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National Harbor, Md. — As the summer sun beats down across the country, plans are heating up in the Northeast as we continue preparing for the 2018 Chauffeur Driven Show held October 7-10 at the Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center, set on the banks of the Potomac in the exciting National Harbor. We’re thrilled to return to the ground transportation industry hub of the Northeast, just a short drive from Washington D.C. Once again, thanks to the generosity of our Title Sponsors Ford-Lincoln Limousine and Livery Vehicles and Grech Motors, we’re able to bring you four days of the best in networking, education, and fun—all under one roof.
Among the most popular events at the CD Show year after year is the Operator Mentoring Program, which gives operators an invaluable opportunity to learn from some of the industry’s most iconic names and successful owners in a roundtable format. This long-running hit gives the intimate group—made up of representatives from non-competing markets around the country—a chance to contribute and bring fresh ideas to the conversation.
“The Operator Mentoring Program was excellent, raved Tom Halsnik of Black Pearl Limouine about our 2017 show. “I was told that was the highlight of the show, and they were right. A small group of operators really digging into the issues and challenges. Just excellent!”
We’re pleased to announce that this perennial favorite returns Sunday, October 7, from 5-7 p.m., sponsored once again by Grech Motors. What’s more, we’re introducing five new mentors to the fold to give you a fresh perspective on the biz based on their valuable experience.
This year’s mentors are:
- Robert Alexander, President/CEO of RMA Worldwide
- Sam Amato, President/Founder of Gateway Global
- Brett Barenholtz, CEO of Boston Car Service/Above All Transportation
- Kristina Bouweiri, President/CEO of Reston Limousine
- Maurice Brewster, President/Founder of Mosaic Global Transportation
- Kim J. Dolniak, President/Co-Owner of BEST Transportation
- Jon Epstein, President of Royal Coachman Worldwide (New for 2018!)
- Mike Fogarty, CEO North America of Tristar Worldwide
- Diane Forgy, President of Overland Chauffeured Services
- Kevin Illingworth, President of Classique Worldwide Transportation (New for 2018!)
- Joe Ironi, President of Global Alliance Worldwide
- George Jacobs, CEO of Windy City Limousine
- Dawson Rutter, Founder/President/CEO, Commonwealth Worldwide
- Douglas Schwartz, President of Executive Limousine (New for 2018!)
- Jason Sharenow, COO of Broadway Elite Worldwide
- Scott Solombrino, CEO of Dav El/BostonCoach
- Ron Stein, President/CEO of Exclusive Sedan Service (New for 2018!)
- Rick Versace, Sr., President of A1A Airport & Limousine Service (New for 2018!)
Don’t delay! The Operator Mentoring Program is limited to 200 participants—and it is filled to capacity every year! All seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Since there will be no on-site registration, we encourage you to visit chauffeurdrivenshow.com and sign up today. Keep in mind, this session is designed for company owners (sorry, no vendors or suppliers), and only one person per organization is allowed.
Keep your eyes peeled for future editions of our e-newsletter for the latest information on our 2018 CD show, including updates about educational sessions, nightlife, show floor happenings, and our exciting Keynote Speaker.
Visit chauffeurdrivenshow.com for more information.
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Atlanta, Ga. — Atlantic Limousine and Transportation announces the hiring of Patrick Kiesel as director of operations for the Atlanta operation. Kiesel brings a long history in the for-hire transportation industry working as general manager for 15 years and operations manager for 12 years at a provider in Louisville, Ky. In this new role, he will manage the day-to-day operation of Atlantic’s 75-vehicle fleet while preparing for major events occurring in 2019 such as the Super Bowl.
“We are excited to have Patrick on our team,” explains Atlantic President Robert Oskouie. “As our business continues to grow, we need to manage that growth with industry experts who can take us to the next level. By relocating to Georgia, we know that Patrick is a committed executive who will assist in growing our business.”
President Robert Oskouie, Director of Operations Patrick Kiesel, and Owner Hoss Oskouie
Kiesel has managed large events throughout his career including many Kentucky Derbies, Super Bowls, All-Star Games (NBA and MLB), and PGA Championships, as well as Ryder Cup and Breeder’s Cup races.
“I am very excited and look forward to playing a key role in the growth of Atlantic. The team in place is incredible and I know that this is a winning recipe for success,” says Kiesel.
Kiesel believes that his experience will allow him to create greater efficiencies at Atlantic through process improvements and technology.
Visit atlanticlimo-ga.com for more information.
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A. Candies Coachworks’ 30th Prevost coach
Sainte Claire, Q.C. — To kick off their 30th anniversary, A. Candies Coachworks of Gainesville, Fla. took delivery of its 30th Prevost motorcoach at the UMA Expo 2018 in San Antonio, Tex. A. Candies Coachworks Founder and President Sander Kaplan credits Prevost Sales Representative Eloy Torres for the success of this memorable event.
“Eloy was kind enough to bring our 30th coach to San Antonio and save us a trip to California,” he says. “He took the time to put our logo on the back and our anniversary announcements on side. We appreciate the attention Prevost has always shown us and why our working relationship has always been “win-win.”
In keeping with A. Candies’ business model, the star of the show was a preowned 2011 H3-45 featuring DEF, three-point seatbelts, WiFi, and Direct TV. The A. Candies Coachworks fleet of preowned Prevost H3-45s range in model years from 1998 to 2013.
“We continue to run every Prevost we have purchased,” says Kaplan. “We keep each coach in exceptional operating condition; to the point our customers have no issue with riding in older coaches, so long as they are clean, safely maintained and fully operational.”
The young entrepreneur found his way into the transportation industry after chasing down an off-the-cuff comment from a client about to be married, who could not find a limousine. He ended up purchasing his first Armbruster limousine for this one occasion. As calls started coming in, Kaplan was able to trade up, and soon his fledgling operation quickly expanded to eight limos.
Nineteen years later, he moved into motorcoaches, narrowly preceding the economic downturn of 2008 that would take out much of the limousine business.
“One of my drivers suggested I consider charter coach service for this area,” says Kaplan. “Frankly, I just didn’t think motorcoaches were as cool as my sleek fleet of limos. Boy, was I wrong.”
As Kaplan searched around for a coach he could afford, his sales rep at the time hoped to get him into a Prevost, assuring him the H3-45 rode better and provided more underneath storage for luggage and band instruments. Once Prevost and Kaplan came to an agreement on price, he signed for his first motorcoach, a 2000 model H3-45 with 300,000 miles.
Working closely with Prevost and his sales rep, he formulated his business model to grow the fleet at a very deliberate pace. Together, Kaplan and Prevost determined A. Candies Coachworks would operate only preowned coaches.
“Through our many years working together, I can never say enough for Prevost understanding and aligning with our unique way of working,” he says. “The help we have received has been instrumental to our growth.”
Visit prevostcar.com for more information.
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