Jim Bednarkiewicz started his career in trucking back in 1990, driving flatbeds around the Chicago area. Today, he leads Nova Lines, but his approach to business remains simple and honest: focus on people and build systems that help the company grow. In this interview, Jim shares his journey, explains what makes the trucking industry so real and tangible, and tells us why Nova Lines stands out from the rest.
About Jim Bednarkiewicz
What’s most enjoyable about working in the trucking industry is that I’m born and raised here in the Chicago area, starting off in the trucking industry back in 1990 as a flatbed driver.
As President of Nova Lines I focus on two things, and that’s people and building systems with the new organization that make Nova Lines a scalable company.
Why the Trucking Industry? Jim Explains
I chose this industry because at a young age I fell in love with the movie by the name of “Smokey and the Bandit”. And from that point on I was hooked on trucking. Became even more interested in trucking when as a young man I was able to work with my father when he did his part-time job as a truck driver.
And then throughout my time, getting more involved at everyday aspects of the business, it’s an industry I still love very much.
What’s Most Enjoyable About Working in the Trucking Industry
What I enjoy most about working in the trucking industry is it’s tangible and it’s real. It’s solving problems, it’s trying to put a puzzle together everyday, developing something that everybody can be proud of.
Jim Bednarkiewicz on the Best Part About Nova Lines
What I love most about working at Nova Lines is the culture and the people. Working together everyday to find solutions. If we have something that we need to solve, we’re gonna work together and do that. Being a part of this flow is exciting.
How Nova Lines Treats Its Team
Nova Lines treats their drivers and their staff differently than other companies by keeping it simple, being honest, good communication, and proper follow through. As far as the drivers go, the drivers are gonna feel the difference by having the teams that work together.
All working together as one, to collaborate, solve problems and create good communication and experience for the driver as well as the teams themselves.
Describing Nova Lines in 3 Words: Jim’s Perspective
I would describe Nova Lines in 3 words:
- Honest because without clear communication and being honest with the drivers upfront, we won’t be able to maintain our reputation.
- Disciplined by sticking to our standards which is safety first and working with the operations.
- Without drivers and putting the drivers first, Nova Lines is not what we are today, and we would not be able to grow in the future.
Jim’s Advice for Drivers Considering Nova Lines
What I would say to a driver that is considering Nova Lines. If you want a real talk, you want honesty, and you wanna be treated as a business partner, Nova Lines is definitely a place for you. This is a place where you can come and bring your standards, match them up to our standards, and we’re gonna work hand in hand with you to make you successful. Because if you’re successful as a driver, then Nova Lines is successful as well.
Conclusion
Jim’s story shows how passion, honesty, and putting people first can lead to success in any industry. He has grown alongside the company while fostering a culture where drivers and teams work together as one. For anyone looking for a place where they are valued, heard, and supported, Nova Lines is that company. As Jim says: when a driver succeeds, the company succeeds too.