Meet National Van Lines Team
When it comes to moving your memories, experience counts.
We’re proud of the combined years of experience our senior team brings to every move—especially yours.
MAUREEN BEAL
CEO & Chairman
“National Van Lines should never be so large as to lose sight of the personal connection we have with our family of agents, drivers and customers.”
Maureen has a huge family. It extends beyond her siblings and grandchildren to encompass the National Van Lines coast-to-coast roster of agents, fleet of drivers and, of course, the satisfied customers who’ve relied on the company’s interstate-moving expertise for 90 years.
It’s been that way ever since she assumed the helm as CEO & Chairman following her father’s 1993 passing. During the ensuing years, she’s driven the company her grandfather started nine decades ago to achieve steady growth in the highly competitive relocation industry.
It’s no wonder Crain’s Chicago Business named Maureen one of Crain’s 2019 Notable Women Executives Over 50—the only executive working within the long-distance relocation industry to earn a place on this prestigious list.
Featured in two books—Christie Lee Ruffino’s “Overcoming Mediocrity” and Margaret Heffernan’s “Women on Top: How Women Entrepreneurs Are Rewriting the Rules of Business Success”—Maureen is recognized for her employee-retention expertise and sound business practices. She regularly speaks at industry conventions and frequently is invited to share her management approach as a conference speaker/panelist.
Maureen is a past member of the Board of Directors of the American Moving & Storage Association and serves on the Board of Directors of the Moving & Storage Institute.
In 2016, Maureen was honored with the philanthropic Moving & Storage Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award at AMSA’s annual conference in New Orleans. Previously, she was awarded the Illinois Movers and Warehousemen’s Association’s Orin C. Hutchcraft Quality Service Award. Maureen has been recognized as one of the Women’s Business Development Center’s “Entrepreneurial Women of the Year.”
Actively involved in community service, she advocates for women’s health issues and is past Chairman of The American Cancer Society Board of DuPage County, IL. Maureen also is the past Chairman of the Board of Aspire, an organization that works with children and adults with developmental disabilities, and the Humanitarian Project, which feeds needy families and the elderly. Maureen is a member of The Chicago Network and a Trustee for Benedictine University. She is past Board Chairman of Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital and also serves as Board President of the Executives Breakfast Club of Oak Brook, IL.
Carrying the spirit of “giving back to the community” to a global level, National Van Lines proudly sponsors environmental artist, Wyland. His larger-than-life Whaling Walls are seen in 69 cities on four continents. Providing transportation services for the Wyland Ocean Challenge, the Clean Water for the 21st Century and Beyond tours, and individual Whaling Wall projects, reinforces the message: “While Wyland protects the oceans, National Van Lines is protecting your memories.”
Maureen lives with her husband in suburban Chicago and has three children and seven grandchildren.
She remains at the National Van Lines helm until her retirement at the end of 2019.
TIM HELENTHAL
President & COO
“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.
Committed to industry improvements, Tim serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the American Moving & Storage Association’s Government Traffic Committee. He served two terms as the Vice-Chairman of the International Association of Movers before his election to Chairman in 2017 and re-election in 2018. Tim served on the Surface Deployment & Distribution Command Surface Transportation Executive Working Group during 2013–2016.
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 makes 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.”
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
Executive Vice 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.
“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.
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.
JORJA COULTER
Vice President
Customer Experience & Quality
“Servicing customers and problem-solving are what I like best about the relocation industry.”
As VP of Customer Experience & Quality, Jorja and her team continually work to improve the National Van Lines customer experience and support drivers and agents through the entire relocation process.
Since joining National Van Lines in 1998 as Director of Training, Jorja has initiated a corporate-to-agent communication program, developed an award-winning national account brochure, and implemented National Van Lines’ “whale decal” program that expands the company’s sponsorship of environmental artist Wyland.
She began her cross-country moving career when an agency hired her to “fill in” for employees on vacation or medical leave. “As a result, I learned each role at a moving-and-storage company and became an advocate for cross-training within the industry,” Jorja said.
A 48-year industry veteran, Jorja regularly pens articles on claims prevention and quality assurance. Jorja previously worked for another van line’s professional sales association as manager of sales and customer-service training. In addition, she has served as a consultant to Fortune 500 firms, conducting sales and customer service seminars for the American Management Association, PepsiCo, ITT Sheraton, AT&T Bell Laboratories, Burroughs Corporation and Unisys Corporation.
Jorja has been a Certified Moving Consultant since the program originated in the 1970s. She strongly advocates for the American Moving & Storage Association’s certification program, promoting continuing education and ethical sales practices in the relocation industry. She is Chair of AMSA’s Communications Advisory Committee, serves as Vice Chair of the organization’s Education Committee and is Treasurer of the philanthropic Moving & Storage Institute’s Board of Directors.
“Servicing customers and problem-solving are what I like best about the relocation industry,” Jorja said. “No day is ever the same!”
Jorja has worked in various capacities for the Illinois Special Olympics, especially the Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby. She also has participated in numerous coastal cleanups with the Wyland Foundation.
She and her husband, Jim, reside in northern Illinois. Her son, Jason, lives in Texas and her stepson, Ian, calls Tennessee home.
Jorja enjoys reading (Scott Turow is her favorite author), hiking, kayaking and…complaining about the weather. Her favorite film is “Winning” (starring Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward) and country music is “hands-down” her favorite listening experience.
She attended Judson College, majoring in communication arts.
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 10 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 and has two sons, Jacob and Samuel.
He holds a B.A. in telecommunicative arts (radio, television & film) from Iowa State University.
SHELLY ZACHARY
Director of Agency Services
“We’re delivering a personalized training program for our newest family members.”
As Director of Agency Services, Shelly focuses on onboarding new agents and training the entire family of agents to take advantage of the technological infrastructure available to them as a National Van Lines agent, including specialized relocation software and targeted marketing materials.
Shelly began her moving-and-storage career in 1989 in a competing van line’s Agency Development department. She joined National Van Lines in 2003 as Director of Sales & Agency Development, then was Director of Training before assuming her current role in 2015. In addition to overseeing agent training and new-agent onboarding, she assists in agency relations, sales and marketing, vendor relationships, national account contracts and request-for-proposal reviews. Shelly has developed a virtual training module to orient new agents before their first on-site visits.
“Working with the new agents to make sure all their computer software and systems are in place immediately after their start dates makes a big difference,” Shelly said. “We’re delivering a personalized training program for our newest family members. Plus, our follow-up, on-site visits are far more effective.”
Initial training occurs in a virtual environment, typically followed up by an in-person session.
“At first, we talk almost daily as they become more involved in interstate shipments with National Van Lines,” Shelly said. “Fortunately, I have the support of each and every department here when an agent needs more in-depth assistance.”
“No two days are ever the same,” Shelly said about what she likes best about the cross-country moving business.
Shelly resides in northern Illinois with her husband, Don. They have three children and six grandchildren. She enjoys riding her motorcycle, scrapbooking and reading. In recent years, she’s volunteered her time at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital and participated in several Cruisin’ for St. Jude motorcycle rides.
Shelly attained her B.A. in business administration from Aurora University, Aurora, IL.
PAUL GREGORY
Director of Sales Development
Western Region
“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.
DENNIS LEASH
Director of Sales Development
Central Region
“When you have a job you love, every day is a good day.”
Dennis is responsible for finding new business partners within National Van Lines’ central region—which stretches from Colorado in the west to Minnesota in the north to Ohio in the east to Louisiana in the south. He’s also responsible for the success of current NVL agents in his region by ensuring they’re trained properly and exceeding yearly booking and hauling goals.
A moving-industry veteran for nearly 30 years, Dennis began his career by purchasing a truck-rental business at age 21. After building up his business to eventually employ more than 40 employees, he sold the company after 17 years. He became sales manager and eventually general manager for a Denver-area competing van line agent, where he repeatedly was recognized for superior sales.
Dennis joined National Van Lines in 2016 as Director of Sales Development and Training. He was named Director of Sales Development, Central Region in 2018.
“No day is the same in the interstate-moving industry,” Dennis said. “I am fortunate enough to meet new business owners and customers on a weekly basis. The relationships I have with our current agents are something I treasure. When you have a job you love, every day is a good day.”
Dennis lives in Colorado with his five children.
During his off-hours, Dennis enjoys the great outdoors by biking, fishing, hiking and hunting. He also loves attending concerts and sporting events. His favorite book is “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert T. Kiyosaki and the first two “Godfather” movies are his favorite films.
Dennis attended the University of California, San Diego and San Diego State University, majoring in business management.
DICK SCAFFA
Director of Sales Development
Eastern Region
“Always be prepared.”
Dick oversees National Van Lines’ sizeable eastern U.S. territory through recruiting, sales development, training and agency relations.
His nearly 40 years in moving and storage include agency and corporate positions. Plus, he’s well-versed in sales, sales management and operations. Representing a competing van line during the 1980s, Dick spent time in Connecticut, Chicago and Philadelphia.
During the 1990s, he managed a competitor-agent location and later climbed that company’s corporate ladder as Mid-Atlantic Regional Director. Dick joined National Van Lines in 1999.
Dick raises money for his favorite charity, Fisher House Foundation (which provides housing and transportation to wounded military members and their families) by annually participating in the Brigantine Polar Bear Plunge. Not wanting to shed his professional image—even while dipping into chilly January waters—Dick meets the Atlantic Ocean tide wearing a full suit and tie. Brrr!
“You haven’t lived until you can’t feel your feet,” said Dick, who’s on either his third or fourth suit for the event since he started taking “the plunge” 10 years ago.
He lives in southern New Jersey with his wife, Colleen. He has two grown children, three granddaughters and one canine companion. He enjoys strolling the golf course, playing racketball, listening to country music and cheering on the New York Giants.
Dick earned his B.A. in marketing (with a minor in management) from University of Hartford.