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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: During this unplanned work stoppage, have you pursued any personal or professional development (especially beyond COVID-19 news), whether it’s through webinars, podcasts, reading, etc.? Recommendations?
Jean-Noel Aimasso, Co-founder and CEO
Kingdom Limousines in Côte d’Azur, France
Randy Allen, Partner/CTO
James Limousine in Richmond, Va.
Abdou Brahim, Owner
VA Executive Sedan & Limousine Service in Virginia Beach, Va.
Ylse Escamilla, International Market & Roadshow Manager
Alquimavi Transportation in Mexico City, Mexico
We took inventory of all of the “work in progress” projects, prioritized them, and completed nearly every one. This resulted in a brand-new polished chauffeur training program for all levels. We now have perfected a program for new hires, advanced training, tourism training, and a few other modules. We also now have an updated and complete program for staff.
We have digitized everything noted above so that everyone has access to the tools they need wherever they are. Also, we have released our brand-new website with multiple domains and are in the process of adding online direct booking through our Livery Coach software.
Again, we would not have had the people-power to get all of this accomplished if we were in full-swing, especially during the Kentucky Derby. We have been operating with strict sanitary guidelines during this entire period. We are already starting to see an uptick in business, in spite of the tight restrictions in place here in Kentucky. The state began the re-opening process on May 11, and I expect that we will see a surge in retail business right away.
Carey Fieldhouse, President & CEO
Pegasus in Louisville, Ky.
As a family business, we wanted to do something together that we could look back on, create memories, and actually achieve something, so we took on the project of painting our building. Lorraine, my wife and business partner, as well as our boys Sam (10) and Zach (7) started in mid-March and we are nearly finished. It was fun to achieve something together as well as saving money on a painting contractor.
Myles Flood, Co-owner
LfL Chauffeur Services in Dublin, Ireland
Juan Gonzalo Parra, Owner
Luxury Rentals in Medellin, Colombia
Athena Grimm, COO
BAC Transportation in Anchorage, Alaska
Agustin Hernandez, Owner
Blackcar Offers Limo Services, Mexico City
I have built a new wine tour website with the help of a third-party booking service called Fareharbor, and the new website just launched May 1. Business is still nonexistent, but I plan on rehiring my drivers and reservationists using the PPP loan that I just received to help with marketing and social media relations. I encourage operators to stay active and try to keep as much of the same routine as possible. I still go into my office for six to eight hours per day—just so I don't get complacent and depressed.
James Hooshman, Owner
Rock Star Trolley & Limousine in Santa Barbara, Calif.
Michael Jedrzejewski, JKS Chauffeur Manager
Windy City Limousine & Bus in Broadview, Ill.
As for personal time, I'm happy to say I have played eight rounds of golf where we have been hunkering down during the quarantine period. I wish I can tell you my game has gotten better but...
Arthur Messina, Managing Director
Driving Results in Charlotte, N.C.
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.
[CD05.12.20]
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UPDATE 5.11: The SBA has resumed accepting applications for qualified small business in any industry.
The EIDL is idle—unless you are in a certain industry. As of May 4, the Small Business Administration (SBA), which facilitates the Economic Injury Disaster Loans, or EIDL, announced that it will only accept applications from agricultural businesses. SBA cited “limitations in funding availability and the unprecedented submission of applications already received.” This seems to apply to both the EIDL and the EIDL Advance, which allowed for an advance of up to $10,000 within three days of loan approval. However, applications that were previously submitted will continue to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, according the SBA website.
Additionally, The Washington Post is reporting that the loan amount has been reduced from a maximum of $2 million per company to just $150,000, although the SBA has not officially confirmed this.
Many small businesses have shared their frustration with the EIDL process, noting that the agency has a logjam of applications spanning several weeks, which promoted more than 100 lawmakers to send a letter to SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza this week. This mirrors what many operators in this industry have experienced, often voicing their concerns on social media or during online association meetings.
The EIDL program is different from the newly created Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in that it is a bona fide 30-year loan with a 3.75 percent interest rate aimed at helping small businesses in disaster situations. Due to the unprecedented needs during COVID-19, the program was injected with two rounds of capital through the CARES Act stimulus bill.
The PPP, if used primarily for payroll and partially for rent/mortgage interest and utilities for an eight-week period—currently interpreted as a 75/25 split of payroll to facility expenses, although final guidelines are currently pending—is also a low-interest loan that may be forgivable. The portion that is not used as intended is a 1 percent loan with a two-year term. As of May 8, operators can still apply for the PPP—although demand is quickly outpacing funds.
Congress is currently in talks about another stimulus package, dubbed CARES Act 2, which should include funding for state and local government, as well as additional stimulus for individuals and businesses.
Visit the SBA website for more information.
[05.08.20]
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- Category: Industry News
In order to better reflect its worldwide level of service in more than 120 countries, Chauffeur Services Brazil recently modified its name to Chauffeur Services Global, or CS Global. The company was founded in 2012 in São Paulo by partners Robson Maciel, Thiago Peseto and Rodrigo Frota, who have 12 years of experience in logistics planning in corporate transport and events, CS Global has transported more than 2.5 million customers in its eight-year history.
“We identified that our presence is globalized in more than 120 countries, with a standardized service of excellence. At the moment, our entire team is operating as a home office. If you have any need to assist a customer with our drivers, the service is performed with strict safety procedures,” highlights CEO Robson Maciel.
In addition to the name change, CS Global has adapted their operations and safety protocols due to COVID-19.
The company has an extensive fleet of executive sedans, vans, minibuses, motorcoaches, and armored vehicles (level III-A). To help protect its drivers and clients alike, all vehicles have been equipped with protective shields, while masks and hygiene products are available. It is also recommended that the windows remain open during the entire journey whenever possible. At the end of each trip, a complete internal cleaning of the vehicle is carried out.
“In this phase, the health area has proved to be an excellent business opportunity and the transport of professionals in the sector has been our main market. To provide more comfort and safety, our team has advised the use of vehicles that are larger than those initially requested by customers,” points out Operations Director Rodrigo Frota.
The company has identified a list of ten services that can be customized according to its customers’ needs, including executive transportation, roadshow, close protection, groups and events, logistics coordination, luxury car rental, weddings, private aviation, concierge, and boat rental.
“We adapted to the situation and started to keep in touch with our team, customers, and suppliers through meetings via videoconference applications. Overcoming the Coronavirus, we are going to further expand our worldwide operations,” says Financial Director Thiago Peseto.
Visit csglobal.tur.br for more information.
[05.08.20]