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- Category: Industry News
It is with heavy heart that Chauffeur Driven announces the passing of industry mainstay Kaye Marseilles after a long illness. She was 72.
Kaye is best known for being part of Grech Motors’ superstar sales team for more than three decades. However, she began her time in the industry as a chauffeur, eventually starting her own limousine service. In 1988, she joined popular limousine manufacturer Krystal Enterprises in sales, a position she held through the company’s transition into Grech Motors.
“I am lucky to love what I do and enjoy working for my clients to have them grow with me,” she said of her sales career.
A regular at tradeshows and industry events, Kaye was much beloved by operators and other sales professionals.
“Sometimes there’s that one person that from the moment you meet them, they make an impact on you for a lifetime. That was Kaye Marseilles—not just a treasure to the industry, but truly one of my very best friends. Words will never describe how thoughtful and kind she has been to everyone she’s ever met. I aspire to one day be just half as great a person as she was and always will be in my heart,” says Tammy Carlisle of Action Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation.
“Kaye will be missed by many in our industry. Her bright smile and charismatic personality made her someone we all wanted to be around. She will always be our queen!” says Tami Rutter of Commonwealth Worldwide.
“Sad to hear of Kaye's passing. I first met her a few years ago at an industry show. Although I was certainly not the prospective client she was looking for, she took a genuine interest in my small company, and we had some great chats. May she rest in peace,” says Paula DeBiasi of Chicago Coachworks.
“Life will not be the same without Kaye. She was a legend and gave so much to this industry. I will miss her so much, especially at the shows. It was her and I against all the men lol!” says Tina Hyde of Executive Coach Builders.
“Kaye Marseilles was trailblazing woman! She was a top performing sales star in a time when women were not expected or respected. May God bless her family with the peace that surpasses all understanding,” says Yvette Roybal of Octane Buick GMC.
The Chauffeur Driven team would like to extend their condolences to Marseilles’ family and friends. We will post information about services once they become available.
[06.25.24]
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- Category: Industry News
Reston President & CEO Kristina Bouweiri at the awards ceremony
Kristina Bouweiri, president & CEO of Reston Limousine & Travel Service, adds another prestigious award to her lineup of accolades as she has been named an Entrepreneur Of The Year (Mid-Atlantic region) by Ernst & Young. She was one of 11 business leaders across the DC corridor to receive the honor (profiled here).
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year, previously called the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards, recognizes the ambitious leaders of high-growth companies who are creating a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous world for future generations. The award is granted annually to burgeoning and established entrepreneurs regionally in the US and throughout the world across a wide spectrum of industries.
The prestigious award on display
Reston was founded in 1990 with just five cars and grew to 250 vehicles with 450 employees thanks to Bouweiri’s grit and ability to build meaningful connections in the D.C. area as well as the industry. The company has been a major player in the Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia market for decades.
Bouweiri (in green) was one of 11 entrepreneurs awarded
The regional winners were chosen by an independent judging panel made up of previous award winners, leading CEOs and other business leaders. Candidates were evaluated based on their success in creating long-term value through entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to their purpose and the demonstration of growth and substantial impact, among other key indicators.
According to EY, these regional award winners will now move on to be considered for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards, set to be presented in November at the annual Strategic Growth Forum, one of the nation’s most prestigious gatherings of high-growth, market-leading companies. The Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner will then represent the US as they compete for the World Entrepreneur Of The Year Award in June 2025.
Earlier this year, Bouweiri was also honored by magazine Virginia Business, which showcased 30 corporate leaders from across the state.
Visit restonlimo.com for more information.
Photos courtesy of Kristina Bouweiri/Facebook.
[06.25.24]
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- Category: Industry News
Conversion Interactive Agency—a full-service advertising agency specializing in driver recruiting and retention for the trucking industry—announced that it has acquired majority interest in digital marketing agency SR Consulting (SRC), formerly known as Curtis Gabriel.
SR Consulting, previously fully owned and operated by Simon Curtis, will roll up under the Conversion banner, and Curtis will continue to lead the efforts for the clients he represents. Curtis and his team are excited about becoming a part of the Conversion family, and his decision to sell controlling interest was a strategic one for his current client base and the future of his business.
According to Conversion President & CEO Kelley Walkup, this acquisition propels Conversion Interactive Agency to continued leadership in marketing and adds to the company’s global capabilities and verticals outside of trucking exclusively.
Simon Curtis inks the deal between the companies
“SR Consulting folds seamlessly into our organization, and we are privileged to work with the brands they represent in helping them reach their marketing and branding goals,” said Walkup. “I am confident our technology and marketing strategy can help continue to build the brands for the companies SR Consulting represents today.”
With offices in the US, UK, Australia, and the Philippines, SR Consulting will continue operations under the Conversion brand, and SRC customers have the power of Conversion’s industry-leading technology behind them to boost their marketing and advertising efforts in challenging talent markets.
“I was looking for a partner who could help take our business to the next level through innovation, strategy, and a team with hundreds of years’ experience in marketing and advertising,” said Curtis. “This solidifies our position in North America and increases our resources in the US to benefit our existing and future clients. I’m excited to work with Kelley and her team to improve our services in the chauffer space and continue to grow the business.”
Walkup acknowledges that Curtis and his thought leadership will also be beneficial for the partnership.
“Simon’s knowledge and leadership in the industries he serves is exciting for us as we use the power of our technology to help employer brands recruit top talent,” added Walkup.
Visit conversionia.com for more information.
[06.25.24]