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Who 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 service, technology adoption, and creating a culture of safety. They discuss the current challenges in the industry, such as insurance and technology, and share insights on future opportunities.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:26 Welcome
01:33 Introduction
09:12 Emergency Services Dispatching
12:26 Early and Current Challenges
17:35 From 4 to 40 Million
22:29 Managing Expectations
30:51 The Biggest Challenges and Opportunities of the Next Five Years
37:54 Insuring Safety Into Operations
53:45 Five Year Forecast

Mike Rose: [email protected]
Tim Rose: [email protected]

Share your perspective in the Q1 2026 Operator survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HJBV3NZ

Pax Training is your  all in one solution designed to elevate your team's skills, boost passenger satisfaction, and keep your business ahead of the curve. Learn more at www.paxtraining.com/gtp

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Which 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 Industry Safety Council (BISC) and Bus Maintenance and Repair Council (BusMARC) highlighting networking opportunities and access to regulatory insights. 

Matt also offers advice for newcomers to the industry and reflects on the impact of mentors in his career. The conversation provides valuable insights into leadership, safety practices, and professional growth in the ground transportation sector.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Welcome
00:27 Introduction
02:36 Getting Started In Motor Coach
03:41 Learning A Team Sport
06:00 Matt's Crawford Lasseter Story
09:55 Out of the Driver's Seat
12:47 Flix and Greyhound Acquisition
16:23 What Is The Scale Of The Operation?
19:06 The Must Haves
21:20 Good Health Matters
27:03 The Alligator Closest To The Boat
29:29 Common Pitfalls With Expansion
34:47 Benefits of the Bus Safety Council
38:03 Al Smith
42:24 Advice For Newcomers
48:17 BISC & BusMARC
55:50 Pivotal Moment

Connect with Matt Maglio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-maglio-a11450169
BISC - https://www.buses.org/about/special-interest-councils/bus-industry-safety-council-bisc/
BusMARC - https://www.buses.org/about/special-interest-councils/bus-maintenance-and-repair-council/

Share your perspective in the Q1 2026 Operator survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HJBV3NZ

Pax Training is your  all in one solution designed to elevate your team's skills, boost passenger satisfaction, and keep your business ahead of the curve. Learn more at www.paxtraining.com/gtp

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Chris 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 national trade shows, networking, and the unique experiences offered such as mentoring programs and specialized sessions on topics like distracted driving and the financial implications of government bills on the industry. 

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction
03:49 Dallas Fall Show
07:34 Mentoring Program 
15:16 Education Programs  
20:03 Event Dates
21:44 Vegas Show '26 Preview
23:05 From Average to Excellent
26:45 Realistic Expectations
32:44 How to Get the Most out of The Show
46:36 James' Trade Show Secret

CD/NLA Dallas 2025: https://www.cdnlashow.com
Chauffer Driven Website: https://www.chauffeurdriven.com
Connect with Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisweiss2/

Share your perspective in the Q1 2026 Operator survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HJBV3NZ

Pax Training is your  all in one solution designed to elevate your team's skills, boost passenger satisfaction, and keep your business ahead of the curve. Learn more at www.paxtraining.com/gtp

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Plan 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 mission to help others avoid financial pitfalls, and offers insights into creating robust benefits plans, tax strategies, and fostering long-term company growth by retaining top talent. 


CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction
06:35 Background
13:07 Life Insurance
18:59 Asset Sales
20:35 Specialized Products
25:26 PEOs
33:34 401Ks
39:43 Find The Right Clients
43:44 Tax Strategies


Connect with Phil on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pshetsen/
Visit Bona Vita Website: https://www.bvbenefits.com/
NLA: https://www.limo.org/

Share your perspective in the Q1 2026 Operator survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HJBV3NZ

Pax Training is your  all in one solution designed to elevate your team's skills, boost passenger satisfaction, and keep your business ahead of the curve. Learn more at www.paxtraining.com/gtp

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Welcome 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 strategic expansion of his company. The conversation dives into the critical differences between the US and European executive transportation markets, the impact of AI and autonomous vehicles in the industry, and best practices for leveraging technology to stay ahead. 

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction & Background
05:40 What Makes a Successful Platform
08:15 The Big Difference Between Europe and the US
18:10 How Rideshare Effected the European Market
23:49 Chauffered Means More Than Just a Vehicle
28:35 Finding Affiliates that Meet Your Standards
37:08 Ideal Clients & The Secret Sauce
41:53 What does the Future Hold
47:39 Biggest Opportunity in the Industry Today

Connect with Vojkan Tasic on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vojkantasic/
Visit Limos4 Website: https://www.limos4.com/

Share your perspective in the Q1 2026 Operator survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HJBV3NZ

Pax Training is your  all in one solution designed to elevate your team's skills, boost passenger satisfaction, and keep your business ahead of the curve. Learn more at www.paxtraining.com/gtp

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Get 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, and learn how you can elevate your business, align your team, and achieve sustainable growth. Learn the key principles of EOS and how they can transform your company into a well-oiled machine.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
01:24 Background
02:05 Leros
05:16 Struggles with Retirement
05:47 EOS
22:00 The People Analyzer
27:23 The EOS End Product
30:54 What About Toxic People?
35:22 Is This the Best Use of Your Time?
37:52 Delegate and Elevate
40:01 The Biggest Objection to EOS
42:28 Core Values
46:33 The Matrix
47:42 Why Small Businesses Fail
48:54 The Accountability Chart
52:40 Bobby Bellagambia and Focus
56:21 Ken's Dancing With the Stars Story

Links:
Traction by Gino Wickman: https://www.eosworldwide.com/traction-book
Mike’s EOS Webpage: https://www.eosworldwide.com/mike-zappone
Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelzappone/
Email Mike: [email protected]

Share your perspective in the Q1 2026 Operator survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HJBV3NZ

Pax Training is your  all in one solution designed to elevate your team's skills, boost passenger satisfaction, and keep your business ahead of the curve. Learn more at www.paxtraining.com/gtp

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Do 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 businesses. 

Learn how to find the strength to take back your time, and get back to building your business. Discover why training, outsourcing, and process documentation can accelerate your company's growth. Go from DIY entrepreneur to a thriving business leader. Listen today.

00:00 Welcome
01:42 We'll Do That Ourselves
03:11 The Peter Principle
06:10 Spend Time Now to Save Time Later
08:58 Ken Riding the Rails
10:41 Don't Mow Your Own Grass
13:00 Ken Story
14:03 Tommy Mazi's Famous Line 
20:01 Limiting Beliefs
27:14 Shoestringers
28:14 Bookkeeping Services
30:00 Your Business Plan Should be a Two-Sided Coin

Share your perspective in the Q1 2026 Operator survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HJBV3NZ

Pax Training is your  all in one solution designed to elevate your team's skills, boost passenger satisfaction, and keep your business ahead of the curve. Learn more at www.paxtraining.com/gtp

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Who 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 offering Autonomous Livery services.

Ken provides compelling insights about the projected growth of AV robo-taxis, notable partnerships like Uber-Lucid-Nuro, safety concerns, regulatory hurdles, and the evolving business models that will shape the future of ground transportation. This episode also shines a light on AV pilot programs in cities like Jacksonville and universities like the University of Mississippi. Tune in to stay informed and learn how forward-thinking operators can prepare for this industry shift.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Welcome
01:21 Autonomous Vehicles
03:03 Goldman Sachs Report
06:34 From Horsepower to Brainpower 
09:29 Waymo
11:46 Zoox 
12:47 Tesla
14:44 Uber
19:13 The Bellwether
19:51 Autonomous Livery 
21:38 Bentler Groups
23:47 Beep
24:30 What's Next for Autonomous? 
26:22 Rising Significant Concerns
34:45 Forward Thining Operations Need to do The Following
40:03 The Impact on The Taxi Industry

Links: 

Goldman Sachs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=XmV4IdnB-tU1-zFd&v=hiDVYhzeBYM&feature=youtu.be

Benteler: https://www.benteler.com/en/

Jacksonville news link: https://youtu.be/2kUJBZMwR2g?si=yb111dVtamxd477g

Share your perspective in the Q1 2026 Operator survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HJBV3NZ

Pax Training is your  all in one solution designed to elevate your team's skills, boost passenger satisfaction, and keep your business ahead of the curve. Learn more at www.paxtraining.com/gtp

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In 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 standards of luxury and reliability, overcoming the challenges of starting a business, and the value of networking within the industry. Paul also emphasizes the significance of having a consistent brand and service quality across all chauffeurs. Tune in to discover insightful perspectives on the future of luxury transportation and the indispensable role of exceptional service.


00:00 Welcome
01:18 Paul's Background
05:59 Scaling the Business
09:06 Why No Limos?
10:50 Quiet Luxury
17:56 Dress for Success
20:40 The Last Butlers on Earth
23:53 How to Control the Experience
26:56 How to Get and Keep Employees
31:57 The Heart for Service
34:53 The Customer Service Advantage
39:12 Stay in Your Lane
45:31 What Does the Future Hold?
53:45 What Advice Would You Give Your Former Self?

Share your perspective in the Q1 2026 Operator survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HJBV3NZ

Pax Training is your  all in one solution designed to elevate your team's skills, boost passenger satisfaction, and keep your business ahead of the curve. Learn more at www.paxtraining.com/gtp

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Robo-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 competitive landscape, and the significant technological advancements driving the industry forward. They also highlight real-world applications and future opportunities for fleet operators, touching on topics such as the impact on the luxury transportation market and the potential for AVs in specialized environments like university campuses. Tune in to stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving world of autonomous vehicles, and the potential impact on the transportation industry.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Welcome
01:40 Waymo in NYC
02:31 Moore's Law
06:31 Different Types of AVs
16:55 The Fate of TNC and Taxis
18:43 Effects on the NEMT Space
21:00 Google and Fleet Operations
28:46 Uber Announcement
39:47 The Possible Benefits From AVs
48:36 What Operators Can Do Today
52:00 AV Predictions

Share your perspective in the Q1 2026 Operator survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HJBV3NZ

Pax Training is your  all in one solution designed to elevate your team's skills, boost passenger satisfaction, and keep your business ahead of the curve. Learn more at www.paxtraining.com/gtp