Meet J.S. Helwig & Son’s Management Team

With over 250 years in combined transportation experience, J.S. Helwig & Son is led by some of the industry’s finest leaders.
Please take a moment to learn more about our management team.

James Helwig

Owner/CEO

James began his career in the trucking business as a truck driver nearly 40 years ago.  Today he serves as the CEO of a leading refrigerated company with over 350 trucks, but his background gives him unique perspective and he has built Helwig with a driver-first culture and attitude throughout the organization as well as a best in class driver lounge.  Operationally, his primary goals remain the same as they were 40 years ago with a focus on industry leading on-time delivery, on-time pickup, safety and consistent communication with customers.

Jamie Helwig

President

Jamie spent over 10 years in New York working in finance and gaining a broad understanding of business before becoming more directly involved at Helwig.  This background has given Jamie a fresh perspective which has allowed him to add value based on the lessons he learned working outside the industry while still ensuring the company remains true to the foundational principles James built the company on. 

Terry Fabian

Chief Operating Officer

With over 23 years of dedication to J.S. Helwig and Son and over 30 years of experience in the transportation industry, Terry provides leadership within the organization to ensure the company has proper controls, reporting procedures, and team members in place to effectively grow the organization.

Mark Powell

Chief Financial Officer

Mark has served as J.S. Helwig & Son’s Chief Financial Officer since 2017, and has overall responsibility for the financial operations of the company. He has 40-plus years of experience in accounting, tax planning and compliance, and business planning and operations. Mark is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a Bachelor’s of Business Administration degree from Baylor University.

Richie Burks

Vice President of Operations

With over 12 years of dedication to J.S. Helwig & Son and over 15 years of experience in the transportation industry, Richie oversees operations to ensure J.S. Helwig & Son is providing the best and safest service in the industry.

Mark Huffman

Vice President of Sales & Marketing

Mark is a transportation sales professional with 20 years of experience. He has worked closely with many of the major food shippers throughout the United States with a special focus on driver-friendly freight and selling J.S. Helwig & Son’s exceptional service.

Jeff Paulsen

Vice President of Sales & Marketing

Having more than 30 years of sales experience in the transportation industry, Jeff has been able to develop many long-term, strategic customer relationships. His background in both Sales and Customer Service helps him to identify the best partnerships, network fits and the best freight for J.S. Helwig & Son and our drivers. 

Dave Benson

Director of Safety

With over 40 years of experience in the transportation industry and certified through NATMI, Dave ensures J.S. Helwig & Son is in compliance with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and that periodic safety audits are conducted.

Michelle Erwin

Director of Accounting

Michelle is responsible for overseeing the accounting department including payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, and administrative staff.  She has over 30 years of experience in internal accounting ensuring compliance with generally accepted accounting principles as well as conceiving and implementing process improvements. She holds a Bachelor’s of Accounting Control Systems degree from the University of North Texas.

Steve Perry

Director of Recruiting

Steve develops and leads the recruiting and retention programs to grow and sustain company driver and owner operator capacity.

Lisa Traweek

Director of Systems Compliance

With over 27 years of experience in the transportation industry, Lisa is responsible for the overall planning, organizing, execution and compliance of all information technology systems, as well as manager EDI, detention and fuel and route compliance.

Laure Nickell, MJ, SHRM-CP

Human Resources Manager

Laure has worked in Human Resources for more than 15 years and 4 years in the transportation industry. Her areas of expertise include Legal & Regulatory Compliance; Employee Relations; HRIS Management; Performance Management; and Organizational Development. Laure is a Certified Professional through SHRM and holds a Master’s of Jurisprudence – Labor & Employment Law from Tulane Law School.