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J.J. Keller & Associates, a provider of safety and regulatory compliance solutions across North America, is celebrating 70 years in business. Founded on November 1, 1953, by World War II Veteran John “Jack” Keller, J.J. Keller & Associates started as a one-man consulting firm specializing in transportation regulations for motor carriers. Over the years, the company has grown exponentially, expanding its expertise and solutions to address regulatory complexities for a wide range of industries.
J.J. Keller & Associates Founder Jack Keller
Rustin Keller, the third-generation leader and current president and CEO of the company, reflected on the J.J. Keller’s humble beginnings.
"My grandfather's vision was to assist motor carriers in navigating the complex regulations associated with an emerging intrastate trucking industry in 1953," he said. "His dedication and experience in transportation for Wisconsin paper companies laid the foundation for what J.J. Keller has become today."
With over 2,000 associates across the United States, Canada and Mexico, and a dedicated Center of Excellence in India, J.J. Keller has become a comprehensive provider of safety and compliance solutions. Its offerings include consulting and training services, managed services, content subscriptions, cloud-based solutions, and a wide range of physical products. These solutions help employers ensure the safety of their employees and mitigate the risk of noncompliance with a multitude of regulatory bodies such as the Department of Transportation, Department of Labor, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
J.J. Keller President and CEO Rustin Keller
On J.J. Keller’s anniversary, Rustin Keller acknowledged the advancements made since the company’s inception.
"The wide range of expertise and technology-based solutions we offer today would likely have surpassed even my grandfather's entrepreneurial imagination," he said. "However, what I believe he would easily recognize is our commitment to carrying forward his legacy of protecting people and the businesses they run."
The company’s anniversary coincided with November 1 being Great Place to Work Certification Nation Day, a day on which Great Place to Work honors and acknowledges Great Place to Work-Certified companies across the country, which create great places to work for all. Great Place to Work is the global authority on workplace culture, recognized worldwide by employees and employers alike for identifying outstanding employee experiences.
“Our associates have ranked J.J. Keller as a Great Place to Work seven times,” said Rustin Keller. “It’s an honor bestowed on us by our associates, and it shows our true care for associates—something our founder, Jack Keller, instilled when he put ‘Associates’ in the company name.”
To commemorate the significant milestone of 70 years in business, J.J. Keller has released a new eBook that provides a look into the company's history. The eBook provides an overview of the company's journey, highlighting achievements, milestones, and the values that have guided it for the past seven decades. For more information about J.J. Keller's 70th anniversary and to access the commemorative e-book, please visit here.
Visit jjkeller.com for more information.
[11.06.23]
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In response to resounding industry demand for in-office training, complementing on-road expertise, PAX Training, the official training partner of the National Limousine Association, is proud to unveil two highly anticipated certifications crafted specifically for customer service representatives (CSRs) and dispatchers.
The CSR Certification redefines how frontline staff interact with clientele. Beyond needed skills, this certification emphasizes the essential thought processes a CSR must possess. From effectively tailoring communication strategies for different customer types to mastering the nuances of quoting and booking, the course ensures CSRs don't just respond but anticipate and craft unparalleled experiences.
In parallel, the Dispatcher Certification is designed to train dispatchers to think beyond mere scheduling. The course instills the importance of proactive trip monitoring, strategic decision-making, and efficient problem-solving. No matter the software or operational specifics, dispatchers are trained to internalize best practices and apply a globally relevant thought process, ensuring peak fleet efficiency and client satisfaction.
PAX Training President James Blain
"Our team has worked diligently to bring these transformative courses to fruition," says PAX Training President James Blain. "We're not teaching mere tasks; we're instilling a mindset—a way of thinking, of adapting, that turns any challenge into an opportunity. It's not just about doing the job; it's about mastering it, no matter the curveballs."
Existing PAX Training Members can integrate these certifications into their existing membership at an investment of $499 each, empowering limitless employee certifications.
Recognizing the harmonized value of these certifications, PAX Training is offering a limited-time bundle, allowing members to add both certifications to their membership at a special one-time investment of $899, highlighting the company’s unwavering commitment to exceptional value and their vision of industry-wide excellence.
Visit paxtraining.com for more information.
[11.06.23]
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- Category: Industry News
With on-point education and speakers, an action-packed show floor, and electric nightlife, we’ve put the wraps on the 2023 CD/NLA Show, held October 22-25 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center just outside of Orlando. Many thanks to all our attendees, exhibitors, speakers, moderators, mentors, committee members, and sponsors—including Title Sponsor Volvo—for making the show such a raging success!
Nearly 1,300 industry professionals from around the globe were in attendance, which not only gave us the opportunity to meet countless new faces, but also let us reconnect and spend time with many of our long-standing industry friends and peers. And, we couldn’t be prouder of the overwhelmingly positive feedback we’ve received—both during and show—and on Facebook.
“It was an amazing show, and next-level education at the 2023 CD/NLA Show in Orlando this year. Hats off to CD President Chris Weiss and his amazing team at Chauffeur Driven for all their hard work and preparation for the show. It was great to see everyone and meet new people. I look forward to Vegas in 2024,” said Anthony Asaro of Desert Rose Limousine.
“We were thrilled to attend the CD/NLA Show in Orlando this week, staying ahead of the curve to provide the best for our Atlanta clients. Building strong connections with our fantastic affiliates nationwide is the icing on the cake. A huge shoutout to Jessica Pavlow and Chris Weiss for making it all happen,” said Maria Priestly of Empress Elite Limousine.
Our stellar CD/NLA Show Education Committee—led by co-chairs Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide and Karl Guenther of Statement Limousine—put together a curriculum that was loaded with timely and valuable sessions that proved to be beneficial to operators of all sizes and markets. Whether it was unraveling the secrets to using AI, getting the low-down on building a continuity plan, mastering financial solutions, or learning about HR do’s and don’ts, not to mention our numerous conversation-stirring morning roundtables, the Orlando show was loaded with immediate takeaway designed to improve operations. What’s more, the standing-room-only State of the Industry (sponsored by Driving Transactions) provided valuable insights into where our industry (and economy) is headed by way of a one-on-one discussion between Weiss and Suzanne Neufang of the Global Business Travel Association, along with a presentation from Sean Snaith, Ph.D. of the Institute for Economic Forecasting, University of Central Florida. Also, thanks to Education Sponsor A1A Global as well as Coffee Sponsor Buffalo Limousine and A/V Sponsors The Driver Provider and Executive CLS for making it all possible.
“The 2023 CD/NLA Show was another successful conference. Thank you to the entire CD/NLA team, along with the Show Education Committee Co-chairs Jason Sharenow and Karl Guenther for the countless hours to put this event together. We truly enjoy our time being around our industry colleagues and friends,” said Moe Bouayad of Crown Worldwide.
“From insightful seminars to belly-aching laughs, the CD/NLA Show had it all. Thanks to the entire Chauffeur Driven/NLA team and all the incredible industry friends who made it a memorable show,” wrote Ariadna Noches of Mundi Limos.
But, as always, networking was the name of the game, as opportunities to share and learn among peers were in abundance. Dedicated events like our bustling Affiliate Central Global Partner Forum (sponsored by Volvo), perennial favorite Operator Mentoring Program, and our always-popular Women in the Industry Networking Event (again sponsored by Driving Transactions) were all met with raves from our attendees. Moreover, the Association Summit highlighted the advocacy and efforts made on behalf of the industry by the leaders from industry associations around the country. With this lineup, and ample opportunities for some face-to-face time during breakfast or at the Gaylord’s bars & restaurants, CD/NLA Show veterans and newcomers alike made some fresh connections.
“Had a great time at the CD/NLA Show in Orlando. It was great to see everyone, catch up, talk business, and have some fun. See you all in Vegas,” said Guri Rajput of SRTC Limo Worldwide.
The networking and camaraderie continued into sundown as our always-popular nightlife events raised the roof. On Sunday evening, attendees were welcomed onto the show floor for an opening night party sponsored by TEMSA that not only offered previews of the vehicles, products, and services available at the convention, but also some fun courtesy of magicians, tarot reader, and a caricaturist! The following night, guests showed their spooky sides at the Monday Night Halloween Party sponsored by ANB Trans, Centennial Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation, and Crown Worldwide Transportation. While Michael Myers and Ghostface roamed the room creeping out partygoers, everyone showed their wild and creative sides. From Darth Vader to Aquaman to the Super Mario crew and Pink Ladies—and even a funky chicken—a great time was had by all.
We closed things out on Wednesday with our wildly successful charity golf outing at nearby Falcon’s Fire Golf Club. More than $22,000 was raised for ALS in honor of legendary industry consultant Tommy Mazza. Many thanks to the golfers and sponsors who made the outing a huge triumph.
If you missed this fall’s CD/NLA Show in Orlando, have no fear. Things are already revving up for the return of the CD/NLA Show in Las Vegas! Join us March 3-6 at the spectacular MGM Grand Las Vegas Hotel & Casino for four days of world-class education and networking, and stay tuned to cdnlavegas.com for upcoming details.
We’ll have a recap and photo gallery in the next issue of Chauffeur Driven. [10.30.23]
