Ground Transportation Podcast

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In this podcast episode, hosts Ken Lucci and James Blain interview Charlie Horky, the legendary founder of Slade Services, who shares his journey from washing cars to running a $70 million limousine service empire. In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How Charlie Horky went from washing cars to owning a fleet of vehicles
• Charlie’s unique approach to training his chauffeurs like Navy Seals
• Charlie’s experiences dealing with high-profile clients like Jimmy Buffet and Prince
• The role relationships and impeccable service play in luxury transportation
• A preview of Horky’s upcoming book documenting his challenges, resilience, and ultimate success.

Connect with Charlie on LinkedIn: 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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Learn more about proactive driver training programs today: https://paxtraining.com/

In this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, Ken Lucci and James Blain discuss the importance of taking proactive measures to create a culture of safety within your ground transportation company. In this episode, you’ll hear:

• The basic elements of distracted driving and why it’s important to be proactive
• What does it mean to build a culture of safety?
• Examples of safety in action
• The role of telematics in driver training
• The paradox of of the ‘days without an accident’ mentality
• The impact of training on profitability
• Examples of distracted driving for CDLs
• Managing and correcting driver behavior
• The impact of driver safety on insurance costs

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 and Ken Lucci interview Paul Pasternak, the Director of Affiliate Relationships for Legends Limousine. Paul shares his journey in the transportation industry, starting from his family's local car service in Brooklyn to building a robust affiliate network at Legends Limousine. In this conversation, you’ll hear:

• Paul’s story growing up in the transportation industry, and the decision to pursue the luxury market
• Why it’s so important (and challenging) to train staff to ask for return trips
• The unique niche market of car seats and serving clients with babies and young children
• Paul’s detailed vetting process for selecting top affiliates to ensure high-quality service for Legend’s clients in global markets

Connect with Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-pasternak-434919202/
Visit Legends Limousine online: https://legendslimousine.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 does it take to sell (or buy) a passenger transportation business? 

In this episode, Ken and James explore why M&A activity is high in the passenger transportation industry. They break down how changes since the pandemic have driven market evolutions, the importance of preparation, and key strategies for both sellers and buyers navigating transactions.

• The state of mergers and acquisitions in the passenger transportation industry
• The different players involved in business transactions of transportation companies
• Signs of good (and bad) sellers of transportation businesses
• Signs of good (and bad) buyers of transportation businesses
• The valuation equation and the different components that impact sale price
• Considerations for business owners serious about exit planning

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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Register for Day on the Hill in D.C. → https://www.limo.org/events/day-on-the-hill

Make your voices heard in congress. This episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast dives straight into the heart of advocacy in the industry. Explore how participating in the annual Day on the Hill Event (4/28/25 and 4/29/25 in Washington, D.C.) can shape the future of the chauffeured transportation industry. NLA President Brett Barenholtz returns in another episode to speak on behalf of the event and how the industry is stronger when it bands together.

In this episode, you'll hear:
• The significance of the Day on the Hill in building relationships with legislators
• The personal and professional growth benefits of participating in national and state associations
• How insurance challenges, like increasing costs, are impacting operators nationwide
• Insights into the NLA's political action committee (PAC) and its role in supporting operators
• The power of networking and mentorship in advancing within the transportation industry

Last year, the National Limousine Association was missing representatives from the following states. If you are an owner/operator in one of these states, we call upon you to attend:
• Alaska
• Arkansas
• Connecticut
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• North Dakota
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota
• Utah
• Vermont
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

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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Thinking about going into the Motor Coach space? Do your homework first...

In this episode, Ken Lucci welcomes Tom Holden, a DOT and safety expert, to discuss the intricacies and challenges associated with expanding into the motor coach industry. Ken and Tom explore essential strategies and considerations for operators aiming to elevate their services. In this episode, you'll hear:

• Why you should establish demand before investing in motor coaches
• The differences between operating a chauffeured transportation fleet and a motor coach fleet
• Effective strategies to navigate the insurance complexities in the motor coach sector
• How to use DOT compliance and safety management as a competitive advantage
• The benefits of using advanced tech solutions to monitor safety and efficiency

Whether you're contemplating a fleet expansion or already operating in the motor coach space, Tom's expert insights provide actionable advice to optimize your safety and profitability.

Connect with Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-holden-418bb37/
Visit Tom's website: https://www.theadvisors.org/

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’s the latest buzz in the transportation industry?

After weeks on the road attending industry conferences, James and Ken return to share stories from the road, a vibe check on the overall disposition of operators, and insights into industry trends, challenges, and the evolving landscape of ground transportation. In this episode, you’ll hear:

• James’ experience at United Motorcoach Association (UMA)’s Motorcoach EXPO in Oklahoma City, and the latest trends in the motorcoach space.
• Ken and James share their experiences and key takeaways from the Chauffeur Driven + National Limousine Association (NLA) show in Las Vegas.
• A detailed discussion on the pressing issue of insurance in the ground transportation industry, highlighting the proactive versus reactive approaches.
• Exploration of the growing coalescence between the motor coach and chauffeur industries and how service levels and safety standards are evolving.
• Insights into the financial landscape post-pandemic and the importance of strategic planning for operators as they forecast future growth.
• Potential challenges such as connectivity concerns and economic uncertainties, as well as exciting opportunities for growth and innovation.

P.S — We got plenty of selfies, but you guys FORGOT TO TAG THE PODCAST. That means the winner is still out there…

Here are links to our social channels for when you go have a moment to go back through your camera roll and pick the right one:

👉LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/groundtransportationpodcast/
👉Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GroundTransportationPodcast
👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/groundtransportationpodcast/
👉YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@groundtransportationpodcast
👉X: https://x.com/GroundTransPod

Mentions of Past Episodes:

• Maurice Brewster - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2400189/episodes/16520478
• Matt Daus - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2400189/episodes/16359552
• Mike Marroccoli - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2400189/episodes/16006135
• Bruce Heinrich - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2400189/episodes/16247937
• Brett Barenholtz - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2400189/episodes/15851664
• Tami/Dawson Rutter - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2400189/episodes/16637701
• Jorge Sanchez- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorgesanchez4/
• Leonardo Gannio - Mobility 3.0 - https://www.amazon.com/Mobility-3-0-Thrive-Passenger-Transportation/dp/B0DPVR7JK5
• Michael Zappone - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-zappone-81b9598/
• State of Industry Report - https://www.drivingtransactions.com/2024-financial-state-of-the-industry-report
• Summit on 4/30 in Washington DC - email [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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Is documentation the missing link in your ground transportation business's journey to scaling? 

In this episode, Ken and James explore the critical role that documentation, training, and systems play in not only growing your business but also in safeguarding it against potential legal and insurance issues. In this episode, you'll hear:

• Why initial and ongoing training is not just an expense but an investment crucial for your company's longevity.
• How training and documentation can make or break your case in a lawsuit.
• Understanding the risks involved in inconsistent training programs across multiple locations.
• The importance of keeping up with regulations, especially with the shift to larger vehicles like minibuses and sprinters.
• How telematics can serve as a valuable tool, but only if it’s actively managed and utilized to reinforce training and safety protocols.

Tune in to discover why a culture of safety, underpinned by solid documentation and systems, is indispensable for the sustainable growth of any ground transportation business.

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

Send us Fan Mail

🚨 Get Featured on The Ground Transportation Podcast! 🚨

Want free exposure for your passenger transportation company on The Ground Transportation Podcast? Here’s your chance!

📸 Snap a Selfie – Score a Podcast Plug! 🎙️

If you're attending the CD/NLA show in Vegas between 2/23 -2/26, come find James and Ken in the middle of the showroom floor and enter for a chance to plug your transportation business on the podcast.

Here’s how to enter:

✅ Step 1: Snap a selfie with James AND Ken (Double points if you get BOTH in a single photo!)
✅ Step 2: Post it on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or X & tag/mention the podcast
✅ Step 3: Tune in to our Vegas recap episode on 3/5 to hear the winner announced!
✅ Step 4: If you win, we’ll reach out on the platform you tagged us on for next steps!

🔥 DON’T MISS OUT! Get your selfies, post ’em, and tag us for a shot at the spotlight!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/groundtransportationpodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GroundTransportationPodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/groundtransportationpodcast/
X: https://x.com/GroundTransPod

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Unlock the secrets behind building a global ground transportation business with industry veterans Tami and Dawson Rutter from Commonwealth Worldwide. In this episode, Ken Lucci sits down with the Rutters to explore their journey from a single vehicle operation to being a leader in the high-touch global transportation network. In this episode, you'll hear:

• How one client interaction catapulted Commonwealth to success
• How global networking and attending NLA conferences fueled Commonwealth's growth
• Tips for small operators to get noticed by major affiliate networks like Commonwealth.
• In-car service expectations for high-touch clients, like maintenance, etiquette, and technology.
• The strategic adjustments and cultural values that helped Commonwealth adapt and thrive

Whether you're a seasoned operator or just starting, this episode is packed with takeaways that highlight the dedication, relationships, and strategies necessary for success in the ground transportation business.

Visit Commonwealth Worldwide: 
→Website: https://commonwealthlimo.com/
→LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/commonwealth-worldwide-chauffeured-transportation/
→Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CommonwealthWorldwide
→Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cwwlimo/

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