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Carolina Limousine & Coach, a family-run business providing award-winning transportation service in Coastal Carolina, recently welcomed two additional luxury MCI J4500 coaches to expand its large group travel service.
“When I started this process going back to fall of 2019, MCI came to our office with a full team, and they flew us to Louisville factory,” says Carolina Limousine & Coach President/Owner Joe Reinhardt. “MCI treated us like they were part of the limousine industry. The service was unbelievable, and the product is top notch.”
Reinhardt says he was particularly impressed by the J4500’s sleek design and luxury interior. What’s more, MCI helped the company design a logo to put on the exterior of the buses. MCI’s 5-year warranty was also a key factor with the purchase.
“For our particular situation, we don’t have a motorcoach mechanic in-house, and as we were building a motorcoach division, we knew we wanted to go brand new. MCI is willing to be held accountable for those 5 years versus a used vehicle.”
These are the third and fourth motorcoaches purchased by the Myrtle Beach-based company. Reinhardt acquired the first two right before COVID, but he says they’ve been fortunate enough to be running hard, largely thanks to their college transportation services.
“We were prepared for a long runway. I started my business in 2008, so it seems that every time we have a big purchase, there’s an economic downturn,” he jokes. “So, we were prepared for the next economic downturn. We’ve performed all the safety protocols, including electrostatic cleansing, masked drivers, non-contact service, and in some cases, we’ve been able to provide vaccinated drivers when the college requires it.”
In a strange twist, Reinhardt says that COVID provided the company with new opportunities, especially with Carolina Limousine expanding into the Charleston market at the onset of the pandemic.
Reinhardt says the company is currently running 30 vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, trolleys, minibuses, and, of course, coaches. The oldest vehicle is a 2018 MY.
“We started as a retail and transitioned into affiliate and corporate business. We’re proud to be one of the few companies that can say we’re a full-service transportation company.”
Visit carolinalimo.com for more information.
[10.19.21]
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The Transportation Alliance (TTA) recently swore in its new president, Black & White Transportation CEO Judy Potter, at Mobilize 2021, its 103rd Annual Convention & Expo, held October 14-17 in Las Vegas. The association is the nation’s oldest and largest for-hire transportation organization.
Potter and her husband, Scott, bought their company in 1997, after Judy served two years as general manager of the operation. Under their leadership, Black & White has emerged as one of the nation’s most robust and resilient transportation companies. They not only survived the COVID-19 pandemic, they also added to their business during and after the shutdowns—and are emerging with more business than they had pre-pandemic.
Potter’s company has 150 vehicles in operation, offering taxi work, executive car and limo services, paratransit routes and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). The company also operates the public transit system in the city of Bowling Green as well as microtransit routes elsewhere.
“Judy is passionate about this industry, and is constantly exploring new ways to improve,” said TTA CEO Alfred LaGasse. “She knows everybody, seeks input and builds consensus. She’s one of the most driven fleet executives in the country. That’s a terrific combination of qualities for a president to lead our industry and The Transportation Alliance into a post-pandemic rebound.”
Potter was sworn in as president for her one-year term on Oct. 16, where she said her main focus as president will be solidifying and bolstering TTA membership.
“I want to make my platform all about membership,” she said. “We’ve lost a lot of members because of the pandemic. I will push to get more members, get those members involved, and get younger people into the ranks. They are the future of our professional industry, and they will point us in new and exciting directions.”
Visit thetransportationalliance.org for more information.
[10.18.21]
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After more than 25 years serving the New York metro area, Queens-based DH2 Chauffeured Transportation has relocated its operations to JFK International Airport’s Building 79, Boundary Road (JFK Cargo Area D). The transportation service, led by CEO Nancy Vargas, focuses on airline flight crew shuttles, private airport transportation, group events, senior and construction mobility, and more. DH2 is also MWBE-certified through the city and state of New York, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and Nassau County. DH2’s new headquarters within the airport will enable further company growth and raise awareness among prospective customers who are traveling through JFK.
“Despite the challenges that the travel and transportation industries have faced over the past year and a half, our client-first mindset at DH2 has allowed us to survive—and thrive—as a trusted partner to airlines, passengers, federal and local agencies, our community, and affiliate partners around the world,” said Vargas. “Our relocation into JFK’s Building 79 is a humbling milestone for DH2, and we’re thankful to our long-standing clients for their consistent support.”
Beyond her role as CEO at DH2, Vargas dedicates her time to helping her community as the JFK Airport Rotary president; she also serves on the Board of Queens Center for Progress and School Sisters of Notre Dame Women Educational Center, Vargas co-chairs the National Limousine Association’s Women Leadership Council alongside Tracy Raimer of Windy City Limousine & Bus.
Vargas is also an active member of the JFK Airport and the Queens Chambers of Commerce, as well as the Long Island Hispanic Chamber. When taking over as CEO in 2016, securing MWBE certifications was a top priority for Vargas, both as a female entrepreneur and Hispanic woman. Today, she helps other businesses learn and understand best practices for the MWBE certification process.
“As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to an end this week, I am deeply hopeful that the success we’ve seen at DH2 inspires other Hispanic New Yorkers, particularly women, to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams,” said Vargas. “My husband Mike, founder and COO, and I could never have imagined the growth we’ve witnessed over the past 25 years, and I value the chance to help all Hispanic men and women grow their businesses.”
Visit dh2limo.com for more information.
[10.18.21]