren, set a Move For Hunger fundraising record by generating $6,721 in donations during the 2016 Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon.

Tim lives in suburban Chicago with his wife, Danielle, and has three daughters. He eagerly cheers for the St. Louis Cardinals—despite being severely outnumbered at the NVL HQ—particularly when they’re playing against the Chicago Cubs. He also enjoys running, reading and family time.

He attended Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL where he received a B.A. in economics in 1990 and an M.A. in economics in 1991.

MARK DOYLE

President

“Innovation is attributed to flexibility and opening your mind to new ideas.”

Mark oversees all ongoing marketing and sales processes for National Van Lines’ agent development and customer-acquisition activities. He also supervises the company’s fleet services, transportation-logistics functions and customer-relationship efforts.

Mark started his transportation-industry career at a competing van line while attending school. He first signed on with National Van Lines in 1985 as Credit and Collections Supervisor. He later assumed a Regional Manager position in which he excelled at recruiting agents and generating sales. Mark soon was promoted to Vice President of Sales & Marketing—the youngest individual in NVL history ever promoted to VP—where he developed operating manuals, established procedural standards and grew the agency team.

In 1997, Mark left National Van Lines to open his own moving agency. He advanced his career by learning new skills and improving his understanding of the relocation industry. After 13 years as an agent-owner, Mark returned to NVL in 2010 as Vice President of Sales & Marketing, executing customer-focused strategies in the company’s call center and helping increase revenues.

Mark left National Van Lines in early 2015 to pursue an executive opportunity with an agency family of a leading van line where he increased their digital-marketing capabilities. He transitioned to agent-owner once again in 2016, turning around an agency’s operations, opening a second branch, increasing revenues and boosting profits.

Mark returned to the National Van Lines team as Executive Vice President in 2018. His extensive list of successes and experiences makes him an ideal fit to lead National Van Lines’ Operations department, Customer Experience team and Sales and Marketing staff. He was promoted to President in 2021.

“Innovation is attributed to flexibility and opening your mind to new ideas,” Mark said. “Results are measured by using data; we cannot improve what we cannot measure.”

Why does Mark like the interstate-moving industry so much? “We become a part of the fabric of someone’s life.”

Mark has served on the Board of Directors of the Better Business Bureau of Chicagoland for 20 years. He’s a Certified Moving Consultant and a committee member of the American Moving & Storage Association. Mark also serves on the Board of Directors for the Moving & Storage Institute as Secretary/Treasurer since 2021.

He and his wife, Erin, have two children, and reside in suburban Chicago. Mark unwinds by golfing, reading, listening to music (KISS is tops) and watching classic monster movies, Hitchcock thrillers and gangster flicks plus Sopranos reruns.

Mark attended DePaul University’s College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.

GERRY MUNDT

Vice President
Finance

“Life is not a straight line in an upward direction.”

Gerry is responsible for six functional areas at National Van Lines: Accounting, Billing & Settlement, Claims, Credit & Collections, Human Resources and Purchasing. As Chief Financial Officer, he has responsibility for custody of the company’s assets and oversees all financial arrangements.

He started his accounting career at Arthur Andersen before serving 21 years at U.S. Cellular, where he specialized in financial reporting and created financial-reporting models used by future practitioners. He also oversaw finances at Midway Games, participating in the wind-down of operations after the company declared bankruptcy

“It has been a daily challenge to learn about the moving industry,” Gerry said. “Since my arrival at National Van Lines, the employees and agent family have placed their confidence in me, which enables me to participate in decisions that help contribute to the company’s ongoing success. I look forward to helping National Van Lines continue to be a major player in the moving industry for many years.”

Gerry began at National Van Lines in 2010 as Controller; earlier that same year, he became a certified public accountant.

“Moving people’s household goods gives us an opportunity to create an experience that the people we move will appreciate for many years,” Gerry said. “For many of those people, we are an important part of the start of a new chapter in their lives. We do our best to make that experience and memory a positive one.”

He, his wife, Regina (and canine companion, Rudy) live in Chicago. In addition to following the activities of daughter Katie and son Tim, Gerry enjoys participating and watching sports and listening to music (R.E.M. is his favorite band). His favorite book is “Ball Four” by Jim Bouton. He likes laughing at the endless one-liners in the movie, “Airplane!”

Gerry obtained his bachelor of business administration degree in public accounting from Loyola University Chicago.

MIKE YOST

Vice President
Operations, HHG & Special Commodities

“If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.”

Mike is responsible for making sure the “trains run on time”—so to speak. As VP of Operations, HHG and Special Commodities, he oversees National Van Lines’ coast-to-coast logistics plus supervises the company’s Safety & Fleet Services Departments.

When high-school student Mike took a part-time job loading trucks at a moving company, little did he know it would set the course for his lifelong career. Two years later, he hit the road with a driver the very night he graduated high school—and was hooked on the relocation industry. Briefly leaving the moving business to attend college, Mike returned as a dispatcher for a competing van line in 1983.

He’s called National Van Lines home for roughly 28 years, first as Manager of the New Products Division before being promoted to VP of Operations, HHG and Special Commodities.

“Hard-working, down-to-earth people are what I like best about the relocation industry,” Mike said. “Most people in this industry will give you the shirt off their backs.”

Mike lives in suburban Chicago. An avid runner and fitness enthusiast, Mike is a member of NVL’s Move Out Hunger running team that raises money for Move For Hunger. He also supports the company’s other charities, including Aspire and Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital. “I’m passionate about treating people how I want to be treated. Support your community.”

His favorite books are Keith Richards’ autobiography, “Life,” and James Bradley’s “Flyboys.” Favorite movies include “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” and “Cinderella Man.” A live-music fan, Mike fondly recalls seeing the Rolling Stones back in the day and standing on the same fold-out chair with Bruce Springsteen while singing “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.”

Mike obtained his B.S. in geography (with a minor in business) from Southern Illinois University.

GREG MOORE

Vice President
Information Technology

“National Van Lines embodies a close-knit, tribal-type culture that is poised for growth within our industry.”

Greg sets the direction for National Van Lines’ Information Technology to help achieve the company’s cutting-edge goals. He strategically charts the path for effectively and efficiently using technology as a competitive advantage for National Van Lines. Greg also manages, coordinates and nurtures the talents of a diverse group of technology professionals.

With 25+ years of progressively responsible IT management experience, Greg has created and led the delivery of business/technology solutions that streamline and optimize operational performance, service and cost efficiency across complex organizations.

Greg has progressed in technology from programming, networking and systems administration to senior-management roles, including his current position. His many years of varied experience bring comprehensive value to the National Van Lines team.

“My most significant career accomplishments have been meeting the amazingly gifted people I’ve been blessed to work alongside,” Greg said, “and be a part of their journey as they became exceptional individuals and professionals.

“What I like best about the relocation industry is the people, their work ethics and their drive to adapt and succeed in an evolving industry. It’s always on the move and so are the National Van Lines employees and family of agents.”

His community service includes volunteering and contributing to the Greater Chicago Food Depository and the Table at First Presbyterian Church in Napa, CA.

Greg and his wife, Annette, reside in California. In addition to five children and four grandchildren, the couple has a dog and a bearded dragon.

Greg goes “off the grid” by hiking, gardening and landscaping. He also enjoys tackling home repairs and renovations plus shooting pool. His current favorite book is “Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game” by Joseph Parent. Classic ’70s and ’80s rock comprise his preferred playlist.

Greg earned his B.A. in business with a minor in computer information systems from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI.

TODD GORDON

Vice President
Marketing

“Those who can effectively remove the barriers to conversion and streamline their process will win.”

Todd is responsible for expanding National Van Lines’ client base and accelerating the company’s sales pipeline and revenue by improving the effectiveness of overall marketing across multiple channels, including escalating its data-driven efforts.

Todd comes to National Van Lines from TimeZoneOne, a full-service marketing agency where he was Vice President of Digital Marketing and Media. He started his career in broadcast and cable television (ABC, SportsChannel, FOX and Sportsnet). He helped produce three award-winning documentaries that aired nationally on PBS and more recently, his team developed Chicago Wolves TV spots that earned Telly Awards. He transitioned to marketing in 2000 when launching his first agency. He’s been key in building and growing his agencies by focusing on all things digital. Todd also has overseen the construction and optimization of hundreds of websites.

“It’s amazing how many barriers can be put up between customer and company,” Todd said. “Those who can effectively remove the barriers to conversion and streamline their process will win. Those who can’t are doomed to be forever lost in voicemail.”

Throughout his career, Todd has built award-winning teams in digital marketing, web design and video production. Having worked with such brands as Garrett Popcorn Shops, the Chicago Marathon, the Illinois Office of Tourism and Chicago’s major sports teams, Gordon is excited to focus his attention on growing a single brand.

“By consolidating my multi-industry experience into a tightly focused, one-industry effort, I plan to elevate the National Van Lines brand in the competitive interstate-moving arena,” Todd said. “It’s clear NVL is an innovative organization focused on future opportunities while still preserving its pillars of responsiveness and a family-style community.”

He’s been a beekeeper for almost 12 years. As a 4-H SPIN club leader, Todd teaches the hobby to children and is a 2017 4-H Hall of Fame inductee. An FAA-licensed drone pilot, Todd enjoys aerial photography and videography. The drummer in a Ramones cover band, Todd lists that group’s “It’s Alive” as his all-time favorite album. He counts Kubrick and Tarantino as his favorite filmmakers and Stephen King as his top author.

Todd resides in suburban Chicago with his wife and four children, Jacob, Samuel, Yvonne & Allen.

He holds a B.A. in telecommunicative arts (radio, television & film) from Iowa State University.

PAUL GREGORY

Assistant Vice President of Sales

“Do your job.”

Paul expands the National Van Lines family by reaching out to agents and independents in the western United States to recruit the best movers who’ll fit into the NVL culture. He also works one-on-one with NVL’s existing agents to build their sales skills and provide constant support.

“Every day is a different day,” Paul said about what he likes best about the relocation industry.

Growing up in London, England, Paul came to the United States in 1990 as an “adventure” that’s turned into a decades-long career in the moving-and-storage industry. He worked for competing van lines for nine years before becoming a National Van Lines agent in 1999. He eventually was named NVL agent of the year.

Paul developed a newer sales style that focused on understanding the internet consumer and how best to connect with those prospects. In his nearly 30 years in the industry, Paul has gained experience in all aspects of moving and storage. Plus, he’s done quite a bit of moving himself, living in Portland, Denver, and Chicago. Paul’s 18 years as a van line agent empower him with a wealth of knowledge and a keen understanding of the agent’s perspective when conducting hands-on training at agent locations.

Paul and his wife, Marlien, live in Oregon and have two daughters: Nichola, 18, and Natalie, 16. He unwinds by golfing and also enjoys sports and traveling.

LAURA MANNING

Assistant Vice President of Customer Service & Quality

No excuses. You have to do the work. 

Laura is an energetic leader, education enthusiast, and strong advocate of gender equality. Her Household Goods Transportation career began over 25 years ago when she worked for a National Van Lines agent in the early nineties. She worked for a competing van line for eleven years before coming to the National’s Fleet Services and Safety Department in January 2011. Most of her working life has been within the Safety and Compliance sphere. She recently transitioned to the Customer Service & Quality Department.  

“I am excited about my transition to the Customer Service Department. I love learning new things about the industry. Being part of the amazing team here at National Van Lines motivates me to “bring my A-game” every day! I am a massive proponent of constant improvement. In today’s rapidly changing environment, we must be open to new strategies, new initiatives, and process automation. 

Laura is a 2019 graduate of the American Moving & Storage Association’s (AMSA) Leaders Program, which focused on creating what AMSA called “the next generation of leaders”. Her many accolades include being showcased in an edition of WIT’s (Women In Trucking) magazine, Redefining The Road, and being recognized as one of 2020’s Top Women to Watch in Transportation. 

Laura resides in suburban Chicago with her husband, Rick. She has two grown children, Andrew and Alexandria. She enjoys reading, cheering on the Chicago White Sox, and spending time with her family.