
Political Shuttles Carry Revenues, Hassles
It stands to reason serving both the red and blue political contingents should add up to green. If only it were that easy.
![]() |
Smart Moves
There are benefits to not getting too big too soon. “We’ve done very well establishing ourselves as one of the premium brands,” Glick says. “We’re still a boutique builder and we didn’t over expand.” This is why the company has been doing so well in a Sprinter market that has peaked and is slowing down.
Location: Springfield, Mo.
Service: Coachbuilder and upfitter of Sprinter Vans, SUVs and limo buses
Founder: Jay Glick, CEO
Founded: June 2013
Employees: 25
Website: www.firstclasscustomsinc.com
Contact: (417) 832-0751, Toll-free (800) 862-6899
“Some companies rode the boom up and increased their capacity and production, and since the market is on the decline due to the upcoming presidential election and the impact of the TNCs, I think people are holding back a little bit,” he explains. “We have some of the best corporate customers in the industry, and I think they are regrouping and trying to find some of the new ways to implement technology to help reduce the effects of disruption in the industry.”
Because the company stayed small, it could sell directly to customers and not through dealers. “That was the golden ticket,” Glick says. “All of the other builders that were using dealers for their distribution of Sprinters weren’t doing as well.”
The dealer model didn’t work anymore because the markup between the manufacturing side and the retail customer got to the point where it shrank because of increased competition, Glick says. It was a smart move to stay independent of all of this. “The fact we didn’t get caught up in that is proving quite well for us. Our staying power is because of our reputation and customer service. That’s what is getting us through any change in the market.”
Be There
One of the reasons clients keep returning and recommending others use First Class Customs is because of customer service, Glick says. The company was born in the digital age, and this has allowed Glick to make good use of sites like Facebook. “Our customers are our best salespeople. The positive feedback we’ve seen on social media is just wonderful.”
Glick makes himself accessible to clients by giving them his personal cell phone number, which means he can share expertise 24/7. He also constantly checks his messages on Facebook. “That has made us unique right from the jump and continues to this day to keep us in a league of our own.”
![]() |
Why A Sprinter?
One reason many operators prefer the Sprinter is because fewer limo vehicles are available for stretching than ever before, Glick says. “The platform itself is not modified, so from a liability and safety standpoint, you’re not talking about a vehicle that has been cut in half and welded back together. It’s solid and well-engineered, and has so many uses leading to wider client acceptance.”
Corporate business travelers and high-end private customers have made it the platform for retail and business, he says. Glick, who also runs a retail limousine service in New Jersey, says his Sprinter generated more revenue than any stretch in his fleet last year. His customers like it because they can walk on and off easily, and chauffeurs have more range to maneuver than with the larger stretch limos.
“The six passenger limo is officially dead unless you are in the funeral business,” Glick says. “The Sprinter draws more customers and has more capacity which brings down your cost per person.” The company has met all criteria for the Master Sprinter upfitter designation from Mercedes-Benz, and awaits its official certificate.
And the biggest selling point? “You can’t Uber a Sprinter.”
Related Topics: coachbuilders, First Class Customs, industry vendors, Jay Glick, Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter, upfitters
It stands to reason serving both the red and blue political contingents should add up to green. If only it were that easy.
Global Charter Services Inc. (GCS) is offering online booking for group travel on motorcoaches, minibuses, vans, and school buses.
Limo Livery has added premium luxury, electric, and ADA vehicles.
eNews Exclusive: JC Yancy and team are providing wheelchair accessible transportation to make a difference in their community.
Charging times require precise planning of route lengths, fleet usage, and daily turnover to max ROI on fixed routes and one-off trips.
Be careful how your company presents and implements a “Zero Tolerance” policy.
The company and its rivals disrupted ground transport, riding on a lack of regulation. Now, regulators are closing in.
Anyone driving a lot on the roads this Thanksgiving week, such as chauffeurs, would want to know this.
Follow this checklist and you’ll be drawing in and picking out the promising from underwhelming candidates in no time.
While the official deadline for submissions is Dec. 13, don't wait until the last minute to send in yours.
In a recent survey of almost 1,000 Uber and Lyft drivers, it turns out more money doesn't equal happiness.
eNews Exclusive: Operator Vicki Shafer has been through a lot but never shied away from taking on a leadership role in her company and the industry.
NOV/DEC. LCT: By having a management plan and proper driver training, you can protect them, your passengers, and your company’s reputation.
The major milestone fits bus maker BYD's green dream to bring cutting-edge zero-emission technologies to communities and private enterprises.
Operators venturing into this challenging market work extra hard for some of the best rewards in luxury ground transportation.
The world's No. 1 online marketplace and trader for professional chauffeured and chartered vehicles, including all types of motorcoaches, buses, vans, stretch limousines, sedans, SUVs, exotics, and classics. New and used vehicles are available from sellers across the nation.
The best online networker to find quality affiliates worldwide and market your company.
Click on any state to see the latest industry news and events in that region.
Get the latest news and most popular articles from LCT delivered straight to your inbox.
Current newsletters:
Smart Ass
| about 4 years agoYou cannot Uber a Sprinter, YET...