Ground Transportation Podcast
Hosted by Kenneth Lucci of Driving Transactions and James Blain of PAX Training, the Ground Transportation Podcast helps transportation business owners and operators grow profitable companies. Episodes feature interviews with owners, operators, investors, and other key industry players, alongside conversation between the hosts. Listeners learn how to increase revenue, train their teams, improve profits, and boost owner income. The show is aimed at people building or running ground transportation businesses.
Episodes
CD/NLA Fall Show 2026: Financial Control, Risk Mitigation, and Maximizing Show ROI
Send us Fan MailAre you attending the upcoming CD/NLA Fall Show in Washington, D.C., with a clear ROI strategy—or treating it like an expensive weekend away?In this action-packed episode, hosts Ken Lucci and James Blain deliver a comprehensive blueprint for getting maximum value out of industry conventions. Ken previews his signature financial workbook session on creating break-even budgets and &q
TTA Mobilize 2026: Mixed Fleets, NEMT Expansion, and Proactive Risk Management
Send us Fan MailIs your fleet ready to play offense in 2026—or are rising insurance claims and shifting regulations threatening your bottom line?In this high-impact episode, James Blain sits down with Bill Rouse (fourth-generation transportation executive, former attorney, and President of the The Transportation Alliance) to preview TTA Mobilize 2026 in Anaheim, California. Bill breaks down why th
The Retirement Myth: Why Your Business Isn't an Exit Strategy
Send us Fan MailAre you banking on the future sale of your fleet to fund your retirement?In this candid episode, host Ken Lucci is joined by former ground transportation executive turned financial planner Steve Pitel of Socium Advisors and Northwestern Mutual. Together, they break down the harsh SBA statistics revealing that 70% to 80% of small businesses—and up to 80% of fleets under $5M—never su
The Safety & Training Playbook: Aligning Culture, Policy, and Incident Response
Send us Fan MailAre your company culture, driver policies, and accident response workflows truly aligned—or are you one incident away from a major negligence claim?In this comprehensive presentation expansion, James Blain delivers an all-encompassing masterclass on how safety, culture, policy, and incident response interconnect to protect passenger fleets. James unpacks the CEO Model (Customers, E
Grind to Great: 10 Signs You Own a Job, Not a Real Company
Send us Fan MailAre you building a scalable, multi-million-dollar asset? Or, are you trapped in a 7-day-a-week lifestyle job?In this foundational solo episode, Ken Lucci, founder of Driving Transactions and the Limo CEO Academy, launches the new Grind to Great series by delivering a frank wake-up call to ground transportation operators. Drawing on decades of entrepreneurial experience and performa
The Voice-First Dispatch: Running Real-Time Logistics via AI
Send us Fan MailDid you know that even the largest ground transportation companies manually keypunch up to 80% of their reservations?In this game-changing conversation, host Ken Lucci sits down with Harvard-educated economist and AI transformation consultant John Brewton to explore how operators can exploit this technology gap. John breaks down why the slow adoption of artificial intelligence isn&
The AI Force Multiplier: Why You Should Empower Your Team Instead of Downsizing
Send us Fan MailAre you tempted to cut payroll by replacing your key staff with artificial intelligence?In this episode, James Blain pulls back the curtain on the AI revolution, mapping out how operators can ride this exponential wave without losing their competitive edge. Drawing on his deep lifelong background in engineering and software development, James demystifies the rapid shift from basic
Stop Blurring the Lines: The 5 A’s of Service DNA
Send us Fan MailAre you accidentally running your luxury brand like a basic rideshare service?In this powerful solo masterclass, Ken Lucci delivers an urgent wake-up call to the ground transportation industry: the biggest threat to your business isn't external disruption from TNCs, but the internal "blurring of the lines" between a true five-star executive service and a standard rid
100 Episodes Later: The Milestones, Mistakes, and Memories that Shaped the Show
Send us Fan MailDid you know that only 7% of all podcasts ever make it to their 100th episode?In this special edition of the Ground Transportation Podcast, Ken Lucci and James Blain, along with producer John Tyreman, celebrate this incredible milestone by reflecting on their journey from "two idiots who talk too much" to becoming the trusted historians of the ground transportation indust
The Red Man Also Has Great Heroes: The History, Vision, and Independent Spirit of Crazy Horse
Send us Fan MailAre you leveraging world-class national landmarks to drive high-ticket bookings and fuel your fleet's growth?In this episode, James Blain sits down with Whitney Rencountre II, CEO of the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation, to explore the profound history, unyielding independent spirit, and multi-generational vision behind this colossal mountain carving. They unpack how the monume
The 200+ Five-Star Review Engine: Making Your Brand Undeniable | Jomara Gonzalez
Send us Fan MailHow do you build an undeniable brand that commands 32% higher prices without spending a single dollar on Google Ads? In this episode, Ken Lucci sits down with Jomara Gonzalez, founder of Magic Carpet Shuttle and Tours, to unpack her inspiring transition from corporate banking to ground transportation grit. Jomara shares how she overcame a brutal first year by leveraging strategic c
The Death of 5-Star Service: Why 'Good Enough' is Killing The Industry
Send us Fan MailAre you losing your highest-paying clients because your chauffeurs are acting like rideshare drivers?In this episode, Ken Lucci and James Blain tackle the alarming decline of five-star customer service across the ground transportation and hospitality industries. They share frustrating real-world travel stories and break down why settling for "good enough" is blurring the
Bought vs. Earned Sales: Why Your Fleet Should Stop Relying on Google Ads | John DiJulius
Send us Fan MailAre you burning thousands of dollars a month on Google Ads just to fight for transactional customers? Host Ken Lucci sits down with customer experience legend and author John DiJulius to discuss why the most profitable businesses don't rely on expensive advertising. They break down the critical difference between "bought" sales and "earned" sales, and how o
From Flat Renewals to 50% Hikes: How to Take Control of Your Insurance Rates | Joe Madiedo & Tyler Lamer
Send us Fan MailWhy are some operators seeing flat insurance renewals while others are hit with massive 50% rate hikes?In this episode, James Blain sits down with returning guest Joe Madiedo from Professional Insurance Center and Tyler Lamer from Signers National to dissect the current commercial auto insurance market. They explore how taking a proactive approach to safety and fleet management can
The Evolution of the Livery Vehicle: 40 Years of Fleet Strategy with Barry Trabb
Send us Fan MailAre you relying on a local retail car dealer who views your luxury fleet as just another transaction? In this episode, Ken Lucci and James Blain sit down with Barry Trabb, founder of Complete Fleet, to explore nearly four decades of experience navigating the ground transportation industry. From the glory days of the Lincoln Town Car to the rise of crossovers, Transits, and hybrids
50,000-Pound Bullets: Chameleon Operators Are a Threat to Highway Safety
Send us Fan MailHow does a motorcoach company with a 33% driver out-of-compliance rate stay on the road? In this wake-up call to motorcoach operators, Ken Lucci sits down with safety expert Tom Holden from The Transportation Advisors to dissect the tragic reality behind a recent fatal bus crash on I-95. They expose the dark underbelly of "chameleon operators"—illegal companies that evade
Association Committees That Actually Get Things Done: ABA's Women in Buses and Driving Force
Send us Fan MailAre you tired of industry committees that do a lot of talking but never actually produce real results?In this episodem, James Blain sits down with Erin Sullivan, CFO of Bloom Tour & Charter Service, to explore her journey from an introverted accountant to the fearless leader of The Driving Force. They discuss how the American Bus Association's Women in Buses group stepped
2026 GTO Research Review: Benchmarks, Outlooks, and Perspectives from 236 Operators
Send us Fan MailAre you leaving millions of dollars on the table at the airport, or risking your entire company on an AI-written manual? Hosts James Blain and Ken Lucci break down the highly anticipated GTO Research Report, which compiled perspectives from 236 operators across the United States. The duo reviews the PDF report, separating the most profitable, fast-growing fleets from those struggli
Finding the CDL Unicorn: Solving the Passenger Endorsement Shortage with Jodie Spencer-Lethgo
Send us Fan MailAre you struggling to find qualified CDL drivers with a passenger endorsement? On this episode, Ken Lucci sits down with Jodie Spencer-Lethgo from Career Driver to tackle the industry's biggest hiring challenges. They explore why finding a Class B driver with a passenger endorsement is like hunting for a unicorn in today's market. Jodie shares her expert strategies for tr
The 2.5% Solution: How the NY Black Car Fund Protects 100,000 Drivers, with Ira Goldstein
Send us Fan MailHow does a single organization provide workers' compensation and vital benefits to over 100,000 independent drivers without charging them a dime?On this episode, James and Ken sit down with Ira Goldstein, Executive Director of the New York Black Car Fund, to unpack the magic behind this unique statewide program. Drawing from his years of experience as Chief of Staff at the NYC
M&A in 2026: The Real Path to a Profitable Exit
Send us Fan MailDid you know that only 20% of small businesses with under a million in sales ever successfully transition to a second owner?In this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, Ken Lucci of Driving Transactions breaks down the hard truths and latest M&A trends for the passenger transportation industry in 2026. He dispels common myths about exiting a business and unpacks the fu
Open for Business: How FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs is Rebuilding the Passenger Division
Send us Fan MailAre you ready for a new era of accessibility and partnership with the federal government?In this episode, James Blain sits down for a highly anticipated conversation with Derek Barrs, 8th Administrator FMCSA-USDOT, to discuss his vision for the passenger transportation industry. Together, they explore the FMCSA's renewed dedication to the motorcoach sector, including active ef
Stop Wasting Ad Spend: Secrets of a Winning Limo Marketing Strategy
Send us Fan MailAre your DIY Google Ads bleeding your ground transportation business dry?In this episode, Ken Lucci sits down with Mark Petree from Limo Marketer to dissect the biggest digital marketing mistakes costing operators thousands in wasted ad spend. From the dangers of unoptimized campaigns to the critical importance of high-converting landing pages, they unpack the exact strategies need
UMA Legislative Fly-In: Fighting $5 Million Insurance Threats & Unfair Tolls
Send us Fan MailWhat happens when the ground transportation industry takes its fight directly to the halls of Congress?James Blain sits down with UMA President Scott Michael and VP of Legislative Affairs Ken Presley just a week after the UMA Legislative Fly-In in Washington, D.C. Together, they unpack the critical lobbying efforts operators recently brought to Capitol Hill to defend the motorcoach
Do Quality Reviews Matter? They’re Deciding Your Company’s Future
Send us Fan MailDo reviews really matter? The answer could determine the future value of your business.In Episode 84 of the Ground Transportation Podcast, Ken Lucci and James Blain explore how online reviews shape brand equity, customer perception, and ultimately, your bottom line.Drawing from real operator examples, they reveal how a single negative review—especially one left unanswered—can signi
Stop Trying to Be Everything—It’s Why You’re Not Profitable
Send us Fan MailStop trying to be everything to everyone.In this episode, Ken Lucci sits down with Scott Woodruff to unpack a hard truth in the transportation industry: the operators who try to do it all often struggle the most.From fleet decisions to client targeting, Scott shares how focusing on the right niche—and saying no to the wrong opportunities—can transform your business.They also dive i
Autonomous Vehicles: Navigating the Road Ahead
Send us Fan MailAutonomous vehicles are no longer a future concept—they’re actively being deployed today. So where does that leave the chauffeur and ground transportation industry?In this episode, Ken Lucci delivers a deep dive into the evolving AV landscape, breaking down what operators need to know about technology, market trends, and the strategic decisions that will define the next decade.From
A Tale of Two Chauffeurs: Inconsistency Plagues the Industry
Send us Fan MailInconsistency isn’t just a problem—it’s costing you business.🎙️ In this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, Ken Lucci and James Blaine explore a critical issue facing the industry: service inconsistency.Through “A Tale of Two Chauffeurs,” they share two contrasting real-world experiences—one that delivers exceptional, five-star service ⭐, and another that highlights how s
Waymos Behaving Badly: Real Self-Driving Car Mistakes CAUGHT ON VIDEO
Send us Fan MailAutonomous vehicles are advancing fast—but they’re not perfect.In this episode, Ken Lucci and James Blain break down real-world examples of Waymo vehicles “behaving badly,” using viral footage and firsthand analysis to explore the challenges facing self-driving technology. From navigation errors like driving onto light rail tracks to unexpected system failures that cause vehicles t
Stop Chasing Cheap Rides: How to Win Affluent Clients Who Actually Spend
Send us Fan MailOn this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, host Ken Lucci is bringing a little tough love.If your business isn’t growing, it’s not the market—it’s who you’re targeting.Too many operators are out there fighting over $25 airport runs, hoping the phone rings, or waiting for affiliate work to save them. That’s not a business plan.Ken breaks down exactly how to go after the c
Inside ABA: How a $158 Billion Industry Is Finding Its Voice
Send us Fan MailThe motorcoach industry may be smaller than trucking or tech—but it generates $158 billion in economic activity and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs.So why hasn’t it always had a unified voice?In this episode, James Blain sits down with Fred Ferguson, President of the American Bus Association (ABA), to discuss how the industry is becoming more coordinated, more connected, and
CD/NLA Vegas Recap: The Conversations That Matter for Operators
Send us Fan MailThe CD/NLA Show in Las Vegas brought together operators, technology providers, and industry leaders for several days of networking, education, and discussion about the future of chauffeured transportation.In this episode, Ken Lucci and James Blain recap the event and highlight the conversations that mattered most for operators. They discuss the overall optimism coming out of the co
Retail, Relationships, and Resilience: How Douglas Schwartz Built a Multi-Generational Operation
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Ken Lucci and James Blain sit down with Douglas Schwartz of Executive Limousine, a self-made industry veteran who went from running small Penny Saver ads in the mid-90s to building a top 10% industry operation with nearly 30 vehicles and 75 employees.Doug shares how small classified ads led to explosive growth, why he chose margin over fleet size, and how deeply ro
Chauffeur, Ride Share... What's the Difference?
Send us Fan MailChauffeured transportation scored a 3.8 in the latest Business Travel News survey. Ride share scored a 3.6.That's too low. And Ken is PISSED 😡Ken and James analyze the BTN ratings report and explore why the service gap between chauffeured transportation and ride share is narrower than it should be. From affiliate inconsistency and booking friction to pricing transparency and b
Chick-fil-A, Ritz-Carlton, and the Limo Business: Borrowing World-Class Hospitality
Send us Fan MailCustomer service across industries has declined — and that creates opportunity for operators willing to raise the bar.In this episode, Ken Lucci and James Blain discuss what the chauffeured transportation industry can learn from hospitality leaders like Chick-fil-A and The Ritz-Carlton. They explore culture, leadership accountability, and why true service begins long before the cha
How A1A Built a Scalable Transportation Business
Send us Fan MailHustle can start a transportation company—but it won’t scale one.In this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, Ken Lucci is joined by Rick Versace Sr. and Rick Versace Jr. of A1A Global Ground to explore how systems, structure, and hospitality—not nonstop effort—are what truly build long-term value.Drawing on decades of experience, they discuss why price competition erodes
Dash Cam Review: Motorcoach Mistakes CAUGHT ON CAMERA
Send us Fan MailWhat happens when professional motorcoach drivers make unprofessional decisions—and it all ends up on camera?In this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, James Blain and Ken Lucci analyze real dash cam footage showing unsafe motorcoach behavior, including early turns near pedestrians, rolling stops, aggressive lane changes, and road rage incidents. Each clip highlights a d
Claims & Courtrooms: What’s Really Behind Today’s Insurance Rates
Send us Fan MailInsurance premiums continue to rise across the ground transportation industry—but the reasons go far beyond individual accidents or safety scores.In this episode, James speaks with insurance specialist Michael Gaddis about the systemic forces driving higher rates, including claims behavior, litigation trends, nuclear verdicts, and the growing influence of reinsurance markets. Toget
The 10-Part Business Planning Framework Ken Uses With Million-Dollar Operators
Send us Fan MailIn this solo episode, Ken Lucci outlines the 10-part business planning framework he uses with million-dollar transportation operators to drive predictable profits and long-term financial stability.Ken explains why most operators struggle—not because they lack effort, but because they lack a clear, executable plan. He walks through the core elements of a real business plan, includin
One Call Can Change It All: How YOU Can Stop Human Trafficking
Send us Fan MailHuman trafficking is happening in everyday places—and often, the people best positioned to stop it don’t realize the power they hold.In this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, James Blain sits down with Lexi Higgins of Truckers Against Trafficking for a candid, eye-opening conversation about what human trafficking really looks like and how transportation professionals pl
How James Limousine Grew to $4M ARR (Then Sold Successfully)
Send us Fan MailGrowing a ground transportation company is hard. Growing one that buyers actually want is even harder.In this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, Ken Lucci speaks with Randy Allen, former CEO of James Limousine, about his journey building a respected regional transportation company and successfully selling it after nearly two decades.Randy explains how James Limousine:Gre
Where The Transportation Industry Is Headed in 2026
Send us Fan MailThe transportation industry is at an inflection point — and operators who fail to adapt may not survive the next phase.In this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, Ken Lucci offers a candid assessment of the state of the transportation industry, cutting through noise and speculation to focus on what truly matters for operators today.Ken explores the pressures reshaping the
2025 Year in Review: The Conversations Shaping Ground Transportation
Send us Fan MailIn this holiday year-in-review special, Ken Lucci and James Blain reflect on the conversations, guests, and industry moments that made this past year such a pivotal one for ground transportation.From memorable origin stories and standout interviews to hard conversations about insurance pressure, safety expectations, and industry fragmentation, this episode captures the lessons oper
Fleet Insurance Rates Up 17%: The REAL Reasons Operators Are Paying More...
Send us Fan MailInsurance remains one of the most challenging and frustrating realities facing ground transportation operators today. Even companies with strong safety records are seeing double-digit premium increases, shrinking carrier options, and fewer levers to pull at renewal time.In this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, James Blain is joined by Joseph Madiedo, a second-generatio
Robot Drivers: Safer Than Humans… or Total Chaos?
Send us Fan MailAutonomous vehicles promised safer roads, fewer accidents, and a seamless future — but the real-world footage tells a very different story. In this episode, Ken Lucci and James Blain react to a curated set of shocking, hilarious, and sometimes disturbing AV clips, including Tesla autopilot mishaps, snowy-road confusion, near-miss lane changes, and even a tragic cruise-vehicle incid
SBA Secrets for Operators: Funding, Readiness, and What Lenders Really Look For, with Natalie Beane
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Ken Lucci sits down with Natalie Beane, an SBA and business-lending expert who helps small and mid-sized companies secure the capital they need to operate, grow, and survive challenging markets.Natalie breaks down how SBA loans really work, the differences between traditional banking and government-backed financing, and what transportation operators can do today to
Proactive Operators Win: Safety, Business Development & Financial Planning
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, James and Ken break down one of the most critical—and most overlooked—skills in the ground transportation industry: proactivity. Drawing from real operator examples and industry data, they explore how being proactive transforms three essential areas of your business:• Safety: Why consistency, telematics, training, and “the 72-hour rule” matter more than experience
Unbreakable Path: A Story of Loss, Resilience, and the Pursuit of Greatness, with Charlie Horky
Send us Fan MailOrder the book today: https://www.amazon.com/Unbreakable-Path-Resilience-Pursuit-Greatness/dp/1967424373/Industry legend Charlie Horky returns to the podcast to celebrate the release of his new book, Unbreakable Path — a raw, fast-moving account of how he built one of the largest limousine companies in the world, lost it all, and rebuilt his life and career from the ground up.In th
The Kayak of Rideshare: Exploring Obi's Price Aggregation with CEO Ashwini Anburajan
Send us Fan MailWhat if booking a ride could be as simple—and transparent—as booking a flight?That question inspired Obi, the world’s first true rideshare aggregator, and the focus of this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast. Host Ken Lucci sits down with Ashwini Anburajan, CEO of Obi, to explore how the company became known as “the Kayak of Rideshare.”Ashwini shares her journey from NBC
2025 Industry Events Recap: Insights, Trends and Takeaways From the Road
Send us Fan MailAfter a whirlwind season of industry events — from the Chauffeur Driven/NLA Show in Dallas, GBTA, IATR, CBA and more...Ken Lucci and James Blain circle the wagons and unpack the biggest trends shaping 2025 and beyond.In this Ground Transportation Podcast episode, they share key insights from research, analyst reports, and conversations with owners and operators across the country:T
Why Your Insurance Costs Keep Rising (And What You Can Actually Do About It)
Send us Fan MailFor 14 straight years, commercial auto insurance has been unprofitable — and for operators, premiums keep climbing with no end in sight. In this hard-hitting episode, James Blain and Ken Lucci sit down with Tim Delaney, President of the Commercial Auto Division at Lancer Insurance, to unpack what’s really driving your insurance costs — and what you can do about it.Tim explains how
Watch Your Six! How To Handle Chaos On The Road
Send us Fan MailReact to the videos along with us on our YouTube pageJoin James and Ken as they explore the chaos of unpredictable driving scenarios in this lively episode. With a guest appearance from John Tyreman, the executive producer of the Ground Transportation Podcast, the team reacts to a series of dash cam videos showcasing near misses, high-speed chases, and outrageous incidents. They of
There’s No 'I' In Team: How To Work On (Not In) Your Business, With Steve Firestone
Send us Fan MailAre you leading with a vision and strategy?In this episode, Ken Lucci sits down with Steve Firestone, founder of Firestone Strategies Group. They discuss essential strategies for small transportation businesses, focusing on financial acumen and strategic planning. Steve shares his extensive career experience in corporate America and the security industry, providing valuable insight
None Of Us Are Smarter Than All Of Us: Building a Collaborative Culture, With Dr. Umut Aslan
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Ground Transformation Podcast, James Blain sits down with Dr. Umut Aslan from the Growth and Success Institute. They discuss Dr. Aslan's journey from working in a small family business to managing a successful transportation company, Men in Black Transportation, which grew from a single vehicle to a mixed fleet including motor coaches. Dr. Aslan shares k
A Thorn Between Two Roses: Recapping a Legacy of Growth and Expansion, With Mike & Tim Rose
Send us Fan MailWho says you shouldn't mix family and business?In this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, Ken Lucci sits down with industry veterans Mike Rose from My Limo and Tim Rose from Hoffman Transportation Group. Discover their journey from rental cars to growing a transportation business 10x from $4 million to $40 million in 5 years. Learn about the importance of customer s
Safety First: The Alligator Closest to the Boat, With Matt Maglio
Send us Fan MailWhich alligator do you need to worry about? The one closest to the boat.In this episode, James sits down with Matt Maglio, Regional Vice President at Greyhound. Matt shares his journey from bus driver to executive, emphasizing the importance of safety, mentorship, and continuous learning in the motor coach industry. They discuss the value of industry organizations like the Bus Indu
Networking, Mentorship, and a Preview of CD/NLA Dallas 2025, with Chris Weiss
Send us Fan MailChris Weiss, President & Publisher of Chauffeur Driven Magazine, returns for another episode!In this episode, James, Ken, and Chris discuss the upcoming Dallas Fall Show at the Gaylord Texan October 25-28, 2025, highlighting its robust schedule, anticipated attendance, and what owners and operators can expect at the show.The team also elaborates on the value of attending nation
Retire Rich: Long-Term Business Success Starts With a Financial Roadmap, with Phil Shetsen
Send us Fan MailPlan for your exit the right way.In this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, Ken Lucci sits down with Phil Shetsen, President of Bona Vita Benefits, who shares some common financial planning mistakes made by transportation operators. Phil emphasizes the importance of life insurance, benefits, and retirement planning. He shares his personal and professional journey, the mi
Tech on Wheels: Elevating the Service Experience with Technology, with Dr. Vojkan Tasic
Send us Fan MailWelcome to another exciting episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast. Host James Blain discusses the future of the global chauffeur industry with Dr. Vojkan Tasic, founder and CEO of Limos4. Vojkan shares his journey from an engineering background to revolutionizing the limo business, focusing on building a booking platform, the significance of quality assurance, and the strate
Life After Limo: From Operator to EOS Implementer, with Mike Zappone
Send us Fan MailGet a grip on your transportation business with EOS.In this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, Ken Lucci introduces EOS professional implementer Mike Zappone, who shares his journey from limo operator to a professional implementer of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). Discover Mike’s journey from selling his transportation business to becoming an EOS implementer
The Real Cost of DIY: Don't Strangle Your Growth Potential
Send us Fan MailDo you find yourself working *in* the business, and not *on* the business?Ever feel like you're wearing too many hats?You may be suffering from DIY addiction...On this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, Ken and James discuss the hidden costs of micro-managing a business, and why systems, process, and training are so critical for the operation of transportation busin
Appetite for Disruption: A Deep-Dive into AV Market Trends with Ken Lucci
Send us Fan MailWho are the biggest players in the autonomous vehicle (AV) market? Let's find out.In this exciting episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, Ken Lucci, Chief Business Analyst of Driving Transactions, shares research he has surfaced from secondary sources like Goldman Sachs, Bloomberg, and other business analysts, connecting dots for owners and operators on the verge of off
The Last Butlers: Redefining Executive Car Services with Paul Walsh
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Ground Transformation Podcast, James hosts Paul from Superior Executive Transportation, based in Virginia Beach, to discuss the intricacies of providing high-end luxury car service. Paul shares his journey from the fine dining industry to establishing a distinguished chauffeured car service. They discuss topics such as the importance of maintaining high stand
Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Trends: Are Chauffeurs DOOMED?
Send us Fan MailRobo-taxis going mainstream may happen sooner than you think...In this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, Ken and James discuss a groundbreaking announcement regarding the latest advancements in AV (Autonomous Vehicle) technology, referencing key players like Waymo, Tesla, Lucid, and Nuro. The conversation covers the exponential growth predicted by Moore's Law, the
Driving the Future: Embracing Automation and AI with Magiis CEO Leonardo Gannio
Send us Fan MailOn this exciting edition of the Ground Transportation Podcast host, Ken Lucci, digs into the future of the chauffeur transportation industry with special guest Leonardo from Magis. They discuss the transformative power of AI and autonomous vehicles, addressing the challenges and opportunities these innovations bring. Learn about the importance of embracing new technologies, potenti
Building Excellence: How Successful Transportation Leaders Shape Culture and Brand
Send us Fan MailIn this special episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, we take a journey through some moments from past episodes about the impact of proper driver training. Host James Blain from PAX Training reflects on key elements that have shaped their discussions on training, customer service, and building a strong brand in the transportation industry. Featuring clips and insights from
The Uber Dream: What You Make Isn't What You Keep
Send us Fan MailDISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the hosts, and are based on publicly available information and personal experiences. This content is intended for informational and commentary purposes only. Uber Technologies Inc. is not affiliated with, nor does it endorse, this episode.In this edgy episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, Ken and Jame
Selling Value: Understanding Client Needs and Commanding Premium Prices, with Julie Thomas
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, host Ken Lucci from Driving Transactions sits down with sales industry icon Julie Thomas, author of 'The Power of Value Selling: The Gold Standard for Driving Revenue and Creating Customers for Life.' Explore the principles of value selling and learn how to differentiate your services by focusing on the unique needs of
Mastering Airport Transfers: How to Unlock Revenue by Cultivating Airline Client Loyalty
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, James Blain and Ken Lucci discuss the crucial role airport transfers play in the chauffeured transportation industry. They emphasize the importance of retaining airport transfer services to attract corporate clients and explore strategies to deepen relationships with existing clients. Ken and James share valuable insights into t
Beyond the Bus: Phelps Hope on Leading Through People-Centric Innovation at IMG
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, James Blain talks with Phelps Hopes, the President of the International Motor Coach Group (IMG). They discuss everything from Phelps’ fascinating background and journey to becoming the president of IMG, to the innovative approaches and strategic vision driving the group forward. Learn about the history and evolution of the indus
Diversifying and Thriving in Motorcoach: Joey Mills on Transforming Olympus Car & Coach
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, Joey Mills, CEO of Olympus Car & Coach join James and Ken to share his journey from the corporate world to acquiring and growing Olympus Car and Coach. In this conversation, the group discusses the challenges and strategies unique to the motorcoach industry, like diversifying revenue streams, the importance of meticulous pla
Stop Chasing Volume: How to Preserve Your Brand Reputation and Profit Growth
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, James Blain and Ken Lucci explore the pitfalls of chasing volume in the transportation industry. They discuss why focusing on low prices and high volume can be detrimental to your business, potentially leading to financial distress and poor customer loyalty. They emphasize the importance of knowing your worth, setting the right
Charting a New Course: Exploring the Future of Motorcoach with Michelle Petelicki
Send us Fan MailOn this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, Michelle Petelicki, Board Member of the UMA and President of Panorama Tours, Inc. shares her unique journey into the family-owned ground transportation business, her growth into a leadership role, and her insights on industry challenges and opportunities. From discussing the impact of regulations and compliance to the importance
Create-A-Card: A Legacy of Transportation Company Branding and Marketing
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Crown Transportation Podcast, Ken Lucci and James Blain are joined by Arthur and Drew Messina from Create-A-Card. They discuss the essential marketing strategies for the ground transportation industry. The conversation highlights the role of business cards, postcards, and innovative swag items in cultivating relationships and growing businesses. They also add
Revolutionizing NEMT and the Transportation Landscape, with Dan Reid
Send us Fan MailLearn more about The Transportation Alliance (TTA): https://www.thetransportationalliance.org/ Welcome to a special edition of the Ground Transportation Podcast filmed at the Phoenix Hotel in Washington, D.C. James Blain and Dan Reid, President of The Transportation Alliance, discuss their experiences at the National Limousine Association event and the legislative fly-in for The Tr
7 Attributes of the Most Sellable Transportation Companies
Send us Fan MailIn this solo episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, Ken dives deep into the myths and misconceptions surrounding the valuation and sale of transportation businesses. With insights from over 270 companies and 100+ transactions since 2018, Ken discusses:The vital metrics, processes, and preparations needed to create a sellable business The difference between a lifestyle busine
Breaking Into Motorcoach: Vehicle Trends, Financing, and More with Eric Coolbaugh
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, Ken Lucci and James Blain chat with Eric Coolbaugh from Advantage Remarketing, discussing the evolution of his business and its impact on the transportation industry. In this episode, you’ll hear:Eric’s journey in the transportation industry from furloughed to flourishingWhat do look for in your first motorcoach purchaseMajor ve
Pricing Strategy: Understanding Cost Structures and Value to Your Clients
Send us Fan MailLearn more about the Driving Financial Success Program:https://drivingtransactions.com/programs-courses/driving-financial-success/In this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, James and Ken discuss the importance of understanding and accurately structuring pricing in the ground transportation industry. They explore the critical nature of knowing one's cost structure. T
Rock N’ Roll Pioneer: Charlie Horky’s Epic Journey in Ground Transportation
Send us Fan MailIn this podcast episode, hosts Ken Lucci and James Blain interview Charlie Horky, the legendary founder of Slade Services, who shares his journey from washing cars to running a $70 million limousine service empire. In this episode, you’ll hear:How Charlie Horky went from washing cars to owning a fleet of vehiclesCharlie’s unique approach to training his chauffeurs like Navy SealsCh
Distracted Driving: The Impact on Passenger Safety, Insurance Costs, and Your Bottom Line
Send us Fan MailLearn more about proactive driver training programs today: https://paxtraining.com/In this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, Ken Lucci and James Blain discuss the importance of taking proactive measures to create a culture of safety within your ground transportation company. In this episode, you’ll hear:The basic elements of distracted driving and why it’s important to
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