Today we’d like to introduce you to Telly Arnold
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
As the founder of TLA Group LLC, my journey as a business owner has been both rewarding and challenging. When I started the company in 2014, I didn’t have a clear vision, but I knew I wanted to create a business that could generate generational wealth, provide employment opportunities for my son and family, and leave a lasting legacy. Balancing a full-time job while building TLA Group was no easy task, but my determination to provide for my family kept me pushing forward. Over time, I transformed the company into a successful local delivery service, though the road to get there was far from smooth.
We officially launched in October 2024, but I quickly realized that just having an active MC (Motor Carrier) number didn’t mean brokers were eager to work with us. Being new in the industry, we had to prove that we could safely and reliably deliver their loads. My driver and I spent nearly two months cold-calling brokers, trying to secure our first load, all while paying bills on a rented truck with no income coming in.
During those two months without work, I saw it as an opportunity to teach my driver, Sharif, how to transition from just being a driver to understanding the responsibilities of a business owner. Sharif had a significant stake in this venture, and he needed to realize that building relationships was key to our success. I explained to him that work wouldn’t just come to us—we had to go out and get it.
While I was working my full-time job, Sharif had to step up. He got on the phone, introducing us to potential clients and explaining what services we offered. It was during this time that Sharif secured our first load, which was a huge milestone for us. After that, he taught me how to do the same, and when I finally booked my first load on my own, I was beyond excited. We were learning everything through trial and error, but each small win boosted our confidence.
Initially, we focused on over-the-road (OTR) work, but rising fuel costs made it clear this wasn’t sustainable. We pivoted to local contracts in Houston and supplemented our income using the Amazon Relay load board. What started with a single rented truck has since grown to two trucks, two drivers, and helpers, working under a contract with Lowe’s. And we don’t plan to stop there!
My passion for starting TLA Group came from wanting to create a stable place where my son could always find employment and earn a decent salary. That vision continues to drive me to expand the business and provide opportunities for others.
I also make a point to attend networking events, not only to grow my business but to learn about free resources available for small businesses. I’m actively learning how to secure direct shippers, which will be a game-changer for our growth.
Like many small businesses, we’ve faced hurdles along the way. After Hurricane Beryl hit, we were out of work for a week, but we bounced back quickly by securing a contract delivering appliances for Lowe’s. That moment marked a turning point for the business and gave us the stability we needed.
Today, TLA Group LLC is thriving, focused on appliance deliveries and contributing to the community. Our story is one of resilience, trial and error, and perseverance. I’m proud of how far we’ve come and excited for what lies ahead for my family and our business.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. We’ve faced several significant struggles along the way. When we launched our operations in October 2024, we quickly discovered that having an active MC (Motor Carrier) number didn’t guarantee work. Brokers were hesitant to work with new authorities, and we had to spend nearly two months cold-calling and building relationships before we secured our first load.
Another major challenge was balancing the business with my full-time job, which required a lot of sleepless nights and hard work. We also faced financial strain while waiting for work and had to rent a truck to keep things going. After Hurricane Beryl, we were out of work for a week, which added to our difficulties.
Currently, our new challenge involves navigating the appliance delivery contract. We are focused on keeping claims down and learning the specific processes required for this type of delivery. Each of these struggles has taught us valuable lessons and contributed to our growth, ultimately helping us build a successful and resilient business.
We’ve been impressed with TLA Group, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
TLA Group LLC is a Houston-based delivery service specializing in local box truck deliveries. Our business was founded with the goal of creating a stable and thriving enterprise, and despite facing early challenges, we have grown into a trusted name in our industry. We are particularly recognized for our reliable and efficient delivery of appliances for major clients like Lowe’s.
What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to building strong relationships with our clients and our adaptability to industry changes. We maintain high standards of safety and punctuality while diligently working to minimize claims. Our dedication and resilience are key factors that distinguish us from others in the market.
We are most proud of how we have evolved from our humble beginnings into a successful, community-focused business. Our mission includes providing employment opportunities and positively impacting the local economy, which is a core aspect of our brand.
We want our readers to know that TLA Group LLC is more than just a delivery service. We are committed to educating the community about available free resources and supporting local employment through comprehensive training for our drivers and helpers. Our aim is to uplift and empower our community while meeting our clients’ needs and making a meaningful difference.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I appreciate the diverse community and industry we work within, but I find the current spacing between the demographics too wide. I’m looking for ways to better engage with and connect these varied groups more effectively.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tlagroupllc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tla_group_llc?igsh=OXNhMnk5aHV2bjh0&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091290728907&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to my exceptional team: Sharif Brooks, Nigel Brooks, and Gerard Arnold. Our success is deeply tied to their dedication and hard work. They are the face of TLA Group LLC, and without their unwavering support, we wouldn’t be where we are today. I want to give extra credit to Sharif Brooks, whose resilience and determination have been crucial in overcoming every hurdle and lesson we’ve faced. Their collective efforts have been vital to our achievements, and I am profoundly grateful for their contributions.
