OIperator Profile: Michael Carlson, Marc Sievers and Steven Carlson, Universal Limousine and Sedan Service (Sacramento & San Jose, CA)

In Business: 4 years

Fleet: 7 stretches, 5 sedans, 1 Suburban limousine, 2 vans, and 1 coach

Employees: 19 chauffeurs and 5 office staff

Keys for Success: “We struggled our first year. We were then referred to Michael Trusio at Krystal Enterprises. He educated us on the importance of our job. He taught us about focusing on being a professional transportation company. In March 1996, we bought our first new limousine from Krystal. Since then we have purchased six more. The coachbuilder has provided support and helped us expand with an excellent line of livery vehicles. Michael started us on the road to professionalism that we have continued to embrace. Our company has opened a new satellite office in San Jose/San Francisco where we also emphasize superior service.”

Company’s Role in Improving the Limousine Industry: “We report industry related criminal activities to appropriate law enforcement agencies. With the help of law enforcement, we improve the standards and public image of the industry by weeding out those who are a detriment to it. We are starting a local limousine association in Sacramento so that we can accomplish these and other objectives.”

Chauffeur Management: “We hire chauffeurs with a minimum of three years of experience. We recruit good people and provide a working environment and a level of pay commensurate with their worth to the company. We recognize that our employees are our most valuable asset. We, as owners, work diligently to secure their financial well-being, not just our own.”

Universal’s Objectives: “For our corporate clients, our objectives are to provide safe, reliable, and comfortable transportation that helps them perform their business duties by eliminating the hassles of transportation. For our leisure clients, our objectives are to provide safe, reliable, and comfortable transportation, with attentive service, which allows our clients to relax and enjoy their leisure time.”