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Douglas “Doug” Donalson, a longtime pioneer in limousine manufacturing, passed away on Sunday July 28, 2024, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was 76.
Doug is best known from his time at Executive Coach Builders, where he led the company’s production team during the heyday of limousine manufacturing. He joined Executive when it was first launched in 1977, an event that is credited with making Springfield, Missouri, a hub of limousine manufacturing. After working for some other coachbuilders over the years, he returned to Executive in the 1990s when the company was purchased by current owner David Bakare, ultimately spending more than 40 years in the limousine manufacturing sector. He was well known and respected in the industry and received several awards and recognition for his contributions.
Born in Texas in 1947, Doug was a military brat who moved several times during his childhood due to his father’s career as an Air Force pilot. He later enlisted in the Air Force himself, serving one year in Vietnam during his 6-year career.
The self-professed tinkerer didn’t limit his talents to limousines—although his accomplishments were many, including his groundbreaking “wide body” limousine design that helped to put Executive on the map. His family says besides being a longtime motorcycle enthusiast, his real passion was cars. His life’s work and hobbies evolved around building, customizing, designing, and owning countless vehicles that ranged from dune buggies to limousines.
According to his family, Doug also liked doing home improvements for his own home as well as those of his loved ones, and he was also a talented woodworker.
Doug is survived by his wife, Lynn; his son Ryan, wife Beth, and grandsons Brody and Jude; his daughter Becky Worthy, husband Nathan, and granddaughter Sydney and her husband Ian, and grandson Riley; his brother Sterling and his wife Marsha, nephew Drew and niece Jocelyn and their families.
He was laid to rest on August 5 in Springfield.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to South Gate Baptist Church, of which he was a charter member.
Chauffeur Driven extends our heartfelt condolences to the Donalson family as well as his loved ones, friends, and colleagues.
[08.06.24]
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- Category: Industry News
Premier Transportation of Dallas has announced that Christina Nguyen has joined the company as administrative director. Nguyen brings a wealth of experience in transportation management and operational excellence, making her a valuable addition to our leadership team.
Nguyen joins Premier Transportation from her previous role as vice president at Concierge Limousine, where she successfully led a team of professionals and optimized logistics processes to achieve significant cost savings and operational efficiency. Her expertise in project management, team leadership, and data-driven decision-making will be instrumental in advancing Premier Transportation’s mission to provide exceptional service to our clients.
Overall, Nguyen has more than a decade of experience in the transportation industry, with a strong track record of driving organizational success and implementing innovative strategies. She has a proven ability to streamline operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
“We are thrilled to welcome Christina Nguyen to our team,” says CEO Kelly Devlin. “Her extensive experience and dynamic leadership style will be crucial as we continue to grow and enhance our services. Christina’s commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with our company’s values, and we are confident that she will play a key role in our future success.”
“I am excited to join Premier Transportation of Dallas and contribute to the company’s continued growth and success,” said Nguyen. “I look forward to working with the talented team here to build on the strong foundation already in place and to deliver outstanding results for our clients.”
Visit premierofdallas.com for more information.
[08.06.24]
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- Category: Industry News
Summer is approaching its end, and fall will be here before you know it, which means it’s time for the upcoming CD/NLA Show! This year, we’re thrilled to bring our annual event to the Gaylord National just outside of Washington, D.C., from October 13-16. Now is the time to take advantage of our Early Bird Rate that lets you save $74 on your registration. Register before September 6 to receive a show pass for just $475. But wait! NLA members are entitled to additional savings, making it only $399—that includes our education, meetings, two open-bar parties, three breakfasts, and two lunches on our bustling show floor. What’s more, we have a room block at the Gaylord National at the incredible rate of $259 a night, which beats even the heavily discounted travel websites. However, these rooms are going quickly—don’t miss out on your chance to book your getaway at these low prices.
Seasoned show attendees know that the Affiliate Central Global Partner Forum is a perennial hit, and one of the most popular and well-received events at any of our shows. Operators from around the globe literally line up to be the first to have valuable one-on-one time with owners, affiliate managers, and key decision-makers from all major markets, both in the US and internationally. At our Vegas show this past spring, the Affiliate Central was positively electric, with 103 tables and more than 1,000 attendees bouncing from table to table to meet new potential partners.
“Participating in Affiliate Central has significantly expanded our network, fostering numerous partnership opportunities worldwide,” says Andrew Tighe of RMA Worldwide.
Scheduled for Tuesday, October 15 at 12:15 p.m., Affiliate Central—again sponsored by our friends at Volvo—is expected to feature dozens of companies representing North America and countries from around the world. This is an incredible opportunity to expand your company’s presence in the global marketplace. As the industry continues to evolve with new operators and markets, the significance of fostering a robust roster of trusted affiliates cannot be overstated. That's why this event is precisely designed to facilitate networking opportunities with fellow operators who share your vision and are ready to handle the needs of all your VIPs. Don't miss the chance to join forces, forge valuable partnerships, and engage in fruitful business exchanges.
“While I find all aspects of the show to be beneficial, we especially enjoy Affiliate Central as it has allowed us to expand our worldwide network by meeting potential affiliates in person,” says Harry Dhillon of Ecko Worldwide.
You won’t want to forget to bring those business cards and a killer elevator pitch! If you’re interested in exhibiting in the forum, several tables/markets are still available. Contact Director of Events Jess Pavlow at jess@chauffeurdriven.com for more information.
Visit cdnlashow.com for more information.
[08.05.24]