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Grech Motors’ new Sales Manager Marty Vitelli
Riverside, Calif. — Grech Motors announces longtime industry sales veteran Marty Vitelli as its new Sales Manager. Vitelli brings his passion for quality and customer service to the bus manufacturer’s sales team, which includes CEO Ed Grech, Vice President of Sales and Marketing AJ Thurber, Vice President of Operations John Beck, and Senior Sales Executives Rene Martinez, Larry Olivarez, Tina Clark, Kaye Marseilles, and Michael Campos.
“Grech Motors is unrivaled in the bus world,” says Vitelli. “The Grech Motors products exemplify innovation in design, excellence in quality and superior craftsmanship. I take pride in offering the Grech Motors products to the industry and I have confidence that my long-term client relationships will receive the best possible after-sale and warranty support possible.”
Vitelli brings 16 years of luxury fleet sales experience to Grech Motors, offering operators expert insight about market trends and how to choose the best vehicle for growing their business.
“Marty’s passion for excellence in client satisfaction is a true example of the Grech Motors culture and mission in serving the ground transportation industry,” says CEO Ed Grech. “We are extremely pleased to announce him as an addition to our expanding veteran sales team.”
Visit grechmotors.com for more information.
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The chauffeured ground transportation industry relies heavily on being able to communicate with the main office, be it via text, call, or some other mobile check-in. At the same time, an increasing number of states are enforcing and adopting stricter laws that make it illegal to talk or text while driving—and really, why would you want to jeopardize the safety of your passengers?
Zello, a convenient push-to-talk voice app, was launched to help. Simply put, Zello replaces conventional 2-way radios and phone calls. Instead of using designated radio frequencies or phone minutes, it uses the Internet over Wi-Fi or any data network. Over 75+ million users have Zello installed on their mobile devices and PCs. There are two versions: a free consumer app and a paid subscription service called Zello@Work for businesses.
Using voice over IP (VoIP) technology, voice transmissions are high-quality, live-streaming, and without lags. Unlike 2-way radios, there are no range limitations or licensing requirements. You can install other apps on the same device. Zello offers additional features such as photo sharing, availability indicators, history, and call alerts. You can also talk to a group of up to 1200 users by using the channel feature.
Zello runs on all major smartphones and tablets (Android, iOS, Blackberry, Windows Phone) Windows PC, rugged mobile devices, mobile computers, and even 2-way radios. Zello@Work, the subscription-based app, can be used for dispatching, driver-to-driver, and driver-to-customer communications. Currently, it is used worldwide in limousine or black car services, as well as taxi, freight, and bus/shuttle services.
Zello is different from other hands-free options that exist now, especially those that are installed in vehicles. According to a recent study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, voice-activated systems can be major distractions in themselves and do not help to reduce the risk of crashes. Also, factory-installed solutions are not available for the majority of vehicles already on the road, especially ones built prior to 2001. Zello can be combined with your Bluetooth-enabled system to bridge that gap and make driving safer.
Zello can be gradually transitioned into existing 2-way radio systems or phone-based systems. Since it doesn’t require a dedicated carrier or data (if Wi-Fi is used), there is no need to add or change cell phone providers. Different types of devices can co-exist on one network. For example, PCs can be used for the administrator console and for dispatching, while drivers can use any combination of tablets, smartphones, or iPods. Employees can even use their own personal devices with Zello in a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) type environment.
For hands-free driving, Zello’s accessory partners offer a wide selection of Bluetooth speaker/mics, remote wireless buttons, and wireless/wired headsets, all certified to work with Zello. Prices range from $35 to $175.
A free 5-user network is available to trial by downloading from Zello@Work. For pricing and more information, send an email to sales@zello.com or visit zello.com.
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L to R: Nashville pass winner Robert Wheeler of Wheeler’s Luxury Transportation, Chauffeur Driven Publisher Chris Weiss, and Miami pass winner GOLA President Cliff Wright of Royal Transportation Group
Orlando, Fla. — The Greater Orlando Limousine Association (GOLA) held its most recent meeting February 10, which was attended by industry members from all over both the Sunshine State and the country.
As Florida continues to present a unified, statewide fight against TNCs, much of the GOLA meeting was dedicated to a report from Florida Limousine Association President Rick Versace of A1A Airport & Limousine Service. Versace conveyed news from the Broward County Commission’s hearing he attended earlier that day, where the commission unanimously voted that TNCs should be regulated as if they were traditional transportation companies.
The decision followed the county attorney’s issuance of cease-and-desist letters to Uber and Lyft weeks prior, as well as county officials’ efforts to fine TNC drivers and impound their vehicles for failure to operate without the proper for-hire permits.
“Rick didn’t take a breath for the 20 minutes he spoke,” said GOLA President Cliff Wright of Royal Transportation Group. He added that Orlando also has issued cease-and-desist orders to TNCs: While Uber—which Wright reported has roughly 4,000 drivers operating in the area alone—“is still turned off at the airport,” Lyft and Sidecar are continuing to operate.
Wright also said that Versace outlined the efforts needed to take the TNC battle to the state capitol in Tallahassee, which GOLA has “already pledged to help with, financially and by sending up a truckload of members.” Continuing with the spirit of industry-wide support, Bill Battisti of Battisti Customs announced at the meeting that, for every one of the company’s vehicles purchased in Florida, it will donate $1,000 to the state operators’ ongoing fight against TNCs.
Chauffeur Driven Publisher Chris Weiss also attended the meeting, and spoke about the economy, the state of the industry, and CD’s upcoming events, focusing on the inaugural Executive Retreat in Nashville this June. He also raffled off a pass to both the Nashville retreat and October’s show in Miami, with Robert Wheeler of Wheeler’s Luxury Transportation winning the former and Wright winning the latter.
The next GOLA meeting is scheduled for March 10.
Visit getaroundorlando.com for more information.
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