Leadership

Brian Bennett is a transformative leader whose journey from adversity to achievement has defined his role as the founder and chairman of Fifth Wheel Freight. Originally from Muskegon, Brian feels a deep connection to his roots, where he faced and overcame numerous challenges growing up. His dedication to giving back to his community is driven by these experiences. By creating jobs and empowering individuals, he aims to make a significant impact on those who need it most in West Michigan.

Brian understood early on what dedication and hard work meant, remembering how his mother worked multiple jobs to keep the family going and even assisted her own mother when needed. “I remember my mother taking extra work cleaning offices in the evening to make sure the family had what was needed to just make ends meet,” Brian reflects. His dedication is focused on creating jobs for those who are ready to rebuild their lives. At Fifth Wheel Freight, we go beyond logistics; we represent the power of transformation and the drive to uplift communities through empowerment and opportunity.

Brian ventured into the logistics industry during the 2008 recession, seizing the opportunity to learn and grow in an unfamiliar field. His experiences taught him the importance of stability and security—principles that became the foundation of FWF. Under his leadership, Fifth Wheel Freight has grown into more than just a logistics company. It is a beacon of empowerment and opportunity, providing employees with the tools they need to excel in both their personal and professional lives.

Brian is a dedicated father to three amazing children, ages 3, 5, and 8, who test his strength and fortitude daily. “Before fatherhood, I thought being a dad would be easy; now I understand it is the most challenging and most important role of my life,” Brian reflects with a sense of awe and gratitude. His commitment to his family is paralleled by his dedication to teaching the principles of creating value in every aspect of life. “I acknowledge this journey would not have been possible without the unwavering support, guidance, and love of my devoted wife, Julia. It’s her profound belief in me that has kept me going. Julia’s support has given me the strength and impetus to evolve into the leader I am today,” Brian shares emotionally. “My focus on ethical leadership, genuine respect, and a commitment to doing what is right is due to the fact that I must be my best every day for my family. I know we only have so much time on this earth, and I want my family and those families whose lives I am able to impact to be part of this legacy of helping others.”

His commitment to teaching life skills and creating opportunities mirrors his belief in uplifting those around him. “I want to provide others with the opportunities I wished I had growing up,” he says. This approach drives his efforts to foster a culture of support and empowerment within his company and community.

Brian is a firm believer in the power of staying true to core values while embracing growth and innovation. He advocates for a “day 1 mentality,” which emphasizes the importance of maintaining the passion and dedication that fueled FWF’s inception. His focus on ethical leadership, genuine respect, and a commitment to doing what is right has set a new standard in the logistics industry.

Beyond his professional position at FWF, Brian is passionate about giving back to the community and inspiring future generations to believe in their potential. He views success as a journey, one where continuous growth and impact are the ultimate goals.

Through his leadership at FWF, Brian Bennett is not only moving freight but also moving lives forward, proving that true champions are those who empower others to rise alongside them.

Tyler is a native of Holland, Michigan where he lives with his wife, and two golden retrievers. He played soccer at Aquinas College and earned a degree in Business Administration.

Following graduation, he knew he wanted to go into logistics as his college roommate and sister were both in the industry. Tyler recognized the opportunity the logistics industry provides with its fragmentation of market share, recession resistant environment, and ability for career growth. Specifically, Tyler was inspired by the opportunity for growth when he started at FWF as a logistics consultant. Six years later, he serves as the CEO at FWF.

Today, Tyler strives to streamline processes and he loves seeing others grow and gain new opportunities. His passion is not just about freight; he is equally passionate about golden retrievers, golf, and his close-knit family. Tyler has a passion for growth and a genuine appreciation for life’s simple joys.

Mike serves as the Chief Financial Officer at FWF, where he brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for driving growth and scalability in the logistics sector.  With over 15 years of expertise, Mike has been instrumental in steering companies through significant expansions, optimizing financial performance, and enhancing operational efficiency.

A firm believer in the power of impact, Mike is dedicated not only to the success of the company but also to the well-being and development of its people and the broader community.  Beyond the balance sheets and financial strategies, Mike is deeply passionate about financial literacy. Recognizing the gap left by traditional institutions, he has committed himself to educating the workforce on financial matters, offering his time and experience to enhance the financial well-being of teammates. His initiatives aim to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed financial decisions, fostering a community of financially savvy and independent thinkers.

A proud alumnus of Central Michigan University, Mike’s academic journey in accounting and subsequent attainment of his CPA certificate have been the bedrock of his professional path. These accomplishments have equipped him with the expertise to lead with both insight and innovation.

Inspired by his wife and daughter, Mike’s drive to excel is deeply personal. His commitment to making his family proud is reflected in his leadership—balancing strategic financial management with a genuine dedication to the well-being of his team and the community at large.

Reese Van Heck, President at Fifth Wheel Freight, has always been driven by a passion for sales and a deep commitment to his roots in Holland, Michigan. A graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in Sales and Marketing, Reese’s journey with FWF began in 2015 shortly after graduation, quickly rising through the ranks thanks to his leadership and vision. Reese had the opportunity to lead the company to Grand Rapids in 2017, kicking off a new era of growth for FWF.

Reese, like most of the executive team, worked his way from the sales floor to the leadership team. From initiating the Oversized/Overweight department, to kicking off the company’s hands on community involvement, he enjoys involvement in the evolution of all aspects of the organization.

As President, Reese focuses on creating opportunities for others, fostering a culture of empowerment and innovation. Outside of work, Reese enjoys playing poker, disc golf, and spending time with family and friends. His life motto, “Better busy than bored,” reflects his belief in living life to the fullest and continually striving for growth.

Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Joe Switzer attended Michigan State University in East Lansing studying Supply Chain Management. After college, Joe returned to his hometown to join FWF as an intern in 2019, quickly establishing himself as a key contributor to the company’s growth and success.

Since joining FWF, Joe has played an instrumental role in building the Compliance and Claims departments from the ground up. Leading these teams since their inception, Joe has been dedicated to upholding FWF’s top-tier standards for compliance and ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of industry best practices. As the market continues to evolve and fraud and theft become increasingly complex challenges, Joe and his team are recognized for their ability to balance rigorous compliance and claims policies while supporting FWF’s expansive carrier network.

Outside of work, Joe enjoys golfing and spending time with his wife and daughter, with a second child on the way.

As VP of Marketing and Communications at Fifth Wheel Freight (FWF), Kelsey leads brand, content, and communications strategy. Her focus is on combining strategic thinking with creative storytelling, and she aims to build a bold, cohesive, and human-centered brand. She holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Communications from Grand Valley State University, bringing cross-industry experience in Higher Education, Financial Services, and Logistics. A proud Michigander and mom of two young boys, Kelsey loves spending time outdoors and with her family.

Originating from the east side of Michigan, Grant McDonald moved to Grand Rapids in pursuit of a business degree at Grand Valley State University.  After graduating with a degree in Supply Chain Management and Marketing, Grant joined FWF in the spring of 2020 in our entry level sales role.

Grant is now the VP of Operations where he works closely alongside our team to ensure day-to-day business operations are running smoothly. One of Grant’s drivers is seeing others succeed and achieve their goals, to help grow and grow with those around him. Seeing others seize the opportunities they can create for themselves is what makes Grant excited for what the future holds.

Nick Beukema is a forward-thinking innovator dedicated to transforming the freight market at Fifth Wheel Freight. A native of West Michigan, Nick’s passion for his hometown led him to Grand Valley State University, where he earned a B.S. in Computer Science. His career in software development has spanned various industries, focusing on building software and products to drive efficiency and innovation.

At FWF, Nick leverages his technical expertise to develop cutting-edge solutions that streamline operations and enhance the company’s reach. His work in creating sophisticated algorithms and automated systems has been instrumental in pushing FWF to new heights, fostering a culture of technological advancement and continuous improvement. Despite his obsession with optimizing and automating, Nick’s core drive is to uplift people and create rich relationships, ensuring technology serves to enhance human connections.

Outside of work, Nick is a devoted husband and father, with his wife and son serving as the driving force behind his dedication and hard work. His family is at the heart of everything he does, motivating him to excel in all aspects of life.

Nick Beukema embodies the spirit of innovation and dedication, both in his professional endeavors at FWF and in his personal life. His commitment to building a better future through technology and his love for his family make him a true leader and inspiration to those around him.