Transport Enterprise Leasing (TEL) issued a statement regarding the passing of Doug Carmichael, CEO and co-founder of the company. He passed on Monday, June 24, 2024, surrounded by family in Chattanooga after a brief illness.

“Doug was an extraordinarily compassionate business leader who cared deeply about the men and women in our company, and about the success of each and every one of our customers,” Jud Alexander, president of TEL and Carmichael’s close friend in the business, said. The two launched TEL together in 2004. “Doug was an amazing business leader and, even more importantly, he was a man of faith beloved by his family, friends, co-workers, customers and community. Our hearts and prayers are with his wife, their children, grandchildren and entire family.”

A veteran of the U.S. Army, Carmichael began his career in trucking in the 1980s as an independent owner-operator. He grew his business into a fleet of 50 trucks before entering the truck and trailer sales arena. He and Alexander worked together at Covenant Transport, helping the company sell and dispose of used equipment, before starting TEL 20 years ago.

Ever since, Carmichael’s vision was to build Transport Enterprise Leasing into a brand known for outstanding quality and customer service. Today, the company provides and finances new and like-new transport equipment to help hardworking professionals build their own profitable businesses.

“Doug wanted Transport Enterprise Leasing to become known as the gold standard in the industry,” Alexander said. “He knew that our understanding of each customer’s business needs contributed to their success, and ours. I share that vision, and we are continuing his legacy.”

Services will be held for Doug Carmichael at Silverdale Baptist Church, located at 10259 London Ln, Apison, TN 37302, on Friday, June 28th at 2:00 p.m.  If you’d like to contribute, the family invites you to donate to the Silverdale Baptist Church building fund for their new campus in Apison, TN. Please visit the following link: https://silverdalebc.churchcenter.com/giving and select [Reach Apison] in the drop down.