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- Category: Industry News
You asked for it and we listened. In this column, we ask operators of all sizes and from all walks of the industry a question about their business and report their answers so you can assess how your own company compares to your peers. If you would like to participate, please email Rob Smentek at rob@chauffeurdriven.com for next issue’s question.
TOPIC: Do you find yourself undercut by your competitors and how do you handle it?
Lorenzo Armani, President & CEO
Absolute Styling Limousine/Travel in Style in Vancouver, B.C.
Deanna Ballard, Director, National Accounts & Affiliate Relations
Signature Transportation Services in Nashville, Tenn.
Bryan Beale, General Manager
A&A Limousine Service in Northampton, Pa.
Nick Boccio, General Manager
Buffalo Limousine in Buffalo, N.Y.
Eran Brill, General Manager
Superb Limousine in Tel-Aviv, Israel
Willie Cook, VP of Operations
DTS Worldwide Transportation & ZBest Worldwide Transportation in Burtonsville, Md.
Martin Cox, CEO
Gerrard Cards in London, U.K.
In addressing the issue of being undercut by competitors, leveraging technology and AI can be a game-changer.
- Utilize AI for efficiency: Implement AI-driven solutions for route optimization, fleet management, and predictive maintenance.
- Enhanced customer experience: Leverage AI-powered chatbots and customer service platforms to provide personalized assistance, streamline booking processes, and promptly address client inquiries or concerns.
- Dynamic pricing strategies: Employ AI algorithms to analyze market trends, competitor pricing, and customer demand patterns. This data-driven approach enables operators to adjust pricing dynamically, ensuring competitiveness while maintaining profitability.
- Invest in training and development: Offer comprehensive training programs to chauffeurs, focusing on professionalism, customer service skills, and technological proficiency. Well-trained staff can deliver superior service, setting your business apart from competitors.
- Focus on value proposition: Emphasize the unique value propositions of your service, such as luxury amenities, safety features, and reliability. Communicate these benefits clearly to clients to justify premium pricing and differentiate your offering in the market.
Alex Darbahani, Founder/CEO
KLS Worldwide in Los Angeles, Calif.
Be proud of your rates: Have talking points as to why you are more expensive. Explain why you are better and that your higher price reflects all that you do to ensure timely, safe, and professional service. If clients leave, let them, and wish them well. They will be back—I promise you.
Eric Devlin, President/Owner
Premier Transportation in Dallas, Texas
Harry Dhillon, President
Ecko Worldwide Transportation in Santa Clara, Calif.
We feel that our cost structure is our own and our goal is to reduce that cost structure wherever possible so that we can remain competitive. At the same time, we are committed to late-model equipment, well-paid employees, and a robust maintenance and technology platform. Those factors also help drive rates, regardless of competitor offerings.
Sean Duval, President & CEO
Golden Limousine International in Milan, Mich.
We communicate with our clients openly and honestly about our pricing structure and how it reflects the value they receive. We believe it is crucial to continuously benchmark our prices and practices against industry standards to back up this conversation and the value we offer without impact on the delivery of exceptional service. We study market trends, pricing strategies, and customer preferences to ensure our offering meets ever-changing client needs and requirements.
Raymond Gallagher, SVP, Sales & Marketing
RMA Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation in Princeton, N.J.
Edward Ghebreal, Owner
Directway in Brussels, Belgium
Frank Jablonski, Owner
Lux Transport in Cleveland, Ohio
Len Joseph, President
On The Town Limousines, Frederick, Md.
Mark Kini, President
Boston Chauffeur in Beverly, Mass
Stefan Kisiov, Managing Partner
K&G Coach Line in Park Ridge, Ill.
Gary McKeon, COO
Joshua's Worldwide Transportation in Gales Ferry, Conn.
Robert Rodríguez, President/CEO
First Class Destination Solutions in Carolina, Puerto Rico
Jess Sandhu, Director of Operations
A&A Limousine & Bus Service in Kenmore Wash.
Quentin Shackelford, Owner
AllClassLimo.com in Wichita, Kan.
Scott Woodruff, President
Majestic Limousine & Coach in Des Moines, Iowa
We’ve loved hearing your answers to our benchmarking questions—but we always welcome suggestions for future topics, too!
Send an email to rob@chauffeurdriven.com you just might see your query answered in our next e-News.
[03.08.24]
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- Category: Industry News
Amid the hustle and bustle of the 2024 CD/NLA Show at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas last week, Chauffeur Driven President Chris Weiss sat down with Brian Will of local Vegas CBS news affiliate Channel 8 to discuss the event. Set up by CD West Coast Editor David Hartson, the interview provided Weiss with the opportunity to expose the show to the public and share a bit about the state of the industry.
“It was exciting to be featured on the 8NewsNow segment,” says Weiss. “It’s rare that our industry gets featured by the mainstream media. Many attendees caught the story while in their hotel rooms and were discussing it at our Monday night party, as well as the next day on the show floor. It’s exposure that I hope we can build upon in the future.”
Also featured in the segment was AWG Ambassador CEO Alan Waxler, who spoke about the industry’s local footprint in Vegas.
“Las Vegas is one of the last destinations that provide ‘limousine’ service,” Waxler shared with Will.
The 8NewsNow segment also touched upon the challenges faced by the industry, notably chauffeur shortages and the competition from rideshare companies.
Click HERE to view the story.
[03.12.24]
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- Category: Industry News
With nearly 2,300 operators, vendors, and suppliers, including hundreds of first-time attendees, the 2024 CD/NLA Show offered off-the-charts education, networking, and fun. If we had to sum up the March 3-6 event, we’d say it boiled down to three E’s: energy, excitement, and enthusiasm. The positive vibes displayed at the show had to be experienced to be believed, and we can’t thank you enough for making this the best show we’ve ever seen. And a special thank you goes to all our sponsors, including Title Sponsor Volvo, for their continued support and their part in putting together the event of the year (you can see the entire list of our generous sponsors at cdnlavegas.com).
Those three E’s were in full effect, starting with our three standing-room-only Sunday opening sessions, and it was evident that our attendees were hungry for well-timed solutions to current challenges. With that very goal in mind, the CD/NLA Education Committee, spearheaded by co-chairs Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide (who also moderated several of the sessions) and Karl Guenther of Statement Limousine, knocked it out of the park with their programming.
Whether it was seminars about cybersecurity, business management, estate planning, or marketing, our attendees showed up early, packed into the rooms, and were ready to learn. Equally popular were workshops and sessions that delved into FMSCA compliance, electric vehicles and technology, and wellness—both physical and fiscal. Our Education Sponsor Driving Transactions (along with Coffee Sponsor Buffalo Limousine and Audio-Visual Sponsor Limo Labs) stepped up and played an important role in bringing pertinent knowledge to operators of all sizes and markets.
“This was our first show, and it was wonderful. We learned quite a bit from the educational sessions,” says Peter Fallabeck of Fallabeck Enterprises.
“This was my first time back to the Las Vegas show in nine years. Wow! I was impressed with the educational portion of the show, and the show floor was one of the best yet. Plus, the turnout was great with lots of opportunities to meet affiliates. The CD/NLA Team did a great job. Can't wait until next year's show,” says Jonathan Andrus, Andrus Limousine Service.
From the opening hours, it was obvious that newbies were present and intended to play an important part in this show’s’ success. As such, our First-Timers’ Event (sponsored by Aurora Payments) was a bustling, elbow-to-elbow introduction to the CD/NLA experience. Equally impressive was our Keynote Address, courtesy of sponsors Grech Motors and Onroute. Again, this SRO event, provided by leadership expert and Navy SEAL combat veteran Brent Gleeson, had the industry buzzing with his goosebumps-inducing delivery.
“It was my first time at the CD/NLA Show and it was a great experience! The show floor was impressive and, overall, the whole experience was motivating and educational. I look forward to returning next year,” says Suzy Clifton of Altamont Limo.
“This was my first time coming to the CD/NLA Show. I had a great time, and the classes were amazing,” says Gabrielle Kravetz of JVS Services.
“Excellent show! The speakers were great and on point. I particularly enjoyed the Keynote,” says Gary LeCroy of White Knights Limo and Chauffeured Transportation.
Enthusiastic networking abounded at every corner of the show, both at dedicated events and informal get-togethers. Our Affiliate Central Global Partner Forum (sponsored by Volvo) offered wall-to-wall networking among a record-breaking 107 exhibitors from around the world, eager to meet with operators to forge lasting and beneficial industry relationships. Meanwhile, operators were making new friends and exchanging information at our morning breakfasts and afternoon lunches on the show floor, running into each other in elevators or in the lobby between sessions, or while grabbing a drink at CD’s first-ever Advertiser Meet & Greet (sponsored by GNet). It’s clear that our attendees meant business!
“A never-miss event. The CD/NLA staff knocked it out of the park. The networking opportunities are amazing,” raves Dave Shaw of Olympus Limousine.
“The show is a great way to meet our affiliates and learn something in the process. The roundtable discussions are a great way to force the introvert in me to actually speak to folks instead of just listening,” says Gary LeCamu of Diamond Chauffeured Transportation.
“The CD/NLA Show provides the best networking experience. This is the fourth year that we have come—and will continue attending! The Advertiser Meet & Greet was the best idea ever,” says Rodrigo Medina Marsan of Ibiza VIP Bus.
That excitement, however, extended way past our session rooms; our biggest show floor in years was consistently bustling as operators were actively buying vehicles, technology, and services as they got a taste of the latest products from the vendors that were present. With many operators looking for the latest model years, the show floor presented the perfect opportunity with bus, motorcoach, and OEM exhibitors on hand to supply the newest models geared for our industry. The show floor also hosted some unexpected media coverage and showbiz fun as CD Publisher Chris Weiss was interviewed by Brian Will of local CBS affiliate Channel 8. What’s more, Sirius/XM’s Jonathan Blitt was on-hand with the Howard Stern Show’s Ronnie the Limo Driver, courtesy of Complete Fleet Sales, to talk to attendees about the industry event.
“Best show ever. It was busy and the show floor was crowded. Great job,” says Jimmy Barnes of Jimmy’s Limousine Service.
“This was probably the best show we have attended. A great variety of speakers and events, a packed show floor, and an incredible participation by the international attendees. We couldn’t be happier,” says Yasmin Zafar of GRiDD Technologies/GNet.
And of course, our nighttime networking events kept the energy high long after the lights were turned off in our classrooms. This year, we once again brought a bit of fun to our show floor for our Opening Night Show Floor Party on Sunday night, courtesy of sponsor TEMSA. Live entertainers regaled our attendees with their feats of gravity-defying ball and stilt walking, while magicians mystified with their sleight of hand. What’s more, Marilyn and Elvis strolled alongside the sleek vehicles on display, while caricature artists and photo booths provided showgoers with a light-hearted souvenir. On Monday, we traded limos for a metaphorical time machine, as we stepped back for a battle of the decades for our ‘80s vs. ‘90s party! Thanks to sponsors ANB Trans Inc., Centennial Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation, and Crown Worldwide Transportation, our guests were treated to an incredible night of live music from a band pumping out your favorite hits of the past. What’s more, a photo booth was on hand to capture attendees decked out in their favorite neon and flannel.
“The CD/NLA Show excels in fostering professional connections within the industry, creating an environment that is both accessible and easy to navigate. The investment in their proprietary app (courtesy of North Point Global) significantly enhances user experience, offering a platform that is both efficient and user-friendly,” says Stephanie McKeon of Joshua's Worldwide Transportation.
“Amazing show and networking. The best one in years for attendance and engagement!” says Darren Croasdale of La Costa Limousine.
Once again, we thank our sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and attendees for making this event another one for the books. We look forward to seeing our friends and colleagues at the future events we have planned for2024. First is the CD/NLAExecutive Retreat in Miami on June 2-5 at the legendary Fontainebleau Hotel. Limited to 200 operators, our retreats offer a blend of high-level educational content, unique networking, local food and flavor, tours, and team-building events to create an amazing, relaxing, and revitalizing experience from beginning to end. Then, October 13-16, we return to the Gaylord National just outside of D.C. for our fall CD/NLA Show.
We’ll have plenty of photos and reminiscences of the 2024 CD/NLA Show in the April issue of Chauffeur Driven.
[03.12.24]