Leslie Sheldon
Leslie Sheldon
Leslie Sheldon’s journey in the transportation industry is one of dedication, leadership, and family. She first stepped behind the wheel in the summer of 1976, driving a summer camp bus route for the company her father owned. Shortly after, she moved into a terminal manager role, gaining valuable experience overseeing operations and leading teams. She later worked as a General Manager at another transportation company, further strengthening her expertise in the industry.
Over the years, her passion for safe and reliable student transportation only grew as she knew this industry was in her blood. In 2004, she and her two brothers, John and Richard Dufour, took a leap of faith and founded All-Star Transportation, a company built on strong values and a commitment to excellence.
“Our job is about getting the students to school safely, and that’s what makes you successful if you’re able to never lose sight of that.”
When All-Star Transportation became part of STA’s family of companies in 2019, it marked the continuation of a legacy built on shared values. Leslie and her brothers saw in STA the same commitment to safety, employee development, and community impact that she had worked so hard to cultivate. Since then, she has continued to lead her team with compassion, always looking for those hidden qualities in her employees that make them stand out. She takes great pride in nurturing and developing her team, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to grow into roles where they can truly shine.
“You have to take the time to understand people and want to make them grow with you [and the company].”
Leslie’s journey with STA isn’t just about business—it’s about the relationships she’s built along the way. When she faced personal challenges, her team was there for her, supporting her like a true family. That strong sense of unity is what makes All-Star, even under STA’s umbrella, feel like more than just a corporation. It’s a place where people matter, and where employees are given the resources and encouragement to succeed. Throughout her career, Leslie has found a powerful advocate in leaders like Gregg Stinson and Sam Wells, who have both supported her vision and leadership every step of the way.
One of her most cherished memories at STA happens every holiday season. Each year, Leslie and her team make it a tradition to gift hams to their employees, ensuring that every staff member has a warm meal to enjoy with their families. The excitement of loading up the trucks, delivering to 18 different terminals, and seeing the joy on employees’ faces is something she treasures deeply. It’s moments like these that remind her why she stays, why she continues to invest in the people around her, and why All-Star Transportation remains a place of warmth and camaraderie.
“I stay to make sure we give our employees the tools they need to continue to make All-Star Transportation a great company to work for.”
Leslie Sheldon’s story is a testament to the power of leadership, resilience, and staying true to one’s values. Through her dedication, she has helped cultivate an environment where employees thrive and where safety always comes first. For anyone looking to build a meaningful career in student transportation, Leslie’s journey proves that with the right mindset and a supportive team, the possibilities are endless.