In Memphis, Tennessee, 3 Level Transport exemplifies family dedication and entrepreneurial spirit.

The Entrepreneurship Team at Communities Unlimited (CU), led by Senior Management Consultant Rhett Douglas, has been crucial in guiding and supporting this small business.

Theron, a seasoned truck driver, started 3 Level Transport after the COVID-19 pandemic, doing local deliveries for Dunavant Logistics. The pandemic significantly impacted his finances.

During this challenging time, Theria proposed starting a new trucking business together. Inspired by her father’s experience and the potential in the trucking industry, she saw a significant opportunity.

“She’s seen me doing this for 30 years, so she knows the business,” Theron said. “It’s not all I know, but it’s what she’s been seeing me do for years. She had ideas and wanted to understand the areas that make a lot of money. We do make a lot, especially when the truck is paid off because more money goes into your pocket. She knew that, and I mentioned how the trucking industry will be worth trillions in a few years. She looked at the overall numbers and decided she wanted a piece of the pie. She’s focused on the money, and I’m the workhorse.”

Run by father-daughter duo Theron and Theria Warren, this small business has made notable progress in rail freight transportation.
Run by father-daughter duo Theron and Theria Warren, this small business has made notable progress in rail freight transportation.

3 Level Transport hauls rail freight around Memphis, Marion, and nearby areas, earning per run with extra charges for miles without freight, waiting times, and fuel surcharges. Despite Theron’s experience, they struggled due to the lack of a proper bookkeeping system, making it hard to assess finances and plan for growth, like buying a new truck and hiring a driver.

“I was using the business card for personal purchases without realizing it was a bad idea,” Warren said. “We learned that everything needed to be separated.” This realization marked a turning point for their business.

CU provided the necessary support.

"Rhett taught me the importance of setting goals and crunching the numbers for hiring another truck driver."

— Theron Warren, Co-Owner 3 Level Transport

This guidance clarified the path to expansion and provided a clear framework for Theria’s future leadership. Theron’s commitment and willingness to share financial information allowed Douglas to create a plan. Douglas identified 3 Level Transport as a growth business with the potential to increase revenue by hiring a new driver. He worked with Theron to develop financial projections, perform a benchmark analysis, and set up a bookkeeping system. These tools helped Theron understand his business’s financial health and plan for the future.  This growth also led to more involvement from Theria, who, while managing a store, prepared to take on more responsibilities in the business.

Understanding their financial position better, Theron felt confident about buying a new truck and hiring a new driver.
Understanding their financial position better, Theron felt confident about buying a new truck and hiring a new driver.

Theron’s long-term goal is to retire by 62 and pass the business to Theria.

“I’m 56 now, so in about five or six years, I’ll hand it to her,” Theron said. CU’s financial projections and guidance have equipped him to plan this transition effectively.

Theron expressed gratitude for the insights and support he received from Douglas and CU.

“It’s been great working with Communities Unlimited,” Warren said. “Rhett also told me the importance of having a contingency plan for the future of 3 Level Transport. Initially, my main goal was to save enough money to retire.”

"But after working with Rhett, I've also set a goal to have our house paid off by the time I turn 62 or to have enough cash to purchase a retirement home for my wife and me."

“This process has opened my eyes to the importance of looking ahead and planning for the future.”

This partnership improved 3 Level Transport’s operations and strengthened the father-daughter bond through their shared vision and determination.