Thomas Hartley, owner of Hartley Transportation and a seasoned independent Landstar Agent, is a standout example of entrepreneurial determination and innovation behind growing a small business. A proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Hartley has spent the past 34 years building his business and pioneering initiatives like an anti-theft and fraud program to combat organized crime—an effort that recently earned him recognition from the National Coffee Association. Now, Hartley is being honored as New Hampshire’s 2026 Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. This award, presented during Small Business Week, shines a spotlight on the positive impact independent business owners like Hartley have on their communities every day.  

Hartley shares how Landstar has played a vital role in that journey: 

Why do you think you were selected as a Small Business Person of the Year? 

“I believe the award was chosen because of our longevity in business, growth-oriented mindset, long-term tenure, and employee retention.” 

How has Landstar helped you grow your business? 

“My affiliation as an independent Landstar Agent has been crucial to supporting our customers and business enterprise within the transportation sector. Landstar representatives have always been available to assist with matters that have helped our agency grow and continue to do so.” 

How has your company evolved over the years to adapt to the changing freight environment? 

“With the onset of the high-tech age, AI, etc., Landstar has been evolving, allowing our agency to evolve as well. Clarity, Landstar’s freight-tracking exception-management tool, allows tracking and pricing tools that greatly assist our ability to remain competitive in a highly competitive market. Anti-fraud and theft initiatives are paramount to securing and maintaining clients, whose negative experiences with fraud are at the forefront of their concerns.” 

What does receiving the Small Business Person of the Year award mean to you? 

“The award is a tribute and recognition of a team, not an individual, that has, for the most part, been together for over 20 years, serving clients throughout North America and several international customers. It’s fitting to see the team recognized and will be together during the award ceremonies organized by the SBA on May 7th in Concord, New Hampshire.” 

What advice do you have for others looking to grow their Landstar businesses? 

“As a recent recipient of Landstar’s Chief Executive Circle award, which honors the success of Landstar’s independent agents, I have always found it wise to diversify our customer base across numerous industries and geographic territories in North America. Developing in-person relationships, offering a variety of services, and not staying within the box, so to speak. Good industry awareness and ongoing training amongst all employees is also crucial for success.”  

What has been essential to your success?  

“Positive persistence, team goal-setting, and incentives that drive proactive development of new accounts and retention of current accounts are always critical to an agency’s success.”