Meet Christine Thomas | Black Truck Company Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christine Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christine, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The impetus for embarking on my entrepreneurial journey was a series of setbacks, including four terminations within a year, which prompted a reevaluation of my career trajectory. Dissatisfied with the prospects of returning to the dental industry, I transitioned to full-time employment with Uber, driven by the aspiration to ascend to the prestigious Uber Black service tier and augment my earning potential. However, the realization of this goal unveiled the intricate challenges inherent in accessing and thriving within the Uber Black platform, ultimately catalyzing my decision to establish my own business.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart from others is that my livery company is a one stop shop.  When it comes to girls night out guys on the town weddings or even date night, we give a luxury experience of popping bottles, rolling out the black or red carpet, balloons flowers because i know how hard it is to coordinate all your services on the same day at the same time.  We are a luxury livery company with concierge services. We can book the restaurants and other outings to make the night special.

I am most proud of our customer service, but ultimately I am proud of my failures because it taught me how to rebound from failures or what I thought were mistakes were actually propelling me into this company.  

How did I begin this journey?
Boy oh boy, where do I begin with the story! I will start by saying that nothing in this life is easy so when you ask was it easy- absolutely not! I entered the transportation business in the heart of Covid in December 2020. I was asked to partner up with a guy to get some cars and rent them out. I was promised a whole bunch of money and reassured that I would be protected in ways that sounded like the golden gates to financial freedom. At the time when the opportunity had came to me, I was barely getting hrs at work and needed to create some more revenue for myself. Feeling like my back was against the wall, I fell dormant to a decision that has changed my life in one of the worse ways! Before entering this venture, my credit score was 750. I was a great candidate for the job because I was able to get a 2017 Porsche boxer a 2020 Range Rover and a 2020 & 2021 x7. Business went well for an about 6 months; everything I was promised, I received about 85% of it! Around June of 2021 my business partner started dropping the ball ridiculously which left me with 4 cars to be voluntary repossessed, accidents under my name from hit and runs from clients, people looking to sue me left right and center, considering to file for bankruptcy considering to sell my home. I fell into a state of depression that I can’t even explain because it brings me to tears. The debt I have created with my one horrible mistake has made certain parts of life a nightmare. I am still currently dealing with the repercussions of this mistake. Through it all, I learned a lot about the technicalities of the business, how to protect my self, what insurances I must have etc. Days I thought I wouldn’t even be in a position to start my own company! When I started this company I started it with an ex of mine who I had put everything in her name to start with because my 750 credit score dropped to about 530 after everything hit my credit. We were partners up until we decided to go our separate ways and she was demanding royalties from a company she didn’t put no money into she worked and helped on the back end but never gave as much blood sweat and tears as I did. When we departed she took the only truck we had. Feeling defeated, I went to the dealership to try my luck and by my surprise I was approved for a vehicle. The APR was out of this world but I knew that It was mine and no one could ever take it from me. That was the first and last time I gave someone access to controlling anything to what I owned. What I learned through this whole process is have faith and trust in your vision – it’s your vision for a reason, only you can see the win! I give all the thanks and praise to the Almighty because having faith when life has hit rock bottom is one hardest things. Faith without works is dead! The message I would like anyone to get from my story is that life is a roller coaster full of ups and down but it keeps going and you have to keep going with it! When life gives you lemons make lemonade and make it the best one you’ve ever made!
Having your own business is not easy at all but I will let you know it’s worth it! I am in a position to now be a boss and have employees and treat them with class and give back. I’ve been an employee and I know what it feels like so I stand firm on taking care of them! Even if that means I have to get down and get dirty with them! One dream, one team, one family!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would advise my friend to come spend a weekend with me in Atlanta during the spring or summer months.

Atlanta is renowned for its vibrant festivals and bustling networking and marketing scene, making it an ideal destination for a memorable getaway. Here’s a rough itinerary I’ve put together:

– **Day 1 ( Friday):**
– Explore the eclectic Ponce City Market and sample delicious cuisine at one of its renowned restaurants.
– Take in panoramic views from the top of Ponce City Market at Skyline Park, where we can enjoy games and refreshments.
– Conclude the evening with a leisurely ride on rising scooters, followed by watching skaters at the local skate park while catching up on life.

– **Day 2 (Saturday):**
– If there’s a daytime event or a later evening affair, we’ll take some time to rest and prepare accordingly.
– Visit Lenox and Phipps Mall for a bit of retail therapy and perhaps indulge in some mouthwatering lobster rolls at Cousins Maine Lobster.
– Explore the sights of Atlanta or indulge in a bit of shopping before heading to our chosen festival for an evening of fun and entertainment.

– **Day 3 (Sunday):**
– Wind down our weekend adventure with a visit to Rum Punch, where we can savor refreshing drinks and get to enjoy some music from the islands

I believe this itinerary strikes a perfect balance between adventure, relaxation, and culinary exploration.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the divine for guiding and blessing my journey thus far. Additionally, I am deeply thankful to my mother and grandmother for their unwavering support throughout my endeavors. My heartfelt appreciation extends to my beloved aunt Toya, who has been my steadfast supporter and confidante since childhood, generously providing the initial capital for my entrepreneurial ventures. Furthermore, I am immensely grateful to Tamika Hayes and Aj Dewberry, invaluable members of my team, for their dedication, belief in the vision, and collaboration in bringing it to fruition.

Website: https://atlblacktruck.wixsite.com/atl-black-truck

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevatedluxtransports?igsh=MW5yeGh0cDZndjVhaw==

Image Credits
Photo appreciation

https://www.instagram.com/kronospicturesatl?igsh=dWU1c2k4ZjlxNzcz

https://www.instagram.com/shotbyjayo?igsh=c3F3cjV3dWxrazZw