Ground Transportation Podcast

Ken Lucci & James Blain
  • 4.6 (10)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Take your transportation business to the next level.  Kenneth Lucci of Driving Transactions and James Blain of PAX Training share the secrets of growing a successful and profitable ground transportation company. On this podcast, you’ll hear interviews with owners, operators, investors, and other key players in the industry. You’ll also hear plenty of banter between Ken and James. Learn how you can grow revenue, train your team, drive higher profits, and boost owner income. Subscribe today!

  1. 1D AGO

    Chick-fil-A, Ritz-Carlton, and the Limo Business: Borrowing World-Class Hospitality

    Send a text Customer service across industries has declined — and that creates opportunity for operators willing to raise the bar. In this episode, Ken Lucci and James Blain discuss what the chauffeured transportation industry can learn from hospitality leaders like Chick-fil-A and The Ritz-Carlton. They explore culture, leadership accountability, and why true service begins long before the chauffeur opens the door. From “inspect what you expect” to building a self-weeding culture of excellence, this conversation challenges operators to rethink what elevated service really means — and how to execute it consistently. If you’re serious about differentiation, retention, and long-term enterprise value, this episode is essential listening. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:34 The State of Customer Service 07:54 Strategies for Improving Service and Hospitality 11:21 Learning from Industry Leaders 15:10 The Role of Company Culture 17:38 Systematizing Business Operations 22:17 Secret Shop 27:08 The Importance of Internal Customers 31:36 Client's Driver Turnover Problem 33:31 Corporate Job and Team Management 35:20 Creating a Positive Work Culture 37:46 Handling Management Issues 41:39 Importance of Explaining the 'Why' 43:01 Setting High Standards in Hospitality 50:56 Challenges in Modern Work Culture Register for the CD/NLA Vegas show March 1-3 here: https://cdnlavegas.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

    1h 4m
  2. How A1A Built a Scalable Transportation Business

    FEB 11

    How A1A Built a Scalable Transportation Business

    Send a text Hustle can start a transportation company—but it won’t scale one. In this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, Ken Lucci is joined by Rick Versace Sr. and Rick Versace Jr. of A1A Global Ground to explore how systems, structure, and hospitality—not nonstop effort—are what truly build long-term value. Drawing on decades of experience, they discuss why price competition erodes quality, how relying too heavily on affiliate work limits business value, and why most operators hit a growth ceiling they can’t break on their own. The conversation also dives into franchising, succession planning, and what it really takes to turn a transportation company into a sellable asset. If you’re working harder every year but not getting ahead, this episode explains why—and what to do differently. Register for the CD/NLA Vegas show March 1-3 here: https://cdnlavegas.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

    56 min
  3. Dash Cam Review: Motorcoach Mistakes CAUGHT ON CAMERA

    FEB 4

    Dash Cam Review: Motorcoach Mistakes CAUGHT ON CAMERA

    Send us a text What happens when professional motorcoach drivers make unprofessional decisions—and it all ends up on camera? In this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, James Blain and Ken Lucci analyze real dash cam footage showing unsafe motorcoach behavior, including early turns near pedestrians, rolling stops, aggressive lane changes, and road rage incidents. Each clip highlights a deeper issue: training gaps, lack of accountability, and reactive safety culture. Even if you're not in front of a screen to see the videos themselves, the conversation goes beyond the footage to explore: Why motorcoaches require different decision-making than cars or trucksHow small mistakes escalate into serious riskThe role of training, telematics, and proactive safety programsWhy viral videos don’t just hurt drivers—they haunt companiesThe hard truth about “day late, dollar short” safety investmentsThis episode is a clear warning for operators: safety isn’t optional, and cameras are always watching. Register for the CD/NLA Vegas show March 1-3 here: https://cdnlavegas.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

    1h 8m
  4. Claims & Courtrooms: What’s Really Behind Today’s Insurance Rates

    JAN 28

    Claims & Courtrooms: What’s Really Behind Today’s Insurance Rates

    Send us a text Insurance premiums continue to rise across the ground transportation industry—but the reasons go far beyond individual accidents or safety scores. In this episode, James speaks with insurance specialist Michael Gaddis about the systemic forces driving higher rates, including claims behavior, litigation trends, nuclear verdicts, and the growing influence of reinsurance markets. Together, they explain why many operators are being impacted regardless of their loss history—and where responsibility truly lies. This conversation explores: How claims evolve from incidents into long-term financial liabilitiesWhy courtrooms, not collisions, are increasingly setting insurance costsThe disconnect between operator performance and premium pricingPractical insights into reporting, documentation, and risk awarenessA must-listen for operators who want to better understand the insurance landscape they’re operating in—and make smarter decisions in a market that’s becoming more complex every year. Connect with Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-gaddis-074371188/ Learn More About Cable Insurance: https://cableinsurance.com/ Register for the CD/NLA Vegas show March 1-3 here: https://cdnlavegas.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

    1 hr
  5. The 10-Part Business Planning Framework Ken Uses With Million-Dollar Operators

    JAN 21

    The 10-Part Business Planning Framework Ken Uses With Million-Dollar Operators

    Send us a text In this solo episode, Ken Lucci outlines the 10-part business planning framework he uses with million-dollar transportation operators to drive predictable profits and long-term financial stability. Ken explains why most operators struggle—not because they lack effort, but because they lack a clear, executable plan. He walks through the core elements of a real business plan, including revenue targets, financial objectives, sales initiatives, service improvements, operational priorities, and people strategy. You’ll learn: What belongs in a serious business plan—and what doesn’tHow profitable operators plan for cash, margins, and owner compensationWhy proactive planning leads to predictable profitsHow to set quarterly priorities and end-of-year success metricsWhat non-negotiable outcomes every owner must defineThis episode is designed for operators at every stage, from small fleets to established companies, who want more control over their numbers—and fewer financial surprises. If you want a practical planning framework you can actually execute, this episode is a must-listen. Register for the CD/NLA Vegas show March 1-3 here: https://cdnlavegas.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

    39 min
  6. One Call Can Change It All: How YOU Can Stop Human Trafficking

    JAN 14

    One Call Can Change It All: How YOU Can Stop Human Trafficking

    Send us a text Human trafficking is happening in everyday places—and often, the people best positioned to stop it don’t realize the power they hold. In this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, James Blain sits down with Lexi Higgins of Truckers Against Trafficking for a candid, eye-opening conversation about what human trafficking really looks like and how transportation professionals play a critical role in prevention and intervention. Together, they dismantle common misconceptions—like “stranger danger” and “chosen work”—and explain how traffickers use force, fraud, and coercion to hide exploitation in plain sight. From bus terminals to charter vehicles, this episode reveals how drivers, dispatchers, and frontline staff often encounter trafficking at multiple stages, sometimes without realizing it. More importantly, Lexi explains: What signs actually matterWhy reporting suspected trafficking is always the right callHow law enforcement uses tips—even when you never hear the outcomeWhy education, not perfection, is what saves livesThis is not a sensational story—it’s a call to responsibility.Whether you’re an operator, a driver, or someone who cares about the role transportation plays in our communities, this episode will change the way you see your responsibility—and your ability to make a difference. Learn more and access free training at: tatnonprofit.org Register for the CD/NLA Vegas show March 1-3 here: https://cdnlavegas.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

    1h 12m
  7. How James Limousine Grew to $4M ARR (Then Sold Successfully)

    JAN 7

    How James Limousine Grew to $4M ARR (Then Sold Successfully)

    Send us a text Growing a ground transportation company is hard. Growing one that buyers actually want is even harder. In this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, Ken Lucci speaks with Randy Allen, former CEO of James Limousine, about his journey building a respected regional transportation company and successfully selling it after nearly two decades. Randy explains how James Limousine: Grew from $1M to $4M in revenue over 17 yearsBuilt a premium brand through community involvement and trustUsed profit-sharing to retain drivers and reduce riskFocused on corporate clients without ignoring retail opportunitiesAvoided common “herd mentality” mistakes in equipment and technologyPrepared clean financials and systems that attracted qualified buyersThe conversation also explores leadership fatigue, succession readiness, and why adaptability will define the next five years of the transportation industry. This episode is a practical, candid look at scaling, culture, branding, and exit strategy — from someone who’s lived it. Register for the CD/NLA Vegas show March 1-3 here: https://cdnlavegas.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

    1h 2m
  8. Where The Transportation Industry Is Headed in 2026

    12/31/2025

    Where The Transportation Industry Is Headed in 2026

    Send us a text The transportation industry is at an inflection point — and operators who fail to adapt may not survive the next phase. In this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, Ken Lucci offers a candid assessment of the state of the transportation industry, cutting through noise and speculation to focus on what truly matters for operators today. Ken explores the pressures reshaping the industry — from insurance and regulatory risk to operational discipline and leadership mindset — and explains why the gap between struggling operators and strong operators continues to widen. This conversation is designed for owners and executives who want a realistic view of the road ahead and actionable perspective on how to protect profitability, reduce risk, and build lasting enterprise value. If you want an honest, experience-driven look at where the industry stands — and how to respond strategically — this episode delivers. Register for the CD/NLA Vegas show March 1-3 here: https://cdnlavegas.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

    47 min
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4.6
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Take your transportation business to the next level.  Kenneth Lucci of Driving Transactions and James Blain of PAX Training share the secrets of growing a successful and profitable ground transportation company. On this podcast, you’ll hear interviews with owners, operators, investors, and other key players in the industry. You’ll also hear plenty of banter between Ken and James. Learn how you can grow revenue, train your team, drive higher profits, and boost owner income. Subscribe today!

Information

  • Creator
    Ken Lucci & James Blain
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    75
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Ground Transportation Podcast
  • Show Website
    Ground Transportation Podcast

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