Shows
Ground Transportation PodcastHow James Limousine Grew to $4M ARR (Then Sold Successfully)Send us a textGrowing 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...
2026-01-071h 01
Ground Transportation PodcastWhere The Transportation Industry Is Headed in 2026Send us a textThe 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 wid...
2025-12-3146 min
Ground Transportation Podcast2025 Year in Review: The Conversations Shaping Ground TransportationSend us a textIn this holiday year-in-review special, Ken Lucci and James Blain reflect on the conversations, guests, and industry moments that made this past year such a pivotal one for ground transportation.From memorable origin stories and standout interviews to hard conversations about insurance pressure, safety expectations, and industry fragmentation, this episode captures the lessons operators can’t afford to ignore. The hosts revisit insights from across the podcast’s most impactful episodes, including reflections from major industry events and candid moments that reinforced why collaboration across transportation verticals is essential.This...
2025-12-2447 min
Ground Transportation PodcastFleet Insurance Rates Up 17%: The REAL Reasons Operators Are Paying More...Send us a textInsurance remains one of the most challenging and frustrating realities facing ground transportation operators today. Even companies with strong safety records are seeing double-digit premium increases, shrinking carrier options, and fewer levers to pull at renewal time.In this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, James Blain is joined by Joseph Madiedo, a second-generation transportation insurance specialist from The Professional Insurance Center, to unpack what’s really happening behind the scenes of the insurance market.Joseph explains why insurance rates continue to rise, ho...
2025-12-171h 08
Ground Transportation PodcastRobot Drivers: Safer Than Humans… or Total Chaos?Send us a textAutonomous vehicles promised safer roads, fewer accidents, and a seamless future — but the real-world footage tells a very different story. In this episode, Ken Lucci and James Blain react to a curated set of shocking, hilarious, and sometimes disturbing AV clips, including Tesla autopilot mishaps, snowy-road confusion, near-miss lane changes, and even a tragic cruise-vehicle incident.From the “cardboard-box test” debate to the ethics of the trolley problem, they break down what the technology actually sees, how it makes decisions, and why operators shouldn’t assume AI thinks anything like a human. T...
2025-12-101h 05
Ground Transportation PodcastSBA Secrets for Operators: Funding, Readiness, and What Lenders Really Look For, with Natalie BeaneSend us a textIn this episode, Ken Lucci sits down with Natalie Beane, an SBA and business-lending expert who helps small and mid-sized companies secure the capital they need to operate, grow, and survive challenging markets.Natalie breaks down how SBA loans really work, the differences between traditional banking and government-backed financing, and what transportation operators can do today to make themselves lender-ready. She explains why clean financials matter, how banks evaluate risk, the biggest reasons loan applications get denied, and the operational habits that signal stability to underwriters.Whether you're growing...
2025-12-0355 min
Ground Transportation PodcastProactive Operators Win: Safety, Business Development & Financial PlanningSend us a textIn this episode, James and Ken break down one of the most critical—and most overlooked—skills in the ground transportation industry: proactivity. Drawing from real operator examples and industry data, they explore how being proactive transforms three essential areas of your business:• Safety: Why consistency, telematics, training, and “the 72-hour rule” matter more than experience alone.• Business Development: How to break out of reactive habits, increase your sales activity, and avoid the “it worked last year” mindset.• Financial Planning: The fundamentals every operator must understand—cash position, liquidity...
2025-11-261h 04
Ground Transportation PodcastUnbreakable Path: A Story of Loss, Resilience, and the Pursuit of Greatness, with Charlie HorkySend us a textOrder the book today: https://www.amazon.com/Unbreakable-Path-Resilience-Pursuit-Greatness/dp/1967424373/Industry legend Charlie Horky returns to the podcast to celebrate the release of his new book, Unbreakable Path — a raw, fast-moving account of how he built one of the largest limousine companies in the world, lost it all, and rebuilt his life and career from the ground up.In this conversation, Charlie shares what pushed him to finally write the book, the pivotal moments that shaped his rise at CLS, the missteps that nearly ended everything, and how he fo...
2025-11-191h 04
Ground Transportation PodcastThe Kayak of Rideshare: Exploring Obi's Price Aggregation with CEO Ashwini AnburajanSend us a textWhat if booking a ride could be as simple—and transparent—as booking a flight?That question inspired Obi, the world’s first true rideshare aggregator, and the focus of this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast. Host Ken Lucci sits down with Ashwini Anburajan, CEO of Obi, to explore how the company became known as “the Kayak of Rideshare.”Ashwini shares her journey from NBC political reporter to BuzzFeed data strategist to tech CEO, and how her obsession with consumer transparency led her to Obi—a platform that compares Ube...
2025-11-1256 min
Ground Transportation Podcast2025 Industry Events Recap: Insights, Trends and Takeaways From the RoadSend us a textAfter a whirlwind season of industry events — from the Chauffeur Driven/NLA Show in Dallas, GBTA, IATR, CBA and more...Ken Lucci and James Blain circle the wagons and unpack the biggest trends shaping 2025 and beyond.In this Ground Transportation Podcast episode, they share key insights from research, analyst reports, and conversations with owners and operators across the country:The data behind a strong rebound in corporate travel, luxury hotels, and private aviationThe mounting pressure of insurance costs and what operators can do to prepareHow inflation and tariffs are reshaping ve...
2025-11-051h 07Ground Transportation PodcastWhy Your Insurance Costs Keep Rising (And What You Can Actually Do About It)Send us a textFor 14 straight years, commercial auto insurance has been unprofitable — and for operators, premiums keep climbing with no end in sight. In this hard-hitting episode, James Blain and Ken Lucci sit down with Tim Delaney, President of the Commercial Auto Division at Lancer Insurance, to unpack what’s really driving your insurance costs — and what you can do about it.Tim explains how “nuclear verdicts,” rising medical costs, and attorney-funded lawsuits have transformed the insurance landscape, why fleet owners are paying for systemic legal abuse, and how to protect your business before a claim ev...
2025-10-291h 01Ground Transportation PodcastWatch Your Six! How To Handle Chaos On The RoadSend us a textReact to the videos along with us on our YouTube pageJoin James and Ken as they explore the chaos of unpredictable driving scenarios in this lively episode. With a guest appearance from John Tyreman, the executive producer of the Ground Transportation Podcast, the team reacts to a series of dash cam videos showcasing near misses, high-speed chases, and outrageous incidents. They offer expert insights on maintaining safety, situational awareness, and emergency procedures. Learn how to handle chaotic situations on the road, keep your passengers safe, and much more. D...
2025-10-221h 03Ground Transportation PodcastThere’s No 'I' In Team: How To Work On (Not In) Your Business, With Steve FirestoneSend us a textAre 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. CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome00:25 Introduction01:36 Background04:38 Business O...
2025-10-151h 02Ground Transportation PodcastNone Of Us Are Smarter Than All Of Us: Building a Collaborative Culture, With Dr. Umut AslanSend us a textIn 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 v...
2025-10-0858 minGround Transportation PodcastA Thorn Between Two Roses: Recapping a Legacy of Growth and Expansion, With Mike & Tim RoseSend us a textWho 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.
2025-10-011h 04Ground Transportation PodcastSafety First: The Alligator Closest to the Boat, With Matt MaglioSend us a textWhich 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 th...
2025-09-241h 02Ground Transportation PodcastNetworking, Mentorship, and a Preview of CD/NLA Dallas 2025, with Chris WeissSend us a textChris 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. C...
2025-09-171h 07Ground Transportation PodcastRetire Rich: Long-Term Business Success Starts With a Financial Roadmap, with Phil ShetsenSend us a textPlan 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 Introduction06:35 B...
2025-09-1058 minGround Transportation PodcastTech on Wheels: Elevating the Service Experience with Technology, with Dr. Vojkan TasicSend us a textWelcome 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...
2025-09-0358 minGround Transportation PodcastLife After Limo: From Operator to EOS Implementer, with Mike ZapponeSend us a textGet 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.
2025-08-271h 00Ground Transportation PodcastThe Real Cost of DIY: Don't Strangle Your Growth PotentialSend us a textDo you find yourself working *in* the business, and not *on* the business?Ever feel like you're wearing too many hats?You may be suffering from DIY addiction...On this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, Ken and James discuss the hidden costs of micro-managing a business, and why systems, process, and training are so critical for the operation of transportation businesses. Learn how to find the strength to take back your time, and get back to building your business. Discover why training, outsourcing, and process d...
2025-08-2047 minGround Transportation PodcastAppetite for Disruption: A Deep-Dive into AV Market Trends with Ken LucciSend us a textWho are the biggest players in the autonomous vehicle (AV) market? Let's find out.In this exciting episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, Ken Lucci, Chief Business Analyst of Driving Transactions, shares research he has surfaced from secondary sources like Goldman Sachs, Bloomberg, and other business analysts, connecting dots for owners and operators on the verge of offering Autonomous Livery services.Ken provides compelling insights about the projected growth of AV robo-taxis, notable partnerships like Uber-Lucid-Nuro, safety concerns, regulatory hurdles, and the evolving business models that will shape the...
2025-08-1348 minGround Transportation PodcastThe Last Butlers: Redefining Executive Car Services with Paul WalshSend us a textIn this episode of the Ground Transformation Podcast, James hosts Paul from Superior Executive Transportation, based in Virginia Beach, to discuss the intricacies of providing high-end luxury car service. Paul shares his journey from the fine dining industry to establishing a distinguished chauffeured car service. They discuss topics such as the importance of maintaining high standards of luxury and reliability, overcoming the challenges of starting a business, and the value of networking within the industry. Paul also emphasizes the significance of having a consistent brand and service quality across all chauffeurs. Tune in...
2025-08-061h 01Ground Transportation PodcastAutonomous Vehicle (AV) Trends: Are Chauffeurs DOOMED?Send us a textRobo-taxis going mainstream may happen sooner than you think...In this episode of the Ground Transportation Podcast, Ken and James discuss a groundbreaking announcement regarding the latest advancements in AV (Autonomous Vehicle) technology, referencing key players like Waymo, Tesla, Lucid, and Nuro. The conversation covers the exponential growth predicted by Moore's Law, the competitive landscape, and the significant technological advancements driving the industry forward. They also highlight real-world applications and future opportunities for fleet operators, touching on topics such as the impact on the luxury transportation market and the p...
2025-07-301h 08Ground Transportation PodcastDriving the Future: Embracing Automation and AI with Magiis CEO Leonardo GannioSend us a textOn this exciting edition of the Ground Transportation Podcast host, Ken Lucci, digs into the future of the chauffeur transportation industry with special guest Leonardo from Magis. They discuss the transformative power of AI and autonomous vehicles, addressing the challenges and opportunities these innovations bring. Learn about the importance of embracing new technologies, potential roadblocks, and the need for the industry to evolve.00:00 Intro + Welcome04:24 Why Magis Came to the USA06:57 Tech Monopolies and the Future10:21 Parallels with the Electronic Security Industry12:50 Not in the Business of...
2025-07-231h 02