
New Jersey Operator Is Small But Mighty
eNews Exclusive: Industry newcomer Megan Sheehy has some wise words for operations of all sizes.
![]() |
Break Tradition
The company has adapted its cancellation policy from 24 hours to three after they found the 24-hour policy kept many repeat customers from booking their return rides. “We’ve washed our hands of any penalty unless we have to bend over backwards to be somewhere. It’s kind of a thing of the past; you have to just roll with the punches now,” Pippett says.
In keeping with the theme of staying relevant in this tech-based world, the business has also rolled out a customer app similar to Uber in the way it looks and feels. They used to get multiple bookings in advance anywhere from two weeks to a month out, but now most reservations come within 48 hours.
“We actually book about 40% of our daily trips when someone calls and asks ‘how fast can you be here?’” he explains. They’ve since expanded their number of dispatchers to keep up.
They’ve also found value in conducting online surveys via email and text to find out from customers if they are meeting their needs. This in turn helps in chauffeur training. “A lot of it involves trying to predetermine what a guest’s needs are. For instance, if we know it’s going to be a family trip, we’ll have a car seat installed and a movie playing. It’s important to do a little homework and really get to know the client.”
Unique Area = Unique Staff
In the Vail and Aspen areas, where the company primarily serves, clients are mostly people who come to ski or snowboard in the winter. “We’re lucky to be in an area where there are a lot of extremely overqualified people who decide to work for us,” Pippett says.
B-Line hires newly graduated students who cannot find a job in their fields of study, as well as doctors, lawyers, and other professionals who have had previous careers and are now looking for a part-time job to make some extra money in retirement.
![]() |
Your heart and soul have to go into mentoring and training your staff because a company is only as good as its lowest employee on the totem pole, Pippett says. They offer continuous training, because “you can’t just hire someone, give them only two weeks of your time, and figure they are good for the rest of their career. There are always bits and pieces you can pick up on to do your job a little better.”
The business runs 16 vehicles which they turn over every two years, including AWD Chrysler 300 sedans, Yukon Denali SUVs, and custom-built executive Sprinters that include coach seating, satellite TV, DVD players, and other amenities that make the five hour trip to Denver a little more bearable. B-Line predominantly deals with families and leisure travelers during the winter, and summer brings a mix of everything, including business travelers.
Learning & Growing
Pippett and business partner Chris Bookidis started B-Line in 2007, and previously worked in unrelated industries. Bookidis was in fine dining and construction sales, and Pippett was a golf professional. Pippett became a jack-of-all-trades during the winter months, and eventually ended up working in the hotel and transportation world. After a while, he decided to jump in and buy a couple of vehicles. The company has since grown about 30 to 40% every year.
The business is working on establishing a worldwide platform of affiliates so they can deliver the same service as they do in Colorado worldwide. They’d like to be able to provide chauffeured transportation for their clients not only in Vail and Aspen, but also in the home markets they are returning to.
Related Topics: business travel, chauffeur training, Colorado operators, corporate travel, customer service, mobile technology, staff training, WebXclusive
eNews Exclusive: Industry newcomer Megan Sheehy has some wise words for operations of all sizes.
Public safety, fair labor, and stricter enforcement define this year’s legislative agenda for the Greater California Livery Association.
Was the reaction too harsh? Or an important part of what is supposed to set luxury transportation providers apart from TNC drivers?
The National Transportation Safety Board says all aspects of the accident still remain under investigation.
FEB. LCT: Create a consistent message to dangle your brand and service in front of current and potential clients.
FEB. LCT: Corporate Coach Charter started three decades ago running buses with an approach full of potential.
FEB. LCT: Limo University Founder Bill Faeth spoke to Angela Layton about what it takes for operators to attract her attention.
FEB. LCT: Dee Patel, general manager of the only five-diamond hotel in Tennessee, shared insider information on how to score business with similar properties.
An integration between GRiDD Technologies' GNet and Limo Anywhere's DANet expands the reach and pool of luxury fleet vehicles.
LCT Publisher Sara Eastwood-Richardson and Dav El/BostonCoach CEO and NLA leader Scott Solombrino gave a state of the industry presentation Jan. 21, 2019 at Limo University's LABLive conference in Nashville, Tenn.
If you’re running luxury transportation, you need to develop more client segments and up your service game.
Uber and Lyft sent statements saying they are working with the aviation department on a fix.
A New York Department of Transportation official says a ban on stretches and the power to seize plates will help DOT enforcement.
Coaches can rightly position themselves as an efficient alternative to flying or driving yourself.
eNews Exclusive: Natalie Brown has grown significantly over the years and has proudly served her company by enhancing its business relationships.
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: