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Mercedes-Benz Sprinter outside of AJL's new facility
AJL International Owner & President Matthew Johnston has announced that the company has completed work on their new headquarters, located near the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in Irving, Texas. The 42,000-square-foot building sits upon 2.5 acres with plenty of parking for AJL’s extensive fleet.
Johnston revealed that the company moved into the facility at the start of the year, but construction was just completed this spring. He likens AJL’s new office space to a luxury hotel.
Chauffeur lounge
“We’re like the Four Seasons here,” laughs Johnston. “We’re practically set up to launch rockets.”
The 10,000-square-foot office space offers comfort and modern work environment for AJL’s staff of 30. The building also includes a massive warehouse space for servicing vehicles.
Operations center
Johnston acknowledges that moving into a new headquarters is less than fortuitous during the current COVID crisis, but AJL is working hard to maintain a sense of normalcy.
“We’ve never shut down. A core staff still comes in the building each day and keeps steady hours. We huddle together better. It’s sort of like starting at square one.”
To view a video of AJL’s new facility, visit AJL's Facebook page or head to ajlinternational.com for more information.
[05.18.20]
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Optimism was the mood captured on the Wednesday, May 13, Zoom meeting of the West Florida Limousine Association (WFLA). With Florida in the midst of Phase 1 of their economic reopening, the board and membership of the association were excited about businesses opening in the Tampa area, including restaurants and hotels.
WFLA Secretary Tom Halsnik
Hosted by WFLA Secretary Tom Halsnik of Walsh Chauffeured Transportation, the Zoom meeting provided an informal environment for the members to catch up on the latest industry news. Participants took part from home offices, in a vehicle post-passenger drop-off, and even offshore on a boat. The chief topic of discussion was the recent opening of restaurants—at 50 percent capacity—in the Northern and Central Florida regions.
Vender member Joseph Madiedo of PIC Insurance shared his experience about a recent meal he had at an area restaurant, and was particularly impressed with the effort demonstrated to provide a safe and pleasant meal. The restaurant used his reservation info to follow up the next day, which was a customer service approach that left him impressed. This led the WFLA members to discuss best practices for following up with passengers after a ride.
The members also have high hopes for the planned re-opening of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in mid-May, the proposed outdoor dining in the South Howard Avenue District, the rumored relaunch of Disney Cruises in July, and the return of the Grand Prix in October.
The NLA’s NOLB Virtual Summit was also fresh in the participant’s minds, in particular in terms of the safety and cleaning guidelines discussed during the online meeting. Several of the WFLA members are looking to install Plexiglas shields in their vehicles, as well as placing stickers on the passenger door that read “This Vehicle Has Been Sanitized for Your Convenience.” Another disinfectant solution recommended was UV Wands, which can sanitize small areas of the car that cannot be wiped down easily.
While the past several weeks have been rough for the Florida operators, the promise of the continual reopening of the state seemed to have the WFLA members looking forward.
The association is planning a “lunch” meeting on May 20 at 12:30 p.m. Details can be found at the WFLA Facebook page.
[05.15.20]
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Boston Chauffeur President Mark Kini is using this unplanned downtime to offer assistance to his community. On May 8, the Beverly, Mass.-based operator worked alongside the Everett Grace Food Pantry & Outreach to deliver an array of fresh and packaged food to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield Staff Member Kelly Zullo (left) and Boston Chauffeur President Mark Kini
“I’ve done a lot with the Boys & Girls Clubs over the years in different capacities, from running boot camps to donating to their annual gala,” says Kini. “And recently, we’ve been working with Everett Grace, doing up to 200 non-contact food deliveries a week for the elderly, COVID patients, and veterans.”
SUV packed with food courtesy of the Everett Grace Food Pantry & Outreach
Kini asked the food bank if they could help with the families who belong to the Boys & Girls Clubs, many of whom are struggling with food security while schools are shut down. Everett Grace provided an SUV full of “kid-friendly” food—pasta, fruit, fresh meat, and healthy snacks—which Kini delivered to the local headquarters.
“In my area, many families are embarrassed to seek help. We wanted to make it easy,” says Kini.
In addition to doing good work for his community, Kini says that food delivery has been a great way to keep his business active. With the arrival of the company’s PPP loan, this has been an ideal way to keep his chauffeurs working.
Boston Chauffeur delivering food to Boys & Girls Clubs of Stoneham & Wakefield
“This has really been ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul.’ Delivering these meals has uplifted many of our chauffeurs, including the ones who were initially hesitant to return to work,” says Kini.
Kini says that Boston Chauffeur will continue to do food delivery in the foreseeable future. In fact, a Senator reached out to him to perform the service in Chelsea, which is one of the areas in Massachusetts hardest hit by COVID-19.
Visit bostonchauffeur.com for more information.
[05.16.20]