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Tony and Sandy Asaro
Tony Asaro, founder of Desert Rose Worldwide Transportation in Phoenix, Arizona, passed away on July 18 after a valiant battle with brain cancer. He was 66.
A beloved, straight-talking, and highly respected figure in the industry, luxury ground transportation was actually Tony’s second career, which he found after retiring as a cop in New York. He started driving for a friend’s company, but with his passion and commitment to customer service excellence, he knew he had to strike out on his own. And by all accounts, the company, A&S Limousines, did well—but traffic, cost of living, and the intense competition in the New York metropolitan area took its toll and he dreamed of a change of pace.
In a love story that spanned more than four decades—they celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this year—Tony and his wife Sandy set their sights on the Southwest and settled in Phoenix in the early ‘90s with their four children: Josina, Barbara, Anthony, and Matthew. Making a vacation out of it, they packed the family into a stretch and made their way across country, taking their time and enjoying the journey.
For the next three decades, Desert Rose blossomed in Phoenix, first as a retail service, but later with corporate and affiliate work. The inseparable couple built the company out of their home for more than a decade, winning contracts with the Phoenix Suns and the local Talking Stick resort and casino along the way. Tony was a regular at industry shows—he was surrounded by his friends and colleagues when he made an appearance at the CD/NLA Show in Las Vegas this past February—and was involved with the Arizona Limousine Association and Driving Results’ Spinning Wheels (he hosted the peer group a few years ago). Although the Asaros encouraged their kids to find their own path, their son Anthony joined Desert Rose just a few years ago as affiliate manager.
A lover of a good round of golf, a good meal, and great company—if you were in his presence, you were getting some delicious food—his laugh and warm heart was as legendary as his love for his family and friends. He lived life to the fullest, and embraced everything that was thrown at him with grace. He will be missed.
Services for Tony Asaro:
07/23/2020: Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary
8555 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Viewing from 2:00-4:00 PM & 6:00-8:00 PM
Rosary @ 7:30pm
07/24/2020: Our Lady of Joy Catholic Church
36811 N. Pima Rd., Carefree, AZ 85377
1:30 PM mass
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Barrows Neurological Institute (please reference Dr. Azadi).
Industry tributes on social media:
He set a great example to his family, friends, and the industry of what a man of great character can be and the impact they can have on people’s lives!
Rhonda Brewster, Mosaic Global Transportation
He was a light to all he knew and his love for his family was fierce. Jeff and I were blessed to have him in our lives and call him friend.
Laura Canady, CLT Express
It’s been said that some people touch our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime. Today we lost a friend that encompassed all three as he will live in our hearts forever. No one loved life more than Tony Asaro. No one loved their wife like he adored and admired Sandra Asaro. No one we know was a better father and grandfather than Tony.
Tammy Carlisle, Action Worldwide
From his early days as a police officer in then-gritty NYC, to his transition to entrepreneur, his focus was always his family. Through his work, his employees became his family. His clients became his family. You couldn't meet Tony and not fall into his wide arms of love, his belly laugh, and his eyes that glistened with kindness... My life is so much richer for having known Tony, and I'm incredibly blessed to have his family in my life. Thank you, Tony, for showing us all how to live and how to love.
Kristen Carroll, The LMC Groups
[Tony] was one of the best people I know and a great friend/partner of ours for many years.
Johnathan Erlich, Europe Limousine Service
What a warrior he was throughout his life!! He has left a legacy and a beautiful family!!
Lenin Fraga, American Transportation
[Tony] was a wonderful human being he would always treat me as part of his family regardless if we only saw each other only during the industry conventions! He will be sorely missed!
Carlos Garcia, CTS - Carlos Transportation Service
I respected him very much. He said what he felt and didn’t care what anyone thought about it. I loved that about him. I’m so glad that he came to the last show and that we all got to have dinner. He will be missed.
Ryan Silva, Epic Limo
May his memory be a blessing. I was honored to be adopted into the family and I loved [Tony] like my own father. He taught me a lot about how to not take any shit and for that, I owe him.
Dave Uziel, UrbanBCN
I was so fortunate to meet Tony early on when I was starting out. We grew to be great friends over the years. He always had a smile on his face and the time spent together will be cherished. Much love to the Asaro family.
Scott Woodruff, Majestic Limo & Coach
[07.20.20]
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The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued a Draft Resolution TL-19131 in mid-July for public comment. According to the text of the resolution, it “requires carriers to obey the California Governor’s executive orders, orders of California’s State Public Health Officer, and orders of the local city and/or county where the carriers are operating, whichever order is most restrictive.” It would be up to the carrier to know the proper protocol to follow according to state and local guidance. The latest version of the resolution can be read here.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) identified four stages for the state’s reopening, or Roadmap to Recovery, although some cities or counties have be moving through the stages at different paces due to an uptick in cases of COVID-19 in the recent weeks.
On July 2, the CDPH—in concert with the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) and the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA), and based on CDC guidelines—released COVID-19 Industry Guidance: Public and Private Passenger Carriers, Transit, and Intercity Passenger Rail. The full text can be read here.
The CPUC resolution also requires carriers to provide training to drivers on the CDC and CDPH guidelines and provide all personal protective equipment (PPE) recommended in those guidelines. Carriers will be required to have a written COVID-19 emergency plan in place and to submit such plans to the CPUC, which will make them open to public inspection. This CPUC resolution also extends the suspension period to 180 days for specific causes for suspension of a carrier’s permit or certificate prior to its revocation and suspends the $125 reinstatement fee. The extension will apply to any carrier suspended between March 19, 2020 (when California’s stay-at-home ordered was issued) until the state has reached stage 4 of the Roadmap to Recovery. The fees will be waived until 90 days after California reaches stage 4.
Draft Resolution TL-19131 is open to public comment now and is excepted to be part of the CPUC's meeting agenda on August 6.
The latest information on the resolution can be found here.
Additional information provided by Windels Marx.
[07.20.20]
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The heat is on in Florida. As the nation keeps a close eye on the Sunshine State as tourism reopens in the face of what seems to be ever-rising COVID numbers, the luxury ground transportation industry and its representatives have been hard at work to keep the industry strong during these unprecedented times.
In late June, the Florida Limousine Association (FLA) announced that their three-year struggle with the state legislature came to a climax when the TNC bill (HB1039) was signed by the governor. This law is designed to even the playing field with the likes of Uber and Lyft by letting luxury ground transportation companies operate as TNCs. On Wednesday, July 8, the FLA hosted a virtual meeting designed to help Florida operators transition their companies into this new business model.
As Luxury Ground Transportation TNCs (LGTNCs), operators can now operate statewide without paying individual fees to the local municipalities/counties. However, this new status requires companies to register in the state and adhere to numerous guidelines. For instance, LGTNCs must:
- Perform their own background checks on their TNC drivers
- Use a digital platform to connect riders with drivers via a smartphone app (e.g., Limo Anywhere, Santa Cruz, etc.)
- Have a smartphone app that displays a photo of driver along with complete transaction details including all costs/fees
- Have $1 million auto liability coverage per vehicle
- Disclose that coverage to their TNC drivers
In addition to following these mandates, each company must declare that the business has transitioned to an LGTNC operation to the state department of finance and local regulators.
As this is a new road for all Florida operators, the FLA advises their members to have a CPA do an evaluation of your operation to make sure you are in full compliance with the law. Failure to meet guidelines can result in a $10,000 fine. FLA created a PDF that can help lend some clarity to the new classification, which can be found here.
When the Central Florida Livery Association (CFLA) held their membership meeting via Zoom on July 14, HB1039 and its implications on operators in Florida were chief among the topics discussed. CFLA President Wendy Kleefisch of Brevard Executive Limousine welcomed Tom Draper and Ratib Hussein from the Orlando International Airport (MCO) to discuss the changes in procedures if a company becomes an LGTNC.
First and foremost, TNCs are prohibited from any curbside meet and greet procedure and the use of the “tunnel” in the ground transportation concourse. While the tunnel is currently closed due to COVID restrictions, this was something of a “deal breaker” for operators who service high-ticket clients and VIPs. Hussein, who serves as the airport’s assistant manager of operations, informed members that companies that are registered as LGTNCs cannot hold a dual permit that allows them to also operate as a traditional limousine company. Essentially, it’s all or nothing. Draper, the director of airport operations, advised CFLA members to take their time, and not rush into a decision. He said that airport officials are on-hand to answer questions and help operators decide what’s best for them in the long run.
Also onboard the Zoom call was Joe Madiedo of Professional Insurance Center, who provided the pros and cons of becoming an LGTNC in regard to insurance premiums. He fielded questions from operators regarding the master policy that is required to operate as a TNC in the state.
On July 16, West Florida Limousine Association (WFLA) held a Zoom meeting to keep members informed of the changes and challenges in their market. The lack of work in the Tampa area remains a concern for all association members, although WFLA Secretary Tom Halsnik of Walsh Chauffeured Transportation was optimistic, as he’s seeing steady stretch limousine work. He is also seeing some positive feedback from a recent email blast he sent to his existing customer base. His clients were pleased that the company was still operating, so he suggested that the members do a similar marketing push.
HB1039 was also discussed, with some of the members thinking of it as a benefit for operators who serve the Miami region and Orlando. The group then engaged in a conversation about medical and paratransit opportunities, and the potential benefits (and difficulties) in taking on that work.
Visit floridalimousine.com, cfla.org, or wfla.org for more information.
[07.20.20]