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On Tuesday, December 17, the Illinois Limousine & Bus Association (ILLBA) hosted their final coffee-time educational webinar of 2024. Entitled ‘Tis the Season for Selling, the association welcomed guest speaker Drew Messina of Create-A-Card to discuss marketing and branding solutions.
Following an introduction by ILLBA Executive Director Paula DeBiasi of Chicago Coachworks, Messina launched into a presentation that offered branding tips for success. With the holiday season among us, Messina suggested volunteering your business as a Toys for Tots or food bank drop off point, which serves to “associate your brand with positivity.”
Messina also made a point of defining branding, explaining that it’s a combination of tangible and intangible aspects of your company—not solely a logo. He also elucidated the advantages of branding, which include building trust, increasing value, market differentiation, and employee engagement.
Create-A-Card VP of Operations Drew Messina
While touching upon different branding methods, Messina spoke about the “power of swag,” that is, the advantages of distributing a cool item to potential and existing clients. He emphasized the importance of giving away a “life item” (i.e., something that will actually be used) as opposed to something cheap and unremarkable.
“If you keep your brand in your clients’ hands, they have a higher chance of calling you,” stated Messina.
The best practices for branding items were also discussed, with Messina advising operators to have a high-quality design, match the item(s) to your audience, and keep the brand in the client’s hand. He also shared the value of apparel for brand visibility and continued importance of digital marketing.
ILLBA Executive Director Paula DeBiasi of Chicago Coachworks
Again touching upon the holiday season, Messina told the webinar guests that they should be thankful this holiday season. Whether it’s sending out a greeting card or a simple email, people remember those that extend thanks. And with the CD/NLA Vegas show coming in February, Messina strongly advised operators to think ahead about ordering their branding material well in advance, particularly with Chinese New Year approaching.
The Coffee With ILLBA session closed with a discussion about the tried-and-true business cards we all carry. DeBiasi asked Messina to highlight the items that should appear on all company cards. According to Messina, in addition to your name and title, all cards should have your company’s logo; a headshot; email, phone number, and website, and most importantly, the city in which you operate. DeBiasi admitted that she threw away several dozen cards following last year’s CD/NLA Show, simply because no city was printed.
A recording of this month’s Coffee With ILLBA webinar is available on the association’s YouTube channel. Click here to view.
Members are invited to ring in the New Year with ILLBA at their holiday party on Tuesday, January 21, at Carlucci in Rosemont, Ill. from 4:30-8:30 p.m.
Visit illba.org for more information.
[12.19.24]
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- Category: Industry News
You asked for it and we listened. In this column, we ask operators of all sizes and from all walks of the industry a question about their business and report their answers so you can assess how your own company compares to your peers. If you would like to participate, please email Rob Smentek at rob@chauffeurdriven.com for next issue’s question.
TOPIC: What percentage revenue did you see year-over-year for 2024 over 2023, and what sectors are growing the most?
We experienced extraordinary growth in 2024, with a 25-percent increase in revenue compared to 2023. This growth was fueled by the expansion of farm-out partnerships, a steady increase in retail bookings, and the successful acquisition of new contract work. These milestones reflect our commitment to delivering exceptional service and building strong relationships with both clients and affiliates across the industry.
Karl Guenther, President/CEO
Statement Limousine in Sheffield Lake, Ohio
I am happy to report that our year-over-year increase is currently 23 percent, which included the worst October that I can remember due to two hurricanes that impacted our area. Currently, our December is super busy, and I anticipate making up some of the losses from October. Tourism numbers are still down, but I’m hoping they will recover soon. Overall, our biggest growth sector was in group events, golf resort trips, and airport transfers. Also, increasingly adding to our bottom line is farm-out work for our local clients traveling worldwide. We are optimistic about the next few years’ growth.
Thomas Halsnik, President
Walsh Chauffeured Transportation in Tampa, Fla.
We grew about 15 percent from 2023 to 2024. All the growth was 100 percent in convention business and sporting events. The Dallas/Fort Worth area was lucky to have a lot of large events this year and a lot of them popped up for ground transportation needs at the last minute, and we were able to secure those.
Matthew Johnston, President
AJL International in Irving, Texas
After looking at the past two years in the transportation industry, it seems to have served as a crucial barometer for understanding the broader economic recovery in the post-pandemic world. Fluctuating revenue growth, in different categories from 11 to 42 percent, reflects the uneven path for the travel industry. These fluctuations are influenced by various factors, starting with consumer behaviors. As corporate business adapts to hybrid work models and reshapes the workplace environment, this has caused changes in commuting patterns, impacting transportation systems, and the demand for corporate travel. As employees continue to balance remote and in-office work, transportation needs and patterns have evolved, signaling a slower but steady redefinition of the corporate landscape.
Hopefully, by the end of the year, businesses will gain clarity on the direction in which they are headed. While some industries may have settled into more consistent growth, others are still struggling with the impacts of these fluctuations. The challenge lies in interpreting short-term ups and downs while aligning them with long-term trends to guide decision-making and business strategies. For businesses, the key will be to balance the results of our year-end numbers. While understanding how these new patterns will impact operations as they move forward in an unpredictable economic landscape.
Len Joseph, President
On The Town Limousines in Frederick, Md.
Our 2024 revenue is up about 10 percent compared to 2023 YTD. While the growth has slowed from the post-COVID surge, it’s more of a leveling off, as expected. One bright spot is the over-the-road tours sector, which has shown strong growth. We’re optimistic this will become a significant revenue driver, especially with the return of travel tours from South America, Europe, and hopefully Asia soon.
Stefan Kisiov, President
K&G Coach Line in Park Ridge, Ill.
Right now, we are up 15 percent overall for the year. We have done fewer trips overall but our average revenue per trip is up by 35 percent this year, which is a matrix that I pay attention to every month. Our airport transfers are down this year as I have really concentrated on large events with multiple shuttles using our luxury Sprinter and Transit vans. I will continue this sales philosophy into the new year with several new lucrative contracts already signed and sealed in our area. I expect to double our revenue in 2025.
Kevin Mullane, Owner/Operator
Silver Oak Transportation in Hilton Head Island, S.C.
We are having a banner year this year. We’re up about 25 percent this year—which also included buying another small company, so it’s a higher-than-usual growth. Airport transfers continue to be solid and growing. Contract work is also a growth market for us. Next year, we are adding new services and are very excited about it!
Tracy Salinger, President
Unique Chauffeured Transportation in Harrisburg, Pa.
Our sales have gone up by 6 percent. But with higher insurance costs and buying a bunch of new vehicles and, therefore adding more car payments and other small expenditures, I guess our profit revenue is slightly down from last year. The bigger vehicles (i.e., Sprinters and buses) have definitely seen an increase in revenue sales. Thanks to our monthly reports by Ken Lucci of Driving Transactions, we know that we have the answers to better prepare for 2025.
Jess Sandhu, Director of Operations
A&A Limousine & Bus Service in Kenmore, Wash.
2023 was an excellent year for us in little ol’ Wichita, Kansas. So, the fact that 2024 will be dangerously close to 2023 is a win in my book. It’s definitely going to be a photo finish, but I’m pleased. The two years have been very similar with all sectors performing about the same. I would love to have a three-peat in 2025.
Quentin Shackelford, Owner
AllClassLimo.com in Wichita, Kan.
We anticipate a 38 percent year-over-year revenue growth in 2024, both in Asia and globally. Geographically, the primary contributors to this growth are the increased farm-ins and farm-outs between Asian and GCC countries, followed closely by the rising demand in Japan.
Amy Yan, Co-Founder & Managing Partner
AmyExpress in Kowloon, Hong Kong
We’ve loved hearing your answers to our benchmarking questions—but we always welcome suggestions for future topics, too!
Send an email to rob@chauffeurdriven.com you just might see your query answered in our next e-News.
[12.19.24]
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- Category: Industry News
Chauffeur Driven and the National Limousine Association are thrilled to see so many operators from around the world taking advantage of the Early Bird Rate for our incredible Vegas show held at the Paris Hotel & Casino this coming February 23-26. In effect through the holidaze—January 10, to be precise—this amazing deal allows our attendees to save almost $75 off the regular price. What’s more, NLA members save an additional $100, giving you four days of education, networking, and fun for just $475. Click here to register.
For hundreds of our attendees, nothing outweighs the importance of networking at CD/NLA events. As such, we’ve assembled several dedicated events designed for operators to expand their business network. For example, we’re thrilled to once again offer our ultra-popular International Meet & Greet (sponsored by Global Alliance Worldwide Chauffeured Services and Van Delden Limousine) and the Affiliate Central Global Partner Forum (sponsored by Volvo), where we expect to have more than 100 tables.
But what about those who have never experienced the hustle and bustle of the CD/NLA Vegas Show? We’re all intimately familiar with the excitement, anxiety, and overwhelming feelings that envelope you when you’re a newbie, so we’re here to help with our First-Timers’ Event. Held on Sunday afternoon (February 23), we’ll start with a brief orientation, where you and your fellow first-timers will be paired with an industry professional who can make recommendations for the best sessions to attend, people to meet, and any other confusion you have about the show. You can always reach out to anyone on the CD or NLA teams for more assistance, but we take it one step further. Lifelong friendships and business relationships often start at our shows, so you’ll know at least a few people who can lend a hand after attending our orientation. All you have to do is concentrate on your investment in attending the show.
“As a first-timer to the show, I felt very welcomed and everyone was friendly. I met fantastic people and made connections that will be very helpful to our business,” says Nancy Plante of Executive Express
“As a new operator, I came to the show not knowing what to expect and had neutral expectations. Within one day, I immediately realized the show was everything I was looking for and more as a new operator. Not only did I get the education I was seeking, but my opportunities to network with operators from all over the world blew my expectations out of the water,” raves Patrick McKenna of Bing Mountain Luxury Transportation.
Visit cdnlavegas.com for more information.
[12.17.24]