Built to Last: How a Houston Entrepreneur turned setbacks into success

Overview

After a few years of operation, Pronto Shipping and Storage owner Tramell Kukoyi was ready to expand the business. Originally, her business specialized in over-the-road trucking, offering long-distance freight transport and handling some courier routes. But the expansion would also allow her to store cargo, maneuver large containers, and lease space for commercial vehicle parking. Additionally, Kukoyi hoped to build a new facility to support Pronto’s core operations.

However, with such a large project, Kukoyi needed the funding to support it, so she connected with the Houston Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in 2019 for assistance with securing financing. Kukoyi’s SBDC Business Advisor, Charles Capers, assisted her with business planning and research, financial forecasting, and estimating working capital.

Successful Expansion

Later, Kukoyi found a lot that would be perfect for the business’s growth and was finally approved for financing that would help cover the cost of acquiring the property. As a result of the expansion, Pronto Shipping and Storage was able to add 10 new jobs and saw a significant increase in revenue by the following year.

The business’s growth was so exponential that Kukoyi met with Capers once again to discuss additional funding for more equipment and renovations. By March 2024, Kukoyi completed the construction of Pronto’s new facility and the renovation of its storage warehouse and truck lot. She also added 12 new jobs to her team to support the expansion of her now 9.5-acre container yard.

According to Kukoyi, “Thanks to this foundation, our 9.5-acre container yard has transformed the way we operate. We now have spaces for up to 10,000 containers and the ability to stack three high.”

Disaster Recovery

But Kukoyi’s story doesn’t end here: Pronto Shipping and Storage suffered property damage during Hurricane Beryl in 2024. Following the storm’s Disaster Declaration, Kukoyi met with Capers to explore disaster funding options and successfully secured disaster relief with his assistance. She later expanded her staff again, adding four new jobs.

Through every step of her journey, from seeking the Houston SBDC’s support to expand her business to navigating unexpected challenges, Kukoyi has demonstrated what it truly means to be resilient. With guidance from Capers and the SBDC, she made informed decisions that helped her business grow stronger—even in the face of adversity.

“If you’re looking to expand your business, the Houston SBDC is a game-changer,” says Kukoyi. “Their expertise has made our growth possible, and they can help you, too.”

Kukoyi’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and partnership, reflecting not only her dedication to her business but also her commitment to making it thrive, no matter the obstacles in her path.

Pronto Shipping and Storage, based in Houston, TX, is a full-service logistics company offering transloading, crossdocking, custom crating, container yard storage, truck parking, and more.