Tim Helenthal assumed his role as Chairman & CEO of National Van Lines in January 2020, after seven years as President of National Van Lines and 18 years at its sister company, National Forwarding Co. (NFC), where he held leadership roles instrumental in driving the organization’s growth.
His philosophy, “We truly operate on the basis of small-company values with big-company resources,” captures National Van Lines’ approach as a mid-sized mover with the scale and capabilities to compete at the highest levels. Throughout his career, Tim has led key initiatives that strengthened the company’s operational foundation, expanded core business functions, and enhanced performance across divisions, positioning the organization for sustained long-term growth in both commercial and government sectors.
Recognizing that the future of the moving industry lies at the intersection of technology and operations, Tim spearheaded National Holding Company’s acquisition of Moving.com, one of the nation’s leading consumer moving marketplaces, in 2026. The acquisition represents a transformational step for the organization, bringing together a category-defining digital platform with nearly 100 years of moving expertise. By combining technology, consumer demand generation, and operational excellence under one organization, Tim is positioning National Holding Company to redefine how consumers connect with trusted movers while creating new growth opportunities across the industry.
Tim is widely respected for his industry leadership and long-standing service. He served three terms as Chairman of the International Association of Movers (IAM), beginning in 2017, after several years on its Executive Committee. In this role, he represented more than 2,000 companies across 170 countries. He also serves on the American Trucking Associations’ Moving & Storage Conference Executive Committee and is Chairman of its Government Traffic Committee, contributing to policy and operational improvements across the industry.
As a leader, Tim is known for his straightforward, collaborative approach. He encourages input from subject- matter experts, prioritizes accessibility, and believes in empowering people at all levels. His open-door philosophy fosters a culture of accountability and engagement throughout the company’s network.
His leadership has been recognized with honors, including the Daily Herald Business Ledger C-Suite of the Year Award. He is also committed to community impact, supporting organizations such as Move For Hunger and Aspire, and championing initiatives that encourage employee volunteerism and giving.
Tim enjoys spending his time hiking, golfing, reading, doing yoga, and hanging out with his three adult daughters. He earned both his B.A. and M.A. in economics from Eastern Illinois University.