This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes back Rudd Lowry, who now serves as CEO of Downtime Subrogation. Rudd shares his professional journey and the path that led him to this step in his career, and he outlines pivotal challenges and opportunities he encountered in launching the company. Curt and Rudd provide an overview of Downtime Subrogation’s mission and services, emphasizing how the company supports school bus contractors in recovering losses related to vehicle downtime. The conversation continues with Rudd outlining his key industry partners and describing what makes an ideal client relationship. Lastly, the duo explore current changes in the industry, insurance trends, and economic shifts impacting downtime recovery—and how Downtime Subrogation has remains proactive in adapting to these changes. 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 Patrick Girardin, Co-President of Q'Straint. Patrick shares a brief overview of his career and background in student transportation. He offers insight into Q'Straint’s mission, their work with WC19 wheelchairs, and the critical role they address in school transportation. The discussion moves on to the Q'Straint ONE System, with Patrick explaining how it differs from conventional systems, and how it benefits school bus operators—highlighting real-world advantages that the company observed. Curt and Patrick spotlight Curt's visit to the Q'Straint manufacturing facility in February, and the episode concludes with the duo highlighting the upcoming tour of the Q'Straint facility, scheduled for the 2026 NSTA Midwinter Meeting in Ft. Lauderdale. 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 is joined by returning guest Tim Weaverling, Partner at RWR Insurers Group. Initially, Tim shares his background, noting his 22 years of experience with RWR Insurers Group. He then provides an overview of the Keystone-RWR School Transportation Program, highlighting their longstanding strong partnership with NSTA. Tim then gives his perspective on current trends in the insurance market and highlights key issues of which contractors should be aware.  Curt and Tim give a brief preview of the upcoming NSTA FLASH Webinar "The Turbulent Insurance Climate, What You Need to Know" scheduled for June 10th at 10:30 AM (ET). And to wrap things up, the two share their insights about the 2026 Penn State Nittany Lions football season. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to hear about our comprehensive advertising packages that will help you hit your target audience - school transportation professionals!

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This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes a new guest Mike LaRocco, Director of School Transportation for the Indiana Department of Education and Chair of the recently held National Congress on Student Transportation (NCST). Mike begins by sharing insight into his background and how he first got involved in the student transportation field. He then covers his responsibilities in the state government of Indiana, as well as his leadership role as chair of NCST. Curt and Mike explore the beginnings of the Congress and how the group and its mission has evolved over time. Mike also explains the delegate selection process and highlights the important role of the NCST Steering Committee. The conversation wraps up with recapping the highlights from the 2025 NCST and a look forward to the next NCST. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to hear about our comprehensive advertising packages that will help you hit your target audience - school transportation professionals!

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This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes first-time guest Kevin Kilner, Chief Safety Officer, Beacon Mobility. Kevin serves as NSTA Safety Competition Committee and School Bus Safety Subcommittee Co-Chair, and he shares his professional background - how he started his journey in the school transportation field, and his experience at Beacon Mobility. Kevin and Curt then discuss the evolution of the International Safety Competition and Kevin's role as NSTA Safety Competition Committee Co-Chair. Kevin shares notable experiences from the 2024 Safety Competition and highlights key improvements planned for 2025, including the introduction of an online testing component. He also offers insights into the future of the School Bus Driver International Safety Competition and the ongoing efforts to expand the event. The conversation concludes with an overview of his role as Co-Chair of the School Bus Safety Subcommittee and a discussion of the committee’s current initiatives. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to hear about our comprehensive advertising packages that will help you hit your target audience - school transportation professionals!

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This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn is joined by returning guest Claire Miller, Chief Commercial Officer of First Student and a member of the NSTA Board of Directors. Claire begins by sharing her background and what inspired her to enter the school transportation industry with First Student. Claire and Curt explore the effects of daylight saving time, and the federal proposal to make it permanent. Claire recounts a few heartfelt stories that highlight First Student’s meaningful role in the communities it serves. She also offers an overview of First View, a platform that is transforming communication and transparency for families and school districts. Finally, the duo discusses First Student's fleet electrification initiatives and NSTA's lobbying effort in support of contractor direct access to Clean School Bus Program grants. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to hear about our comprehensive advertising packages that will help you hit your target audience - school transportation professionals!

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This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn is joined by first-time guest Bethany Bertram, President of Trobec's Bus Service and the Minnesota School Bus Operators Association (MSBOA). Bethany opens up by talking about her background—growing up in the school bus industry and how that eventually allowed her to take a leadership role at Trobec’s Bus Service and MSBOA. She shares what it’s been like serving as MSBOA President and the pride she feels in the group's accomplishments over the past several years. Curt and Bethany also talk about the many features of the state of Minnesota and how visitors can enjoy their time there. Bethany shares some of her personal interests including her husband and daughter, traveling, and she also discloses her favorite place to unwind. The duo closes by highlighting the MSBOA 2025 Summer Conference this June 16-17 at Ruttger's Bay Resort in Deerwood, MN. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to hear about our comprehensive advertising packages that will help you hit your target audience - school transportation professionals!

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This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn is joined by first-time guest Gerry Leonard, CEO of Transit Technologies. Gerry starts off by reviewing his professional background — from his start in the business world to eventually leading Transit Technologies. He discusses what inspired him to acquire companies like Bytecurve and Bushive, and he shares what were strong attractions for him to invest in these companies. Curt and Gerry conclude by looking at the future of student transportation and how AI can continue to transform school transportation operations. With Gerry being a resident of Georgia, there's even some discussion of The Masters. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to hear about our comprehensive advertising packages that will help you hit your target audience - school transportation professionals!

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This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn is joined by the Zenobe duo of Angela Shuck, Grant Manager and Maggie Clancy, Executive Vice President Business Development of Fleets. Maggie introduces Zenobe and their mission to make clean energy more accessible in the transportation realm, while Angela offers insight into the world of grant management for transportation projects. Maggie then outlines how she’s managing the challenges of funding uncertainty in the current political environment, and Angela explains how operators can identify available funding programs - outside of federal grants. To wrap up, Curt and Maggie explore Zenobe’s work in Europe and how it compares to their efforts in the United States. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to hear about our comprehensive advertising packages that will help you hit your target audience - school transportation professionals!

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This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn is joined by first-time guest Denis Gallagher, Jr., Senior Vice President of Operations for Student Transportation of America (STA). Denis provides information about STA and its operations, and then he highlights his legacy of being fifth generation in private contracting. He then talks about his prior experiences before beginning his career at STA and the importance of building relationships in your field, so you can lean on as a support system in your professional endeavors. Denis and Curt highlight the balance relying on analytics and having a feel for day-to-day operations. Denis is a self-avowed "draftnik" and the duo take a deep dive into the upcoming NFL Draft, as well as Denis’ pain of being a longtime New York Jets fan. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to hear about our comprehensive advertising packages that will help you hit your target audience - school transportation professionals!

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