Unishippers Franchise Spotlight: Holton Ahlers

Holton Ahlers traded in his record-breaking career as East Carolina University's standout quarterback — and later, a professional football player — for a new mission: building a business rooted in service, leadership and faith. Now one of Unishippers' newest franchise owners, Holton leads with the same competitive drive, steady guidance and Christian-centered values that shaped him on the field — using them to motivate his team and support his customers.

In this Unishippers Franchise Spotlight, learn about Ahlers' journey from athlete to entrepreneur, how he's growing his franchise in Greenville, NC and why a Unishippers franchise is one of the best careers for former athletes. He also tells us what he would say if the Carolina Panthers came looking for a quarterback.

I have to ask. Is this Holton Ahlers, the standout quarterback from East Carolina University who still holds about a dozen school records? Who played professional football, too?

Yes, that's me.

You had a remarkable football career — collegiate and then professional. Are there any skills you learned as an athlete that you now apply to your Unishippers franchise?

Definitely — 100 percent. This is a great career for athletes. Being competitive and being a leader are huge. As a quarterback, you're the one everyone looks to — the person expected to know the answers, set the direction and keep the team steady. In business, especially as an owner, it's the same. The people who work with you look to you to understand where the business is going. I take pride in that responsibility, and it's something I genuinely enjoy.

As you were wrapping up your athletic career, you were working for another Unishippers franchise and then quickly decided to start your own. What made you decide, "this is what I want to do?"

The simple answer is that I fell in love with helping people. Helping businesses with shipping and logistics, connecting with them and seeing the difference I made. I always knew I wanted to own a business one day. I didn't know what that would be. But this felt right. I was led to it. And every day I get to wake up and help people. That's important to me. This business is perfect for that.

How were you sure Unishippers was the right place? What was it about the model that appealed to you?

First, the people. Everyone I talked to was positive, helpful and genuine. Second, the business model itself. It wasn't, "we'll give you rates." It was, "we'll be your partner and grow with you, and we'll be by your side." I loved that. And third, the financial aspect. Every financial goal I've ever had is achievable within this model — especially as you grow and open more franchises. Those three things sealed it.

You're only about four months into owning your franchise. And according to LinkedIn, it looks like you already announced that you're expanding your team?

Yes, we started in August, and we're still young. But we've already brought on an intern. We're growing quickly and are going to meet in January to see if we're ready to hire a full-time logistics sales rep.

What's your one-year or five-year strategy? Build a team? Start another franchise?

Long term, I want more franchises. Right now, it's me, my best friend Kade — he was my backup QB in college — and my sister-in-law. We own this franchise together. But eventually, I want to own a couple on my own, and all of us want to keep expanding. Short term, I'm selling every day, and I love it. But the plan is to build a strong sales team, train them well and grow steadily so that in seven to ten years, when we sell our franchise or expand, we're ready. Then we'll buy more franchises and keep going.

You mentioned franchise training earlier. Unishippers puts a lot of pride into onboarding new franchise owners. What was your experience like?

The training was great. When we flew to Dallas, the Unishippers team went in-depth with us. We had specific questions about the differences between being a sales rep and being an owner. And the model is really set up so that if you can sell, they help you figure out everything else. That was a big reason we became owners.

And the support is constant. We reach out to corporate almost every day, and they always jump on calls or give us what we need. The initial training was strong, but the ongoing training after you go back out into the field has been just as valuable. Everyone is there for you.

What do you think about the culture at Unishippers now that you're on the ownership side?

It's phenomenal. The culture is very supportive , but also competitive. Every Friday, you get the franchise report, and you can see who the top dog is. Being competitive fires me up. But it's friendly competition. I've made friends I didn't expect to make, and that says a lot about the culture.

You're already thinking about hiring, so you'll be looking at resumes. What does someone need to succeed here?

You have to be an overachiever — someone who has worked hard your whole life and isn't afraid of work. If someone is willing to learn, willing to work and has the will to overachieve, Unishippers gives them the tools. You don't need a certain background. You need drive.

If someone was on the fence about buying a franchise, what would you tell them?

It comes down to whether you're willing to bet on yourself. You'll have support, but at the end of the day, you make the calls and close the deals. If you're not afraid of hard work and not afraid to believe in yourself — then you should do it. It will change your life. The freedom is incredible, and the impact you have on customers is real. I'm friends with some of my customers now, and that doesn't happen in most industries.

You mentioned the freedom this franchise opportunity gives you. Are you experiencing work-life balance yet?

Yes, 100 percent. I'm wearing a hoodie on a Tuesday afternoon at my desk. I'm still working hard — these early years are crucial — but I love having the freedom to work from home or go out in the field. The best part is knowing my life and my success depend on me. I'm backed by a full support team and a proven platform, but I'm the one steering the ship.

Was there a light bulb moment where you knew this was the right path?

I was still playing professional football, having lunch with my wife during the season, and I told her I wanted to own a business one day. We realized Unishippers checked all three things I wanted: making an impact, owning a business and building wealth. That day we looked at each other and said, "Why not retire from football now and go all in?" So, I did.

You've mentioned your customers often. What are your relationships like with them?

Very strong. That's what makes Unishippers special. This isn't, "here are your rates." It's a partnership. We tell customers, "We want to be part of your quarterly meetings, part of your process." We hold them accountable, and they hold us accountable. We genuinely care about them. And because of that, they trust us. When problems come up — and they always do in shipping — they know we'll go to battle for them.

Do you have any particular customer story that you would like to share?

We had a local company whose driver got into an accident and couldn't make their pickup. So, Kade and I jumped in the car, drove down the road, picked up the packages ourselves and drove them to UPS. That's what makes us different. Customers can call us directly, and they know we'll show up and fight for them.

Tri-Ark Group is your franchise name. What does that mean to you?

There are three of us — me, my best friend Kade and my sister-in-law. We're all Christian. "Tri" represents the three of us. "Ark" is biblical — it means leading a path. That's how we landed on Tri-Ark.

Do you bring your faith into the business?

Yes, 100 percent. The Bible emphasizes working hard and treating others the right way. People feel how you treat them. We start every training session with a prayer. It's important to us.

What's your favorite part of ownership?

That it's all on me. It reminds me of being a quarterback. If things go well, you get too much praise. If things go bad, it's all on you. I love that pressure. It motivates me. My partners, my customers and my family — people depend on me. And that drives me every single day.

Unishippers franchise ownership is a great career for former athletes. Unless the Carolina Panthers offer you a quarterback slot, would you say this is where you see yourself long-term?

Even if they called, I'd tell them, "no." I retired from football to do this. This business checks every box. I love it. I don't regret the decision one bit.

Interested in a logistics franchise opportunity? Contact Unishippers today!

Unishippers offers industry-leading support and solutions for SMB customers across the country through the care and passion of our franchisees. With uncapped growth and earning potential, low startup costs, improved work/life balance, reputable carrier network and more, a Unishippers franchise investment will allow you to take your sales career into your own hands. Connect with us to get started on your franchise ownership journey today!