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Golden Limousine President & CEO Sean Duval
Golden Limousine International has been named a 2025 Small Business of the Year by Michigan Celebrates Small Business, honored in the Minority-Owned category. But while the designation reflects ownership, the true heart of this award—and of Golden's legacy—is built on a foundation of excellence, perseverance, reliability, and loyalty from both clients and employees.
Golden will be celebrated at the 21st Annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business Awards Gala in East Lansing on April 22, 2025, among an elite group of businesses that exemplify Michigan's entrepreneurial spirit.
Since its founding in 1992, Golden has grown from a local transportation provider into a globally recognized company built on delivering exceptional service, cultivating lasting relationships, and navigating challenges with resilience and integrity.
"This recognition is an honor, but it's really a testament to our team—the people who show up every day to create Golden experiences for every client, on every journey," said Golden Limousine President & CEO Sean Duval.
Golden's leadership emphasizes a people-first culture—valuing its employees, serving its community, and exceeding client expectations across Michigan and beyond.
"Our story is not just about business—it's about loyalty, dedication, and showing up for each other, our customers, and our community," added CFO Alina Duval. "This award reflects our past and inspires our continued commitment to making a meaningful impact."
That sentiment is echoed by Adibe Garces, associate director of business development at the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
"Entrepreneurs are the driving force behind innovation and economic growth, and the commitment by Golden Limousine International to overcome each challenge and make Michigan a better place is remarkable,” said Garces. “Golden's vision, resilience, and determination are shaping the future of our great state and their communities. Golden Limousine International deserves many accolades for earning the distinction of 2025 Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year and I'm thrilled to be part of recognizing their success."
Golden's recognition is based on a range of criteria, including long-term business stability, growth potential, community engagement, and workplace culture—all areas where the company continues to lead with intention and heart.
Visit goldenlimo.com for more information.
[04.15.25]
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L to R: MLA Treasurer Quentin Bassey of RSTQ Transportation, Vendor Director Bryan Johnson of Martens Johnson/Hilb Group, Vice President (and show pass winner) Ray Gavino of Translogic Executive, and CD President Chris Weiss
On April 8, the Maryland Livery Association (MLA) returned to Jimmy’s Famous Seafood in Baltimore for a membership meeting. The luncheon event welcomed 40 members and guests, including CD President Chris Weiss and Editor Rob Smentek. The information-packed meeting welcomed guest speakers and offered plenty of opportunities to discuss the state of the industry in the Maryland/D.C./Virginia region.
CD Editor Rob Smentek (left) and Affiliate Central ad winner Carlo D’Addario of American Limousine
MLA President Len Joseph of On The Town Limousines started the meeting by welcoming attendees and thanking them for taking the time off their busy schedules to take part in the afternoon. He then introduced Weiss, who was described as “an amazing supporter of the MLA and the industry.” Weiss took a few minutes to recap the record-breaking Vegas CD/NLA Show, and provided a preview of the upcoming CD/NLA Executive Retreat held in Savannah from June 8-11. To encourage members to take part in the Retreat—and raise money for the association—CD and the NLA donated a pass for the event to be auctioned at the meeting. Incredibly, the single pass was auctioned a total of three times, with the proceeds totaling $2,650. First the pass was won by MLA Treasurer Quentin Bassey of RSTQ Transportation for $950, then Vendor Director Bryan Johnson of Martens Johnson/Hilb Group bid $900, and ultimately the pass went home with Vice President Ray Gavino of Translogic Executive, who bid an additional $800. Weiss then auctioned off a CD swag gift bag, which also included over a year of ads in CD magazine’s Affiliate Central. That prize garnered $1100 for the association and was won by Carlo D’Addario of American Limousine.
L to R: Mike Blackburn of Limo Anywhere, Chris Weiss, and MLA President Len Joseph of On The Town Limousines
“I was exceptionally pleased to see such generosity from the association members,” says Weiss. “CD is proud to have helped raise nearly $4000 for the MLA.”
Next, Joseph discussed a recent discussion with the Public Service Commission (PSC) of Maryland. He reported that the PSC is clamping down on illegal operators at the airports, as they’ve expanded to “epic proportions.” Joseph then advised all members to photograph (with time stamp) the license plates of all illegal operators to turn them into the commission. While acknowledging that it can be somewhat difficult to find the courage to turn in an uninsured operator, he reminded MLA members that it’s a necessary action to prevent a potentially fatal accident.
Quetin Bassey (left) and Executive Secretary Japneet Suri of Executive CLS discuss the upcoming MLA Conference on July 23-24
Joseph then welcomed guest speaker Jill Miller of Chesapeake Employers insurance Company, a workman’s comp provider. She briefly covered her company’s services and discussed the potential for an affinity program with the MLA. Miller is returning for a future meeting to provide a comprehensive “Workman’s Comp 101” for the members.
Guest speaker Jill Miller of Chesapeake Employers Insurance Company addresses the 40 members in attendance
Operator and vendor members next took part in a roundtable discussion moderated by Bassey and Executive Secretary Japneet Suri of Executive CLS covering the current economic climate, namely the situation resulting from the tariffs instituted by President Trump. Insurance industry members Johnson, Alex Church of Acrisure, and Morgan Quinn of Philadelphia Insurance all agreed that it’s too soon to panic or make predictions as to how insurance will be affected. Compliance, specifically regarding Certificates of Insurance with affiliates, was also discussed, and Mike Blackburn of Limo Anywhere stated that the compliance suite offered by his platform can assist operators with ease. Gavino also shared a bit about pros and cons of running nonemergency medical transportation.
Insurance supergroup (L to R): Bryan Johnson, Morgan Quinn of Philadelphia Insurance, and Alex Church of Acrisure 
Finally, Joseph announced a two-day MLA Soiree to be held July 23-24 at the Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City, Md. The event promises to offer a day of golf and local tours as well as a second day of educational sessions, which will likely cover insurance, technology, and financial literacy. The MLA executive board offered a few details including a vendor showcase and potential cross-promotion with other regional associations. More details will follow in the coming weeks.
The next MLA meeting is scheduled for May 6 at Jimmy’s Famous Seafood.
Visit marylandliveryassociation.org for more information.
[04.15.25]
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Leaders of the California Ground Transportation Regulatory Group (CGTRG) report that March was “a month of milestones” that included several pivotable meetings with officials from Los Angeles International Airport’s (LAX) Ground Transportation Services and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). In addition, members convened for a successful wage and labor seminar—its first in Northern California--which was once again hosted by law firm O’Hagan Meyer.
On the legislative front, the association is continuing to make inroads with local officials on a bevy of issues impacting operators. With key deadlines and events looming—including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2028 Olympics, and expected 2030 enforcement of the Clean Miles Standard Program mandating 90% of charter and TNC vehicles be zero-emission—there was a ton of discussion on the agenda in their meeting with the CPUC. Talks between the organizations highlighted the need for greater efficiency and faster communication, especially regarding permits and renewals. More about that meeting can be read here.
CGTRG wage and labor seminar
Additionally, the association met with Renee Gonzalez Fong, chief management analyst of the ground transportation services at LAX to discuss streamlining the licensing and renewal process to reduce delays. The airport is also undergoing modifications that are continuing to impact curb access for operators, and CGTRG officials expect to be involved in any future policy decisions as the issue remains fluid. In a bit of good news, the airport is stepping up its efforts to crack down on illegal operators, using suspension as a viable and punitive measure. The notes from the meeting can be read here.
Finally, Joseph Lordan, managing partner of O’Hagan Meyer, hosted an interactive wage and hour session in their San Francisco office, focusing on an extensive list of items that help keep operators in compliance with labor. He also emphasized the critical need for regularly reviewing and updating your employee handbook and having a reviewed arbitration agreement on hand to avoid potential litigation risks.
Visit cgtrg.org for more information and to become a member.
[04.08.25]