Today we’d like to introduce you to Tim Patton.
Hi Tim, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been around the automotive industry since I was 19 years old. While attending college, I started selling cars for CarMax and quickly realized this business was something I was passionate about. Although I earned my bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Middle Tennessee State University, I never swayed from the automotive industry.
Over time, I worked my way from sales into management and eventually became a buyer for CarMax. That experience gave me a strong understanding of inventory management and the operational side of the business. I spent my time sourcing and purchasing vehicles from auctions as well as directly from customers, learning how inventory moves and what dealerships need to stay competitive.
That foundation taught me not only how to buy and sell vehicles, but also how critical timing, logistics, and relationships are in this business. Dealers want their vehicles delivered efficiently, quickly, and with consistent communication throughout the process.
That’s where Sumner Solutions comes in.
As the industry evolved, it became clear to me that transportation was far more than simply moving a vehicle from point A to point B—it was a vital part of dealership operations and customer satisfaction.
What began as a solution to support my business partner, Tim Futrell, and me in our wholesale and transportation operations has since grown into something much larger. Today, we are proud to have grown Sumner Solutions into a company serving hundreds of happy customers, dealers, and franchise groups nationwide, while transporting tens of thousands of vehicles each year. That growth has been built on trust, communication, and a commitment to treating every vehicle like it matters—because to our clients, it does.
The growth our team has achieved has been truly outstanding, and we want to take a moment to thank them for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. We genuinely believe we have one of the most well-rounded and dependable teams in the industry, and their passion for serving our clients is a major part of what makes Sumner Solutions successful.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The transportation business is often viewed as simply moving vehicles from one location to another, but the reality is far more complex. Behind every shipment is a fast-paced industry that requires communication, problem-solving, and the ability to adapt quickly to challenges.
One of the biggest obstacles in transportation is managing constantly changing logistics. Weather delays, carrier availability, traffic, mechanical issues, and shifting customer timelines can all impact delivery schedules. In this business, no two days are ever the same.
However, the one thing that never changes is our commitment to our clients. When you work with Sumner Solutions, you are working with a team that takes pride in delivering exceptional service and dependable results. We strive to take the very best care of our customers in every scenario, every time.
Challenges are inevitable in transportation, but how you respond to those challenges defines who you are. At Sumner Solutions, we remain committed to communication, accountability, and finding solutions—because our customers deserve nothing less.
We’ve been impressed with Sumner Solutions – Transport, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are a trusted auto transport brokerage with our home office in Lebanon, Tn. We specialize in the seamless movement of thousands of vehicles for auctions, dealerships, and privately owned vehicles nationwide. Our dedicated team of experts uses a vast network of licensed carriers to ensure safe and reliable transportation for all types of vehicles. We can transport vehicles for anyone, anywhere, anytime!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There are several people who deserve tremendous credit along this journey. First and foremost, my wife, Megan Patton, whose support, encouragement, and belief in me have been invaluable throughout my career. Her unwavering love and support has been and incredible foundation throughout my entire career, and I am very grateful for everything she has done to help make this journey possible. She provided me with 3 amazing boys Langston, Clayton and Truett.
I’m also incredibly grateful for my business partner, Tim Futrell, whose work ethic, partnership, and shared vision have helped shape Sumner Solutions into what it is today.
A special thank you goes to Steve Brewster, who gave us an opportunity and helped show us the ropes of the wholesale and transportation business. The lessons, experience, and guidance we gained along the way played an important role in helping us build the company we are proud of today.
I would also like to thank Eddie Franklin, owner of Don Franklin Auto, with whom we have built a tremendous, growing, and ongoing partnership. Relationships like these are a major part of what makes this industry special, and we are grateful for the trust, support, and opportunities that continue to strengthen our journey.
Furthermore, thank you to all of our employees (the real MVP’s) and their commitment to excellence. We have some of the best employees in the business!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sumnerships.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SUMNERSOLUTIONSTRANSPORT
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sumner-solutions/
- Other: https://share.google/HhSumeAxX85E5EsSx
