It all began with a borrowed lawnmower.
At 10 years old, Albert Black Jr. and his friends launched Best Friends Lawn Services, charging two dollars per yard.
The inspiration igniting Black Jr.’s entrepreneurial spark? His father, Albert Sr., who thoughtfully observed the successful executives he encountered working as a downtown Dallas, Texas, hotel doorman.
Albert Sr. shared those observations with his seven children, encouraging them to “become like the leaders running this city and improving the lives of others.”
Thirteen years later, Albert Jr. called on that wisdom while co-founding On-Target Supplies & Logistics (OTSL), Ltd., a janitorial supply distribution company in Dallas. And in the four decades since, Albert Jr. has become that leader his father admired, improving the lives of others through his business and by giving back to the community.
OTSL, a Regions Bank client, has significantly expanded its services to designing, implementing and managing customized logistics and transportation for clients in the global health care, technology, utilities, education and government sectors.
The company has also grown from just two employees to 300-plus – including Albert Jr.’s son, Albert C. Black III – “Tré” – who started in OTSL’s Accounting department in 2016 and today serves as its president and CEO. Albert Jr. remains its chairman.
Sharing Financial Advice and Guidance – and More:
Regions Commercial Banking leader Tyrus Sanders met the father – son duo years before serving their banking needs. The Blacks have looked to Sanders for insights extending beyond financial services.
“Ty has been a key advisor to me and Tré not only in business, but also in our civic involvement,” said Albert Jr. “Ty is one of the first people we reach out to for advice.”
Added Tré, “Ty knows us, and we know him.”
Sanders appreciates that camaraderie.
At its core, banking is still a people business – one built on trust.
Tyrus Sanders, Regions Commercial Banking leader
“At its core, banking is still a people business – one built on trust,” he said. “We are honored to have earned Albert Jr. and Tré’s trust. And we want to use our experience to sustain and support the continued growth of their businesses.”
Growth is also a theme of the Blacks’ banking relationship with Regions. Commercial Banking relationship manager Curtis Brown II now supports OTSL’s financial goals by bringing treasury management, credit, equipment financing and real estate teammates and solutions to the table.
Succession planning discussions are also on the horizon.
“Our work with Regions Bank has been enhanced with Curtis and his focus on building a relationship with our second generation of leadership,” Tré said. “Regions Bank has helped finance our growth so we can remain competitive and focus on future opportunities. The Regions team demonstrates they understand and appreciate our diverse business.”
Eyes on the Future:
What else is on the horizon for OTSL and its leadership?
The same challenges facing many business owners, including a shifting workforce and AI.
The Blacks are focused on addressing them by modernizing their systems to empower talent and streamline operations; integrating technology across supply chains to optimize efficiency and safety; and implementing business intelligence and resource planning to ensure data-driven decision-making.
“We will continue to balance innovation with prudence and practicality,” Tré said. “We want to make sure every decision strengthens our ability to deliver value for our stakeholders, employees, customers, and communities we care about.”
Brown sees that “people first” mindset firsthand during every conversation with the Blacks.
“Their knowledge and ability to communicate how their business works is top notch,” he said. “Tré is a great leader and great connector of people. And the vision of his father and grandfather shines through.”
It’s Larger than Logistics:
Empowering under-resourced communities through READYTOWORK® is a large part of that vision. Albert Jr. established the workforce initiative that’s trained 2,200 people in logistics and related careers; Tré is guiding its future as READYTOWORK’s chair.
“Success isn’t just about profit—it’s about creating pathways for people who’ve been overlooked,” Albert Jr. said. “That’s the heart of On-Target.”
So is supporting the Boys and Girls Club of Dallas, United Negro College Fund, Habitat for Humanity and many more Dallas nonprofits.
“Our mission is much bigger than logistics – it’s about building communities and creating opportunities that make a meaningful impact for generations,” Tré said.
Our mission is much bigger than logistics – it’s about building communities and creating opportunities that make a meaningful impact for generations.
Tré, OTSL president and CEO
Beginning with inspiring the family’s next generation.
“My wife also works full time, so my parents are our primary caretakers for our two kids,” Tré said. “It’s great to get parenting advice while also updating my dad on business challenges and triumphs.”
The chance to collaborate with his father on a daily basis is something Tré doesn’t take for granted.
“The best aspect of working together is the time we spend together in victory or defeat, in business and at home,” he said. “Most fathers and sons bond while fishing; we bond while running an enterprise.”
Note: Experiences and opinions stated by customers are their own. References to companies in this article not owned by Regions do not imply endorsement.