For years, Ben Reynolds dreamed of owning his own business. This summer, that dream became a reality when he launched Klaus Transports & Logistics, a Lufkin-based hot shot trucking company specializing in quick-haul loads.
A longtime East Texas resident, Reynolds was driven to create a better future for his family after years of working jobs with little stability or benefits.
“My wife and I are in our 40s, and we’ve never had jobs with real benefits like retirement or solid health insurance,” he said. “We don’t have retirement saved, and that’s scary when you think about how you’re going to pay bills later in life — especially if one of us ends up disabled.”
That concern isn’t hypothetical. Reynolds, a veteran with VA disabilities, has watched his wife’s health decline due to venous reflux, a condition that has made walking increasingly difficult.
“I’ve been kicking myself for waiting this long,” he said of starting Klaus Transports & Logistics. “It’s now or never. Either I build something that can support my family, or we could be in real trouble. I’ve prayed about it, and I believe this is what I’m meant to be doing. I can’t afford to fail.”
Reynolds also runs a seasonal business impersonating Santa Claus called The True Klaus, which he started in 2021. That venture tapped into his extroverted side, sharpened his sales skills, and helped him build a strong local network — including joining the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce.
“It’s all about getting started, getting your name out there, knowing how to network, advertise, and bring in business,” he said. Those lessons carried over seamlessly into his trucking career.
To prepare, Reynolds is working under an experienced contractor, Tidwell Transport & Logistics, to learn the ropes while using his own 2015 Dodge Ram and 40-foot gooseneck trailer. But he quickly learned how expensive it was to get rolling. With no access to business loans or capital, he leaned on personal credit cards. But once he hit the road, the unexpected hit hard.
His tires, which had looked fine, delaminated mid-route, forcing him to buy four replacements in a remote area. He paid for an alignment, replaced sensors and brake calipers, and soon after, leaking seals became a major issue.
“A shop told me they’d fix it overnight,” Reynolds said. “Two days later, I got my truck back — and it still wasn’t fixed. I had to stop at another place to get it done right.”
By the time it was over, he’d racked up nearly 12-grand on his credit cards, sinking deeper into debt just to keep his business alive.
That’s when he connected with the Small Business Development Center at Angelina College, which referred him to the Lending Team at Communities Unlimited (CU). Through a loan funded by the T.L.L. Temple Foundation, Reynolds was able to consolidate his high-interest debt into an affordable payment.
“This loan is a blessing. Most businesses start out in the red. This is helping me climb out faster instead of drowning in interest. It’s giving me room to breathe and build.”
— Ben Reynolds, Owner of Klaus Transports & Logistics
For Reynolds, it’s more than relief — it’s a foundation.
“This loan is a stepping stone,” he said. “I know CU is taking a risk on me being a hot shot driver because a lot of them fail, and I can’t say how much I appreciate them taking a chance on me. They’re sticking their neck out for me, and I’m going to do right by it. As I grow, I’ll be back. I may need another truck or trailer down the road, and I know CU will be part of that journey.”
As a longtime East Texas native, T.L.L. Temple Foundation’s support holds deep meaning for Reynolds.
“Arthur Temple left an incredible legacy,” Reynolds said. “Knowing his family is still investing in small businesses like mine is amazing. It gives people like me the confidence to take that leap.”
With high demand for drivers in East Texas and plans to obtain his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), Reynolds is optimistic about growing his business. His ultimate goal: to create stability for his family and reach a point where his wife can comfortably retire.
He credits CU and the SBDC for helping him take the first step.
“Y’all are both fantastic,” Reynolds said.
Looking ahead, Reynolds hopes to expand his fleet, hire drivers, and keep building Klaus Transports & Logistics — while still donning his Santa suit each holiday season.
