The Bus Stop

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop-  Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes returning guest Gerry Wosewick, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania School Bus Association (PSBA), an NSTA State Association Member. Gerry begins the episode by sharing his background and journey into the student transportation industry, as well as his unique perspective representing school transportation stakeholders across Pennsylvania. The duo discuss the opportunities and challenges currently facing student transportation providers, along with the key policy and regulatory issues that could shape the industry in the year ahead. Curt and Gerry also highlight the longstanding partnership between NSTA and PSBA, and explain how collaboration between national and state associations helps advance the interests of school bus contractors and the students they serve. The conversation turns to highlight the popular PSBA Annual Conference and School Bus Safety Competition, with Gerry offering listeners a preview of what makes these events valuable opportunities for networking, professional development, and engagement. Finally, Gerry shares how he spends his time outside of work, and where listeners can learn more about the Pennsylvania School Bus Association. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals!

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This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop- Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes first-time guests Lukas Chachich, Project Manager, and Udit Sarkar, Director of Business Development for Spectrum Consulting Group (SCG) and students at Michigan State University. Lukas and Udit share their academic journeys in data science and supply chain management, how their studies complement the consulting work they perform through SCG, and what drew them to become involved with the organization. The trio also explore NSTA's long-standing partnership with SCG and the ongoing fall engagement focused on analyzing private market share data from across the United States. Throughout the conversation, Lukas and Udit share insights from this year's project, reflect on what makes the engagement unique, and offer a perspective on the value of applying classroom knowledge to real-world industry challenges. The episode concludes with a look at life outside of college and consulting, as well as information on how listeners can learn more about Spectrum Consulting Group and its work with NSTA. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals!

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This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop- Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes first-time guests Amy and Eric Raphael of Irvin Raphael Bus, Inc., an NSTA Contractor Member and NJSBCA Contractor Members. Amy and Eric open the episode by discussing the history and legacy of Irvin Raphael Bus, Inc., how decades of family leadership continue to shape the organization's values and operations, and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into preparing for a successful school year. As part of NSTA's Back-to-School Series, the trio explore the trends and challenges they are monitoring this fall. Curt, Amy, and Eric also touch on the importance of involvement in both NSTA and the New Jersey School Bus Contractors Association (NJSBCA), and how industry engagement helps operators navigate a constantly evolving transportation landscape. The episode concludes with reflections on what they are most proud of after nearly a century in business, and what still excites them about back-to-school season. Finally, Amy and Eric share how listeners can learn more about Irvin Raphael Bus, Inc. and its long-standing commitment to safely transporting students. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals!

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This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop- Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes first-time guest Denise Patocka, National Account Manager at REI and NSTA Vendor Partner, as part of NSTA's Back-to-School Series. Denise begins by sharing her professional journey and the experiences that led her to the student transportation industry. Curt and Denise discuss how REI approaches innovation with student safety as its primary focus and explore the critical role technology plays in helping transportation departments protect students and support operations. Looking ahead, the duo discuss the opportunities and challenges organizations face during the busy back-to-school season, as well as the importance of collaboration between vendors and operators when implementing new technologies. Curt and Denise also highlight the value of industry engagement through live events like NSTA's Annual Meeting and Convention, where the industry can connect, learn, and share best practices. The episode wraps up with Denise sharing a favorite back-to-school memory and information on how listeners can learn more about REI and its commitment to advancing safety and technology in student transportation. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals!

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This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop- Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes first-time guest Maria Todaro, Area General Manager of Krapf School Bus, 2026 NSTA Golden Merit Award recipient, NJSBCA Board Member, as part of NSTA's Back-to-School Series. Maria begins by sharing her journey into the student transportation industry and the experiences that shaped her leadership career. Curt and Maria discuss why safety remains at the heart of student transportation and the steps operators take each day to ensure students arrive safely to and from school. The duo also explore emerging trends and challenges that could have the greatest impact on the industry in the years ahead, while reflecting on the significance of Maria's recent NSTA Golden Merit Award recognition. Looking ahead, they highlight the value of industry engagement and professional development through state associations, including Maria's leadership role with the New Jersey School Bus Contractors Association (NJSBCA). The episode wraps up with Maria sharing a favorite back-to-school memory and how listeners can learn more about Krapf School Bus and its commitment to safe, reliable student transportation. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals!

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This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop- Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes new guest Amanda Huggett, Executive Editor of School Bus Fleet and NSTA media partner, as part of NSTA's Back-to-School Series. Amanda begins by sharing her journey into the journalism industry, and how she got involved in the student transportation industry. Curt and Amanda explore why journalism is a crucial to keeping the industry moving, and they also discuss trends, technologies, and key issues listeners should be watching as schools begin a new academic year. The duo also discuss the role of industry media and podcasts in keeping transportation professionals informed on leadership, policy, and emerging challenges facing the industry. Looking ahead, Curt and Amanda highlight the importance of recognizing excellence through the NSTA Outstanding Driver Service Award in partnership with School Bus Fleet. The episode wraps up as Amanda shares how listeners can stay connected to the latest industry news, resources, and NSTA advocacy efforts through School Bus Fleet's NSTA Advocacy in Action column. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals!

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This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop- Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes back Brian Rickmann, School Bus Driver for Beaverton School District in Oregon and the 2026 NSTA School Bus Driver International Safety Competition (SBDISC) Type D and Bill Loshbough Grand Champion. As part of NSTA's Back-to-School Series, Brian shares his journey into student transportation, discusses what motivates him to continually raise the bar for safety, and reflects on successfully defending his championship title. Curt and Brian explore the preparation, training, and mindset required to compete at the highest level, the value of state and local school bus rodeos, and the important role school bus drivers play in safely transporting students each day. Looking ahead to the 2027 competition in Austin, Brian offers advice for first-time competitors, discusses the challenges of returning as a champion, and encourages drivers to embrace opportunities for professional growth that ultimately benefit the students and communities they serve. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals!

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This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop- Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes first-time guest Steven O’Shea, Vice President of Marketing & Customer Service at Lancer Insurance Company and a 2026 NSTA Annual Meeting & Convention MST Insurance Panelist. Steven shares his professional journey into the student transportation industry and discusses the critical role safety training plays in reducing claims, improving driver performance, and supporting the long-term success of school bus contractors. Curt and Steven also revisit the recent NSTA Annual Meeting & Convention in Denver, highlighting key insights from the MST insurance panel, “Turbulence in the Air: Navigating the Rocky Insurance Market,” and exploring the challenges and opportunities facing today’s insurance environment. The duo switch gears to chat football, including Steven’s outlook on the upcoming New York Giants season, before discussing his passion for golf and some of his favorite courses he has played. Finally, the episode wraps up with Steven sharing where listeners can learn more about Lancer Insurance Company and its commitment to supporting safe and successful student transportation operations. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals!

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This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop- Executive Director Curt Macysyn celebrates a major milestone as the podcast marks its 7th anniversary, recognizing seven years of conversations, and industry insights. For the first time ever, Curt welcomes a trio of guests for this special anniversary edition: Chloe Williams, President of B.R. Williams, 2026 NSTA Contractor of the Year, and NSTA Membership Committee Chair; Tim Weaverling, Partner and Commercial Account Executive at Keystone RWR and NSTA Royalty Program Partner; and Tony Corpin, Publisher of STN Media Group and NSTA Media Partner. Together, they reflect on their experiences with The Bus Stop, discuss the value of storytelling and collaboration within the student transportation industry. The foursome share highlights from the recent NSTA Annual Meeting & Convention in Denver, and the importance of live industry events. The group highlights the significance of NSTA’s Contractor of the Year Award, with Chloe sharing her reaction to receiving the honor, Tim discussing the impact of introducing her on stage, and Tony reflecting on the award’s importance to the industry as a whole. The episode concludes with some lighthearted football talk, and each guest sharing where listeners can learn more about their organizations. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals!

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This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop- Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes first-time guest Matthew Bushland, Director of Enterprise Strategy at North America Central School Bus (NACSB), 2026 NSTA Annual Meeting & Convention Business Development Committee (BDC) panelist, and NSTA BDC member. Matthew shares his journey into the student transportation industry, discusses his day-to-day role supporting strategic growth and partnerships, and explains what “bleeding yellow” means to him as a reflection of serving school districts, families, and communities. Curt and Matthew also recap the recent NSTA Annual Meeting & Convention in Denver, highlighting key takeaways from the BDC panel, “Doing More With Less: How Contractors Can Best Partner with Service Providers,” and explore why collaboration is critical to developing best practices and solving industry-wide challenges. The duo chat football, and cover Matthew’s time as a Notre Dame alumnus and walk-on football player, as well as Notre Dame's upcoming football schedule. Finally, the episode wraps up with Matthew sharing where listeners can learn more about NACSB and its commitment to advancing student transportation. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals!

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