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Dallas—AJL International and Premier Transportation recently partnered to expand their fleets. By pooling their resources, the two companies were able to substantially increase their buying power, allowing them each to purchase two MCI coach buses.
Friendly competitors for more than 15 years, Matt Johnston of AJL and Eric Devlin of Premier Transportation serve their corporate clientele in and around Dallas and Fort Worth, as well as through a vast affiliate network across the globe.
In August 2015, Devlin and Johnston met regarding a few local issues; they eventually got on the topic of coach buses. Both companies have large minibus fleets but neither had taken the next steps of getting into the coach bus business. Johnston suggested pooling their funds to increase buying power in order to affect a better price point and negotiate some free upgrades.
“We agreed that we would purchase the exact same model, with the exact same paint scheme (black), and with the same amenities,” says Devlin. “Therefore, other than the logo, each would have a seamless farm-in/farm-out partner with the same expectations of customer service.”
Devlin and his fleet manager, Todd Davis, attended bus shows to research vehicles while Johnston worked the phones, negotiated price and amenities, and created a spreadsheet of pros and cons for the various manufactures. Both owners reached out to mentors in the industry for their input, too.
Eventually, Devlin and Johnston decided not only to purchase from MCI (2016 J4500.s), but also increase their order from one to two buses each. The two companies chose MCI due the manufacturer’s convenient service center, and their ability to fill the order by December 1, 2015.
Johnston and Devlin are excited about their new venture and look forward to working together and growing their already strong relationship.
Visit ajlinternational.com or premierofdallas.com for more information.
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Ann Arbor, Mich.—Sean Duval, CEO and president of Golden Limousine International, was recently nominated as a finalist for the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber Small Business Person of the Year Award. The nomination was announced at the Deals of the Year event on October 6, and the winner will be named at the M-Live Media Group Deals of the Year event on November 13 at Ann Arbor Marriott Eagle Crest. The Small Business Person of the Year Award recognizes a local small business entrepreneur who has demonstrated growth in the past two years, contributed to community projects, and overcome adversity while growing his/her business.
Sean Duval “I am extremely honored and thrilled to be nominated amongst such a prestigious and elite group of small business front runners in the Ann Arbor Community,” offered Duval upon learning of the nomination. “I am fortunate to be revered in such a significant way, and must thank my team, community, and clients for supporting me and our efforts every day.”
Duval’s continued investment in the Washtenaw community has included many hours of time and effort while serving on various boards within the community, including UM Natural History Museum, Ele’s Place, Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber, Ann Area Visitors & Convention Bureau, and Washtenaw County Workforce Development.
“I believe your business growth is only as strong as your community growth, they must rise in unison.” Dvual offered recently when discussing his involvement in the community.
Operating for 27 years, Golden Limousine International has a long-standing commitment to the community with consistent involvement on many levels.
For more information, visit goldenlimo.com.
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Atlanta—Cooper-Global Chauffeured Transportation headquartered announced last week that its latest additions to its fleet include the 2016 Kia K900, a brand-new luxury offering from the Korean carmaker.
Kia K900 Sedan According to President Larry Cooper, it is the first company in the chauffeured transportation industry to highlight the V-8 rear wheel drive K900 sedan in its fleet, which has seating for up to three chauffeured passengers. Equipped with the VIP Plus Package, he says that the luxury sedan offers a stunning array of exceptional amenities and safety features including autonomous emergency braking, quilted Nappa leather seat trim, power reclining rear seats with lateral adjusting headrests, rear seat power lumbar support, and premium headliner trim.
“Cooper-Global is proud of its continued growth. It is very important to us that we provide our clients with luxurious and innovative vehicles—The new Kia allows us to do just that,” said Cooper.
Visit cooperglobal.com for more information.
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