Trucks connect cities. Families fuel the connection.

Shaun Leone shares how Sunburst Truck Lines grew from a single truck in 1988 into a company woven into Houston’s ports and railroads. He explains how strict regulations and insurance hurdles shape drivers’ daily reality, even as revenue grows 10–15% in most years. The Leone family now carries that success into the community by supporting local charities through the Sunburst Cares program.

Learn more about Sunburst Truck Lines here.

To learn more about Integrity Bank, go to itx.bank.

Subscribe to Banking on Integrity on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

1. Shaun Leone described how Sunburst Truck Lines began as a family business in 1988 with just one truck, founded by his father. The story highlights the humble beginnings, perseverance, and gradual scaling of the company through hard work and family involvement.

2. The conversation explored the vital role trucking plays in the economy, especially through intermodal shipping and the transportation of container goods in and out of key ports. Shaun emphasized how trucking keeps supply chains running—even more visible since COVID-19.

3. After the unexpected passing of Sunburst’s founder, Shaun and his family committed to carrying the business forward, establishing accountability, and transitioning from running the business emotionally to managing it strategically.

4. The episode dove into the realities of fluctuating fuel costs, the struggle to find qualified drivers due to strict insurance requirements, and the escalating challenges (and costs) around commercial insurance policies. Safety and regulatory compliance are central to business sustainability.

5. Shaun Leone shared Sunburst’s commitment to giving back through local charities and their own Sunburst Cares foundation. The company is rooted in supporting its community and practicing integrity, which also connects to the founding principles of Integrity Bank.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Growing Interest in Container Shipping

05:48 Growing Trucking Business Success

08:07 Board Member's Dedication Acknowledged

11:34 Finding Purpose in Business

14:17 Market Expansion for Stability

16:56 Houston's Unique Role in Trade

22:02 Safety, Insurance, and Cost Balance

23:56 Sunburst's Community Impact Highlights

26:04 Family, Fun, and Togetherness

 

Trucks connect cities. Families fuel the connection.
Shaun Leone shares how Sunburst Truck Lines grew from a single truck in 1988 into a company woven into Houston&rsquo;s ports and railroads. He explains how strict regulations and insurance hurdles shape drivers&rsquo; daily reality, even as revenue grows 10&ndash;15% in most years. The Leone family now carries that success into the community by supporting local charities through the&nbsp;<a href="https://sunburstcares.com/">Sunburst Cares</a> program.
Learn more about Sunburst Truck Lines <a href="https://sunburstusa.com/about-us/">here</a>.
To learn more about Integrity Bank, go to <a href="https://www.itx.bank/">itx.bank</a>.
Subscribe to Banking on Integrity on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/banking-on-integrity/id1809270239">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6hUwt34fVZynVGwtnt2aos">Spotify</a>, or wherever you get <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/banking-on-integrity/playlists/podcast">your podcasts</a>!
1. Shaun Leone described how Sunburst Truck Lines began as a family business in 1988 with just one truck, founded by his father. The story highlights the humble beginnings, perseverance, and gradual scaling of the company through hard work and family involvement.
2. The conversation explored the vital role trucking plays in the economy, especially through intermodal shipping and the transportation of container goods in and out of key ports. Shaun emphasized how trucking keeps supply chains running&mdash;even more visible since COVID-19.
3. After the unexpected passing of Sunburst&rsquo;s founder, Shaun and his family committed to carrying the business forward, establishing accountability, and transitioning from running the business emotionally to managing it strategically.
4. The episode dove into the realities of fluctuating fuel costs, the struggle to find qualified drivers due to strict insurance requirements, and the escalating challenges (and costs) around commercial insurance policies. Safety and regulatory compliance are central to business sustainability.
5. Shaun Leone shared Sunburst&rsquo;s commitment to giving back through local charities and their own Sunburst Cares foundation. The company is rooted in supporting its community and practicing integrity, which also connects to the founding principles of Integrity Bank.
Timestamped Overview
00:00 Growing Interest in Container Shipping
05:48 Growing Trucking Business Success
08:07 Board Member's Dedication Acknowledged
11:34 Finding Purpose in Business
14:17 Market Expansion for Stability
16:56 Houston's Unique Role in Trade
22:02 Safety, Insurance, and Cost Balance
23:56 Sunburst's Community Impact Highlights
26:04 Family, Fun, and Togetherness
&nbsp;

Explore the heart of Houston's business community with Banking on Integrity, brought to you by Integrity Bank. Join founders Hazem Ahmad and Mack Neff as they interview local entrepreneurs, sharing their journeys of success, overcoming challenges, and driving Houston forward.

Explore the heart of Houston's business community with Banking on Integrity, brought to you by Integrity Bank. Join founders Hazem Ahmad and Mack Neff as they interview local entrepreneurs, sharing their journeys of success, overcoming challenges, and driving Houston forward.

Banking on Integrity

Banking on Integrity is your inside look at Houston's thriving entrepreneurial scene. Hosted by Integrity Bank's Hazem Ahmad and Mack Neff, this podcast features inspiring interviews with local business owners, offering valuable insights and lessons for anyone looking to succeed in business.

Banking on Integrity is your inside look at Houston's thriving entrepreneurial scene. Hosted by Integrity Bank's Hazem Ahmad and Mack Neff, this podcast features inspiring interviews with local business owners, offering valuable insights and lessons for anyone looking to succeed in business.