Ground Transportation Podcast

Ken Lucci & James Blain
  • 4,6 (10)
  • ENTREPRENARIAT
  • TOUTES LES 2 SEMAINES

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. -1 J

    There’s No 'I' In Team: How To Work On (Not In) Your Business, With Steve Firestone

    Send us a text 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: steve@firestonestrategies.com At Driving Transactions, Ken Lucci and his team offer financial analysis, KPI reviews,  for specific purposes like improving profitability, enhancing the value of the enterprise business planning and buying and selling companies. So if you have any of those needs, please give us a call or check us out at www.drivingtransactions.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 Connect with Kenneth Lucci, Principle Analyst at Driving Transactions: https://www.drivingtransactions.com/ Connect with James Blain, President at PAX Training: https://paxtraining.com/

    1 h 3 min

  2. 8 OCT.

    None Of Us Are Smarter Than All Of Us: Building a Collaborative Culture, With Dr. Umut Aslan

    Send us a text 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: Umut@growthandsuccessinstitute.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/umut-aslan Growth and Success Institute: https://growthandsuccessinstitute.com/ At Driving Transactions, Ken Lucci and his team offer financial analysis, KPI reviews,  for specific purposes like improving profitability, enhancing the value of the enterprise business planning and buying and selling companies. So if you have any of those needs, please give us a call or check us out at www.drivingtransactions.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 Connect with Kenneth Lucci, Principle Analyst at Driving Transactions: https://www.drivingtransactions.com/ Connect with James Blain, President at PAX Training: https://paxtraining.com/

    58 min

  3. 1 OCT.

    A Thorn Between Two Roses: Recapping a Legacy of Growth and Expansion, With Mike & Tim Rose

    Send us a text 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: mike.rose@mylimo.com Tim Rose: trose@dolphintransportation.com At Driving Transactions, Ken Lucci and his team offer financial analysis, KPI reviews,  for specific purposes like improving profitability, enhancing the value of the enterprise business planning and buying and selling companies. So if you have any of those needs, please give us a call or check us out at www.drivingtransactions.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 Connect with Kenneth Lucci, Principle Analyst at Driving Transactions: https://www.drivingtransactions.com/ Connect with James Blain, President at PAX Training: https://paxtraining.com/

    1 h 5 min

  4. 24 SEPT.

    Safety First: The Alligator Closest to the Boat, With Matt Maglio

    Send us a text 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/ At Driving Transactions, Ken Lucci and his team offer financial analysis, KPI reviews,  for specific purposes like improving profitability, enhancing the value of the enterprise business planning and buying and selling companies. So if you have any of those needs, please give us a call or check us out at www.drivingtransactions.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 Connect with Kenneth Lucci, Principle Analyst at Driving Transactions: https://www.drivingtransactions.com/ Connect with James Blain, President at PAX Training: https://paxtraining.com/

    1 h 2 min

  5. 17 SEPT.

    Networking, Mentorship, and a Preview of CD/NLA Dallas 2025, with Chris Weiss

    Send us a text 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/ At Driving Transactions, Ken Lucci and his team offer financial analysis, KPI reviews,  for specific purposes like improving profitability, enhancing the value of the enterprise business planning and buying and selling companies. So if you have any of those needs, please give us a call or check us out at www.drivingtransactions.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 Connect with Kenneth Lucci, Principle Analyst at Driving Transactions: https://www.drivingtransactions.com/ Connect with James Blain, President at PAX Training: https://paxtraining.com/

    1 h 8 min

  6. 10 SEPT.

    Retire Rich: Long-Term Business Success Starts With a Financial Roadmap, with Phil Shetsen

    Send us a text Plan for your exit the right way. In this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, Ken Lucci sits down with Phil Shetsen, President of Bona Vita Benefits, who shares some common financial planning mistakes made by transportation operators. Phil emphasizes the importance of life insurance, benefits, and retirement planning. He shares his personal and professional journey, the mission to help others avoid financial pitfalls, and offers insights into creating robust benefits plans, tax strategies, and fostering long-term company growth by retaining top talent.  CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction 06:35 Background 13:07 Life Insurance 18:59 Asset Sales 20:35 Specialized Products 25:26 PEOs 33:34 401Ks 39:43 Find The Right Clients 43:44 Tax Strategies Connect with Phil on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pshetsen/ Visit Bona Vita Website: https://www.bvbenefits.com/ NLA: https://www.limo.org/ At Driving Transactions, Ken Lucci and his team offer financial analysis, KPI reviews,  for specific purposes like improving profitability, enhancing the value of the enterprise business planning and buying and selling companies. So if you have any of those needs, please give us a call or check us out at www.drivingtransactions.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 Connect with Kenneth Lucci, Principle Analyst at Driving Transactions: https://www.drivingtransactions.com/ Connect with James Blain, President at PAX Training: https://paxtraining.com/

    59 min

  7. 3 SEPT.

    Tech on Wheels: Elevating the Service Experience with Technology, with Dr. Vojkan Tasic

    Send us a text Welcome to another exciting episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast. Host James Blain discusses the future of the global chauffeur industry with Dr. Vojkan Tasic, founder and CEO of Limos4. Vojkan shares his journey from an engineering background to revolutionizing the limo business, focusing on building a booking platform, the significance of quality assurance, and the strategic expansion of his company. The conversation dives into the critical differences between the US and European executive transportation markets, the impact of AI and autonomous vehicles in the industry, and best practices for leveraging technology to stay ahead.  CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction & Background 05:40 What Makes a Successful Platform 08:15 The Big Difference Between Europe and the US 18:10 How Rideshare Effected the European Market 23:49 Chauffered Means More Than Just a Vehicle 28:35 Finding Affiliates that Meet Your Standards 37:08 Ideal Clients & The Secret Sauce 41:53 What does the Future Hold 47:39 Biggest Opportunity in the Industry Today Connect with Vojkan Tasic on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vojkantasic/ Visit Limos4 Website: https://www.limos4.com/ At Driving Transactions, Ken Lucci and his team offer financial analysis, KPI reviews,  for specific purposes like improving profitability, enhancing the value of the enterprise business planning and buying and selling companies. So if you have any of those needs, please give us a call or check us out at www.drivingtransactions.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 Connect with Kenneth Lucci, Principle Analyst at Driving Transactions: https://www.drivingtransactions.com/ Connect with James Blain, President at PAX Training: https://paxtraining.com/

    59 min

  8. 27 AOÛT

    Life After Limo: From Operator to EOS Implementer, with Mike Zappone

    Send us a text Get a grip on your transportation business with EOS. In this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, Ken Lucci introduces EOS professional implementer Mike Zappone, who shares his journey from limo operator to a professional implementer of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS).  Discover Mike’s journey from selling his transportation business to becoming an EOS implementer, and learn how you can elevate your business, align your team, and achieve sustainable growth. Learn the key principles of EOS and how they can transform your company into a well-oiled machine. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro 01:24 Background 02:05 Leros 05:16 Struggles with Retirement 05:47 EOS 22:00 The People Analyzer 27:23 The EOS End Product 30:54 What About Toxic People? 35:22 Is This the Best Use of Your Time? 37:52 Delegate and Elevate 40:01 The Biggest Objection to EOS 42:28 Core Values 46:33 The Matrix 47:42 Why Small Businesses Fail 48:54 The Accountability Chart 52:40 Bobby Bellagambia and Focus 56:21 Ken's Dancing With the Stars Story Links: Traction by Gino Wickman: https://www.eosworldwide.com/traction-book Mike’s EOS Webpage: https://www.eosworldwide.com/mike-zappone Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelzappone/ Email Mike: mike.zappone@eosworldwide.com At Driving Transactions, Ken Lucci and his team offer financial analysis, KPI reviews,  for specific purposes like improving profitability, enhancing the value of the enterprise business planning and buying and selling companies. So if you have any of those needs, please give us a call or check us out at www.drivingtransactions.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 Connect with Kenneth Lucci, Principle Analyst at Driving Transactions: https://www.drivingtransactions.com/ Connect with James Blain, President at PAX Training: https://paxtraining.com/

    1 h
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À propos

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!

Informations

  • Création
    Ken Lucci & James Blain
  • Années d’activité
    2024 - 2025
  • Épisodes
    57
  • Classification
    Contenu explicite
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Ground Transportation Podcast
  • Site web de l’émission
    Ground Transportation Podcast

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