Ground Transportation Podcast

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Order the book today: https://www.amazon.com/Unbreakable-Path-Resilience-Pursuit-Greatness/dp/1967424373/

Industry legend Charlie Horky returns to the podcast to celebrate the release of his new book, Unbreakable Path — a raw, fast-moving account of how he built one of the largest limousine companies in the world, lost it all, and rebuilt his life and career from the ground up.

In this conversation, Charlie shares what pushed him to finally write the book, the pivotal moments that shaped his rise at CLS, the missteps that nearly ended everything, and how he found his way back with Slade Services. This episode pulls back the curtain on one of the industry’s most talked-about figures — his wins, his failures, and the lessons he hopes operators of every size will take from his story.

If you want the truth behind the folklore, the mindset behind the risks, and the perspective that only 45 years in the industry can provide, you won’t want to miss this one.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Welcome
01:00 Unbreakable Path
06:57 Pivotal Turning
11:38 Poor Choices
14:55 Failure Wasn't An Option
16:47 Broken Covenants
19:41 Making Connections & Shaking Things Up
21:55 Largest Revenue at CLS
22:32 Different and the Same
25:43 Charlie's Happy Place
31:26 Slade Services
36:21 Customer Care
40:33 Relationship Building
50:57 Ten Year Forecast
01:00:03 Parting Thoughts

Connect with Charlie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-horky-1320354b/
Visit Slade Services: https://www.sladeservices.com/

Get out of the driver's seat and start building a REAL company. Join the Limo CEO Academy: the on-demand growth program built specifically for operators doing less than $1 million annually: https://www.limoceo.com/

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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What if booking a ride could be as simple—and transparent—as booking a flight?

That question inspired Obi, the world’s first true rideshare aggregator, and the focus of this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast. Host Ken Lucci sits down with Ashwini Anburajan, CEO of Obi, to explore how the company became known as “the Kayak of Rideshare.”

Ashwini shares her journey from NBC political reporter to BuzzFeed data strategist to tech CEO, and how her obsession with consumer transparency led her to Obi—a platform that compares Uber, Lyft, Curb, and other providers side-by-side in real time. She explains how Obi’s story began, the data engine that powers it, and the company’s mission to help riders, drivers, and operators navigate an evolving mobility landscape. In this conversation, you'll hear:

• The origins and evolution of Obi—from a 2019 pivot to over 1 million global users today
• How Obi connects more than 175 countries’ rideshare providers in one app
• The future of autonomous mobility and what it means for drivers
• Why pricing transparency could reshape how consumers choose ground transportation

If you’ve ever wondered where rideshare technology is heading—or how smaller operators might fit into the next wave of mobility innovation—this episode delivers a front-row seat to that future.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction
00:25 Welcome
01:59 Obi Rideshare
03:27 Background
05:30 How The App Works
10:22 Pricing Transparency
13:36 Why Download Obi?
14:50 Corporate Rideshare Plans
15:46 Tech Development
17:03 Rideshare's Reaction
18:28 Autonomous Optionality
29:46 The Fate Of Rideshare Drivers In Five Years
35:41 Expansion Plans
41:33 Parallels Between AI and AVs
49:02 Obi And Price Transparency
52:24 Where To Access Obi
53:49 Conclusion

Learn more about Obi: rideobi.com
Connect with Ashwini: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aanburajan/

00:00 Introduction
00:25 Welcome
01:59 Obi Rideshare
03:27 Background
05:30 How The App Works
10:22 Pricing Transparency
13:36 Why Download Obi?
14:50 Corporate Rideshare Plans
15:46 Tech Development
17:03 Rideshare's Reaction
18:28 Autonomous Optionality
29:46 The Fate Of Rideshare Drivers In Five Years
35:41 Expansion Plans
41:33 Parallels Between AI and AVs
49:02 Obi And Price Transparency
52:24 Where To Access Obi
53:49 Conclusion

Try Obi: rideobi.com
Ashwini Anburajan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aanburajan/

Get out of the driver's seat and start building a REAL company. Join the Limo CEO Academy: the on-demand growth program built specifically for operators doing less than $1 million annually: https://www.limoceo.com/

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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After a whirlwind season of industry events — from the Chauffeur Driven/NLA Show in Dallas, GBTA, IATR, CBA and more...Ken Lucci and James Blain circle the wagons and unpack the biggest trends shaping 2025 and beyond.

In this Ground Transportation Podcast episode, they share key insights from research, analyst reports, and conversations with owners and operators across the country:

• The data behind a strong rebound in corporate travel, luxury hotels, and private aviation
• The mounting pressure of insurance costs and what operators can do to prepare
• How inflation and tariffs are reshaping vehicle acquisition strategies
• And, most importantly, a growing movement toward industry-wide collaboration

Ken and James reveal why it’s time for operators, vendors, and associations across all sectors — limo, motorcoach, shuttle, and taxi — to unite around shared challenges and create a single, powerful voice for passenger transportation.

Whether you attended the events or are catching up from the road, this recap delivers the conversations, context, and calls to action driving the industry forward.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Welcome
01:16 CD/NLA Dallas Recap
12:15 Tariff Trouble
18:44 WWII story
21:12 Harder to make a profit
25:35 Weathering economic uncertainty
28:32 State of the Industry
33:25 Safety mindset
35:28 Centralized dashboard
39:50 Collaborative solution
01:03:23 Closing Remarks

Get out of the driver's seat and start building a REAL company. Join the Limo CEO Academy: the on-demand growth program built specifically for operators doing less than $1 million annually: https://www.limoceo.com/

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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For 14 straight years, commercial auto insurance has been unprofitable — and for operators, premiums keep climbing with no end in sight. In this hard-hitting episode, James Blain and Ken Lucci sit down with Tim Delaney, President of the Commercial Auto Division at Lancer Insurance, to unpack what’s really driving your insurance costs — and what you can do about it.

Tim explains how “nuclear verdicts,” rising medical costs, and attorney-funded lawsuits have transformed the insurance landscape, why fleet owners are paying for systemic legal abuse, and how to protect your business before a claim ever happens. In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why the legal system, not your loss runs, is inflating premiums.
• What underwriters actually look for (and how safety documentation can lower your risk).
• How to make your company defensible before an accident ever occurs.
• The real meaning of reinsurance — and how global risk pools affect your local premiums.
• Why affiliate vetting and contract structures can make or break your personal liability.

This is a must-listen for every owner and operator facing rising insurance costs and looking to stay financially viable in today’s litigious environment.

Chapters
00:00 Welcome
00:26 Background
02:01 The Myth Of Fleet Insurance
06:49 How Insurance and Re-Insurance Works
12:33 Focus on Re-Insurance
14:07 History In Livery Space
15:14 Risk Categories
18:03 Limits
20:24 Permanent Hard Insurance Market
30:51 Don't Put Your House Up
32:25 Symbol Seven Only
41:38 Will The Storm Break?
49:46 Telematics And Training
52:10 What Sets Lancer Apart From The Rest
58:04 Conclusion

Connect with Tim Delaney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-delaney-b524a55/
Learn more about Lancer Insurance: https://www.lancerinsurance.com/

Get out of the driver's seat and start building a REAL company. Join the Limo CEO Academy: the on-demand growth program built specifically for operators doing less than $1 million annually: https://www.limoceo.com/

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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Join James and Ken as they explore the chaos of unpredictable driving scenarios in this lively episode. With a guest appearance from John Tyreman, the executive producer of the Ground Transportation Podcast, the team reacts to a series of dash cam videos showcasing near misses, high-speed chases, and outrageous incidents. 

They offer expert insights on maintaining safety, situational awareness, and emergency procedures. Learn how to handle chaotic situations on the road, keep your passengers safe, and much more. Don't miss this action-packed episode filled with valuable driving advice and entertaining reactions!

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Welcome
00:26 Introduction
01:25 John Tyreman
02:04 How To Respond To Chaos
04:07 Ambulance Video
10:48 Point Of No Return
17:25 Limo VS. Train
19:29 ENS System
29:39 Vol
31:19 Jersey And The Fast And Furious
37:54 Wrong Way Car
46:51 Limo Vs. Cornfield
48:48 World's Worst Limo Driver
52:16 Las Vegas Drift
57:00 Conclusion

Get out of the driver's seat and start building a REAL company. Join the Limo CEO Academy: the on-demand growth program built specifically for operators doing less than $1 million annually: https://www.limoceo.com/

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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Are you leading with a vision and strategy?

In this episode, Ken Lucci sits down with Steve Firestone, founder of Firestone Strategies Group. They discuss essential strategies for small transportation businesses, focusing on financial acumen and strategic planning. Steve shares his extensive career experience in corporate America and the security industry, providing valuable insights into common pitfalls that entrepreneurs face. The discussion revolves around core values, organizational alignment, and the concept of working *on* the business rather than in it. 

CHAPTERS
00:00 Welcome
00:25 Introduction
01:36 Background
04:38 Business Owners Who Still Work
16:04 When It Stops Being A Family Business
19:36 The Strategic Plan Or Organizational Alignment
29:48 What's Behind Transportation Operator's Flat Returns
37:37 Stretch Goals
43:38 The Problem With Customer Attrition
46:19 Proactivity

Visit Firestone Strategies: https://firestonestrategies.com/
Contact Steve Firestone: [email protected]

Get out of the driver's seat and start building a REAL company. Join the Limo CEO Academy: the on-demand growth program built specifically for operators doing less than $1 million annually: https://www.limoceo.com/

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 Blain sits down with Dr. Umut Aslan from the Growth and Success Institute. They discuss Dr. Aslan's journey from working in a small family business to managing a successful transportation company, Men in Black Transportation, which grew from a single vehicle to a mixed fleet including motor coaches. 

Dr. Aslan shares key insights on the importance of networking, marketing, and strategic planning for business growth, as well as the evolving role of technology in the transportation industry. The episode also highlights the value of mentorship and peer groups in achieving business success.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
00:26 Welcome 
01:32 Background
04:52 First Business: Men In Black Transportation
08:50 Growth Factors
10:59 Moving To Larger Vehicles
14:10 Entreprenurial Evolution
21:25 Current State of Business
23:55 The Adoption of Robotaxis By Businesses
28:29 Mentoring Or Networking?
41:40 Future Opportunities
45:44 Coaching Peer Groups
54:18 Conclusion

Dr. Alsan: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/umut-aslan
Growth and Success Institute: https://growthandsuccessinstitute.com/

Get out of the driver's seat and start building a REAL company. Join the Limo CEO Academy: the on-demand growth program built specifically for operators doing less than $1 million annually: https://www.limoceo.com/

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 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]

Get out of the driver's seat and start building a REAL company. Join the Limo CEO Academy: the on-demand growth program built specifically for operators doing less than $1 million annually: https://www.limoceo.com/

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/

Get out of the driver's seat and start building a REAL company. Join the Limo CEO Academy: the on-demand growth program built specifically for operators doing less than $1 million annually: https://www.limoceo.com/

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/

Get out of the driver's seat and start building a REAL company. Join the Limo CEO Academy: the on-demand growth program built specifically for operators doing less than $1 million annually: https://www.limoceo.com/

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