Missouri Start-Up Says There's Still Demand Despite Economy

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Billy Williams, owner of Billy Williams VIP Limousine Service, realized a need for limousine service in Columbia because most customers had to get their vehicles from St. Louis or Kansas City.

Company: Billy Williams VIP Limousine Service

Owner: Billy Williams

Website: The company is on www.everythingmidmo.com.

Nature of services offered: Limousine services

Opened: April 1, 2011

Hours: 24 hours, seven days a week

Costs: $95 an hour

Owner’s experience: Williams has been in the transportation business for four years. He has traveled all over the country driving groups of tourists, famous rock stars and even presidential candidates, he said.

Clientele: Mostly professional and business clients.

Origin of name: “We want to make our clientele feel like they are very important people,” Williams said.
Reason for location: Williams wanted to start in Columbia because he thought a limousine service with affordable prices and excellent service was needed. Doing market research, he said the company discovered most customers had to get their limousines from Kansas City and St. Louis. Keeping the business close helps keep costs down, he said.

Customer appeal: “I feel that my business appeals to my customers because of affordable rates and premier service,” Williams said. “Our drivers’ number one priority is the safety of their customers to and from their destination and always arriving with a smile.” He also said the company offers flat rates for baseball and football games and trips to the wineries.

Why take the plunge now? “I felt that it was time for me to jump into this endeavor,” Williams said. “Even though the economy is at a slow rise, we find that people are still getting married, going to proms and having special events.” 

Future plans: Williams said he wants to expand his fleet of limousines and expand the business toward southeast Missouri.

Source: Columbia Tribune