Ground Transportation Podcast

Ground Transportation Podcast

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!

Episodes

July 2, 2025 67 mins

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In this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, host Ken Lucci from Driving Transactions sits down with sales industry icon Julie Thomas, author of 'The Power of Value Selling: The Gold Standard for Driving Revenue and Creating Customers for Life.' 

Explore the principles of value selling and learn how to differentiate your services by focusing on the unique needs of your customers rather than...

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In this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, James Blain and Ken Lucci discuss the crucial role airport transfers play in the chauffeured transportation industry. They emphasize the importance of retaining airport transfer services to attract corporate clients and explore strategies to deepen relationships with existing clients. 

Ken and James share valuable insights into targeting wealthy zip codes, leveragin...

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In this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, James Blain talks with Phelps Hopes, the President of the International Motor Coach Group (IMG). They discuss everything from Phelps’ fascinating background and journey to becoming the president of IMG, to the innovative approaches and strategic vision driving the group forward. Learn about the history and evolution of the industry, the emphasis on operational exce...

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In this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, Joey Mills, CEO of Olympus Car & Coach join James and Ken to share his journey from the corporate world to acquiring and growing Olympus Car and Coach. In this conversation, the group discusses the challenges and strategies unique to the motorcoach industry, like diversifying revenue streams, the importance of meticulous planning, and the pivotal role of driver...

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In this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, James Blain and Ken Lucci explore the pitfalls of chasing volume in the transportation industry. They discuss why focusing on low prices and high volume can be detrimental to your business, potentially leading to financial distress and poor customer loyalty. They emphasize the importance of knowing your worth, setting the right pricing, and prioritizing quality ove...

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On this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, Michelle Petelicki, Board Member of the UMA and President of Panorama Tours, Inc. shares her unique journey into the family-owned ground transportation business, her growth into a leadership role, and her insights on industry challenges and opportunities. From discussing the impact of regulations and compliance to the importance of mentorship and industry involveme...

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In this episode of the Crown Transportation Podcast, Ken Lucci and James Blain are joined by Arthur and Drew Messina from Create-A-Card. They discuss the essential marketing strategies for the ground transportation industry. 

The conversation highlights the role of business cards, postcards, and innovative swag items in cultivating relationships and growing businesses. They also address the relevance of modern tools li...

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Learn more about The Transportation Alliance (TTA): https://www.thetransportationalliance.org/ 

Welcome to a special edition of the Ground Transportation Podcast filmed at the Phoenix Hotel in Washington, D.C. James Blain and Dan Reid, President of The Transportation Alliance, discuss their experiences at the National Limousine Association event and the legislative fly-in for The Transportation Alliance. 

The ...

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In this solo episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, Ken dives deep into the myths and misconceptions surrounding the valuation and sale of transportation businesses. With insights from over 270 companies and 100+ transactions since 2018, Ken discusses:

  • The vital metrics, processes, and preparations needed to create a sellable business 
  • The difference between a lifestyle businesses a real transportation compan...
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In this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, Ken Lucci and James Blain chat with Eric Coolbaugh from Advantage Remarketing, discussing the evolution of his business and its impact on the transportation industry. In this episode, you’ll hear:

  • Eric’s journey in the transportation industry from furloughed to flourishing
  • What do look for in your first motorcoach purchase
  • Major vehicle trends over the past three ...
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Learn more about the Driving Financial Success Program:
https://drivingtransactions.com/programs-courses/driving-financial-success/

In this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, James and Ken discuss the importance of understanding and accurately structuring pricing in the ground transportation industry. They explore the critical nature of knowing one's cost structure. This way, operators can...

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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 ...
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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 i...
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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 tran...
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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 ...
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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 B...

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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 esta...
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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 E...
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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 a...
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🚨 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 bu...

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