- Details
- Category: Industry News
Jagiela kicked off the meeting by requesting a moment of silence for the tragic news coming out of Las Vegas that morning, where it was reported that 58 were dead and nearly 500 were wounded.
The day’s speakers included transportation experts and representatives from related industries alike, offering a wide perspective of all the issues operators are facing and information they’re seeking. Glenn Stafford of Love Limousine and Randy Allen of James Limousine both offered a few words as meeting hosts and sponsors before the handing the mics to the meeting’s keynote speakers.
With Allen moderating the keynote panel, meetings and travel expert Kim Bivins of Altria Client Services and sourcing analyst Kelli Moore of Owens & Minor tackled VLA members’ most pressing questions about working with buyers. The Virginia operators asked their guests about the ins and outs of selecting a transportation provider, like purchasing and insurance policies, what influences their decisions in selecting a chauffeured transportation option of choice, what they require from their transportation partners, and if they would like to see on-demand options from traditional chauffeured services.
The panelists did stress a few items for operators to consider during their conversation, with a particular focus on how important duty of care is, the importance of integrating with platforms like Concur for ease of record-keeping, and the ways that TNCs remain a non-option for high-touch travelers who demand accommodations like Wifi in their vehicles and a true chauffeur. They also emphasized how relationships are always crucial to maintain in any professional environment, especially in terms of reciprocal business where all parties need to be in tune with everyone’s needs.
Stafford then delivered a legislative update, reporting that the state’s elected officials are essentially asking operators to tell them what they want and are interesting in leveling the playing field but first need to know what that logistically entails. With new sessions beginning in January 2018, members agree that time is of the essence in terms of providing legislators with VLA members’ input.
Board nominations were submitted and voted on during the meeting, and results were announced during the first official call of the 2018 VLA on October 5. The officers are as follows:
- President: Paul Walsh of Superior Executive Transportation
- Vice-president: William Kerr of Camryn Limousine
- Secretary: Glenn Stafford of Love Limousine
- Treasurer: Randy Allen of James Limousine
- Sergeant of Arms: Zulfi Abassi of American Executive Sedan
The next VLA meeting will be its holiday party December 4.
Visit vla-limo.org for more information.
[CD1017]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
Even though she grew up with her father Alan’s company, the eldest of the second-generation Candeubs to work in the business is on the cusp of her fourth year as a full-time employee, and is thrilled that she’s proven herself to the man who’s both her dad and her boss.
“Something that we had discussed since day one is that a title is not just given—it’s earned,” she said. “So when he came to me and said that it’s time for me to have a title, it meant that I’ve made him proud, which obviously makes me feel great. After my brother, my sister, and me, this is my dad’s fourth baby, and the fact that he trusts me with this responsibility means that I’ve made my mark here.”
After not only working to show that she’s not the type to rest on familial laurels but also diligently making a name for herself in her own right, Briana feels that this is further proof of accomplishing both aims.
“I don’t want to be the boss’ daughter to the rest of the company, and I don’t want to be known as Alan’s daughter to the rest of the industry: I want people to know me for me, and know that I have what it takes to succeed. Even though this is a family business, I’m not riding my dad’s coattails. I’m a hard worker, I’m here to grow the company and excel even more.”
Crediting that hard work and dedication in helping to establish her own identity within the chauffeured transportation sector, Briana has also gotten to work in a variety of roles during her time learning the ropes of a legacy business. She will now utilize those sales, customer service, and other necessary skills to keep her father’s business on an upward trajectory—starting with her long-term vision of taking Park Avenue’s current fleet of 50-60 vehicles and ramping it up to the 80-100 vehicle range.
So far, though, her proudest accomplishment is harnessing the best parts of working alongside someone she’s known her entire life to the benefit of the company’s bottom line.
“Both my dad and I together have been growing our sales network and, even more so, our worldwide network,” she says. “That’s something we’ve been working as a team to accomplish since I’ve been on board, and it’s where I’ve seen the biggest improvement in a goal that I’ve had a helping hand in reaching.”
Briana admits that she has not always dreamt of joining the family company. After graduating from Temple University in 2013, she immediately went to work at Philadelphia’s Four Seasons Hotel, where she managed several different departments and learned “invaluable lessons,” especially in regard to providing high-level customer service. But after two years, that path ultimately led her back to where she realized she was meant to be.
“I didn’t wake up one day and realize that I would love to be a limousine operator,” she said. “But I did wake up and realize that I want to be a business owner. I’ve come to love this industry: It’s something new every day, I get to travel, I get to meet so many wonderful people, and I’m using everything in my background to make sure our clients are getting the best service possible.”
And while she will be facing her own challenges as she works her way to the top, Briana is ready to maintain Park Avenue’s reputation after watching her father diligently establish it.
“I’ve seen—and have experienced—the ways hard work pays off,” she said. “I’m ready for what’s next.”
Visit parkavenuelimousine.com for more information.
[CD1017]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
GALA President Jeff Greene of Greene Worldwide Transportation said that the event marked another successful installment of the annual fundraiser benefiting Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, which has been the recipient of the golf tournament’s charitable aim for years.
“The day was a big success, and we were very fortunate to have a lot of participation from all over,” he said. “We raised over $30,000 for our charity, everybody had a good time, and we’ll be presenting a check to Children’s Healthcare in the next month. Overall, everything couldn’t have gone any better.”
Greene feels it’s important for the association to give the Atlanta-area industry a chance to work together for a good cause while also stepping away from the stress of work and enjoying the company of their peers, both regional and national.
But, mostly, it’s all about helping the young patients and their families who rely on Children’s Healthcare.
“Children’s Healthcare is one of the largest non-profit children’s cancer and research centers in the world, and they’re located here in Atlanta, so that’s been a great feeling to know that we’ve been helping them out for years,” Greene said. “It’s a great time for operators and vendors to come together and know that our donations go directly to research for cancer and blood disorders. It’s a day that’s not about competition, it’s about everyone doing something good for charity.”
Greene added that it’s a testament to GALA’s golf committee that, even when faced with scheduling conflicts and weather-related cancellations, its members still made sure the event went off without a hitch.
“Chad Casey, our golf chair, and Fred Rich, the co-chair, did a great job putting everything together and organizing it,” he said. “Everyone’s already excited for next year.”
Greene said that the association is considering moving the golf outing to late August for 2018 to make the most of a quieter time for operators.
The next GALA event will be its October 17 meeting.
Visit galalimo.org for more information.
[CD1017]