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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.
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.
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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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.
“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]
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The recently rebranded Maryland Livery Association (MLA) met on June 18 for their bimonthly membership meeting. Held at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Residences in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the meeting attracted 30 members and guests including CD President Chris Weiss and Editor Rob Smentek. In addition to announcing the organization’s new name (changed from Maryland Limousine Association), the Board of Directors also unveiled a new logo.
MLA President Len Joseph of On The Town Limousines began the meeting by welcoming attendees.
“I’m extremely happy with where we’re going with the association,” said Joseph, who then called for members to get involved in the legislative, fundraising, and membership committees. He also reported that he had been to the recent Virginia Limousine Association (VLA) meeting and shared that any vehicle servicing D.C. airports with nine passengers or more must get a free permitting sticker from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
Joseph and Director Japneet Suri of Executive CLS then introduced the afternoon’s first guest speaker, new MLA Vendor Member Harry Dhillon of Hashtag Biz Solutions, who appeared via video conferencing. Dhillon provided an overview of Hashtag’s services, which include staffing, answering services, and digital marketing. He dictated the company’s core values, which includes 24/7 services for their client base.
The meeting’s next speaker was Jodie Lethgoe from Career Driver, who gave a presentation entitled Ride to Recruitment, in which she detailed a four-level funnel model for employee recruitment.
Next, Weiss was invited to speak about upcoming CD/NLA events, specifically the upcoming Fall Show at the Gaylord National on October 13-16, just outside of D.C. (which, of course, is local to the MLA and its members). He then introduced Carol Grant of credit card processor HighPoint Solutions, who became the association’s newest vendor member.
VLA President William Kerr of Camryn Limousine was then introduced. He said that it’s an “exciting time” for the two associations, who are looking to work closely on legislative and regulatory issues they both face. Kerr invited MLA members to attend the VLA’s upcoming fishing trip/meeting on August 27 in Virginia Beach.
Before concluding, Secretary Joanna Fridinger of The Limo Lady revealed that plans are underway for a new association website.
The next MLA meeting is scheduled for August 20 at Jimmy’s Famous Seafood in Baltimore.
Visit mdlimoassoc.org for more information.
[06.24.24]