TLPA

TLPA 2008 OPERATORS & DRIVERS OF THE YEAR

by HAL MORGAN, TLPA DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

One of the highlights of TLPA’s Annual Convention and Trade Show, the 90th Annual Convention and Trade Show in Tampa, Florida, October 26-29, 2008, is the introduction of the Operators and Drivers of the Year. Three of the awardees have New York connections. See the following:

TLPA Limousine & Sedan Operator of the Year

David Eckstein, President and Founding Partner of Valera Global, Long Island City, New York

David Eckstein, President and Founding Partner of Valera Global, Long Island City, New York, has been selected as the TLPA Limousine & Sedan Operator of the Year for 2008. Along with his wife and another couple, David started Valera Global, then Computer Car, in 1987 and the company has grown to new heights ever since.

David grew up in Queens, New York, and attended Long Island University in downtown Brooklyn. He paid his way through school by driving a taxi and succeeded in receiving his Bachelor of Science in Integrated Information Systems. Not long after graduating David began his lifelong career in the transportation industry as a proprietor of Osborne Taxi Corporation, a mini fleet medallion taxi company. Through his seven years at Osborne David gained valuable experience about the transportation industry. He obtained skills and knowledge from an insider’s perspective that contributed to his later success in the industry.

Immediately after starting Osborne Taxi Corporation, David joined a two-way radio taxi cooperative company, Communicar. At Communicar, David recognized a need to move from the manual dispatch system to a more efficient computerized dispatch system. He was able to apply his knowledge of information systems and experience in the transportation industry to create one of the first computerized dispatch systems. This computerized system allowed for more efficient communications between dispatch and the driver and allowed the company to increase overall revenue. The Aleph dispatch system is currently the largest and most used system for the vehicle transportation market in the entire NYC Metro area.

David was soon elected to Treasurer of Communicar. In this position he was able to head the research and development of new technology. David’s contributions propelled Communicar in the transportation industry and refocused the company from a yellow taxi service to a corporate car/black car service. Soon, with David’s leadership,n Communicar was able to purchase Corporate Car further expanding their reach into the corporate car/black car service industry. At Corporate Car David was asked to lead the company as President and to oversee the company’s sales and finance divisions as well as both Communicar and Corporate Car’s IT and communications systems.

In 1986, David’s idea was to start from scratch and build a great business foundation to attract and keep good,20honest, hard working partners, managers, employees, chauffeurs and clients. David was able to pull a great team together by convincing Naomi, his loving wife, Rod Barfield, former colleague at Communicar/Corporate Car, and Rod’s wife, Dee, to join in this new venture, Computer Car. Pride in ownership, the development of better management tools and maintaining high levels of morale were the foundations that drove Computer Car and their employees. Morale was always the most important goal and their best selling tool. The company has consistently shown that good steady controlled growth is the best way to move forward while consistently achieving improved levels of service.

Within two years, Computer Car was acknowledged by The Concierge Guide to New York as the best travel provider in the city. By 1997, Computer Car moved to a multimillion dollar facility in Long Island City, New York. Following the move, Computer Car perfected their rigorous chauffeur training program which has become a trademark of their business. The company also expanded its service offerings adding guaranteed and personal chauffeur services, and expanded its fleet through the introduction of specialty vehicles and luxury brands.

Computer Car continued to grow through their network of partners across the United States and soon began to offer international service. This expansion, along with an increase in luxury and executive clients, led to a rebranding of the company creating Valera Global. Robert Mackasek was Computer Car’s general legal council since operations began in 1987 and finally joining the company in 2005 as CEO with the original founders still playing an active role in the company.

As President, David has been able to further develop their affiliate base creating a stronger presence for Valera across the nation as well as into Canada, Asia and Europe. David has also been able to flex his muscles in the integrated information systems arena by developing another new dispatch system along the way. In 1987, the new start up Computer Car couldn't’t afford the cost of the Aleph dispatch systems. David proceeded to search for programmers to develop from scratch the next big computer aided dispatch system which is now known in the industry as the Odyssey dispatch software program from GT3. In addition to Valera Global, where the Odyssey program still runs all dispatch services, hundreds of other transportations companies throughout North America currently use it to meet their dispatching needs.

When aked about his philosophy for ensuring a successful executive transportation company David acknowledges the need for initial and consistent follow-up training along with constant communication and morale incentives.

A diversified client base with small to mid size but higher level accounts help Valera from becoming too focused on one target clientele. Venturing into new markets and continually researching possible affiliates also keeps Valera front and center in the industry. Of course, client expectations are high on the list of priorities for David and Valera so it is important to experience first hand each transportation company that might become part of the Valera group.

David attributes much of his and Valera’s success to two things: keeping an open mind and learning from everyone you make contact with. “Always keep an open mind, especially when meeting new people,” said David. “You can always learn from your peers, but it’s not only what you know, it’s what you do with what you know.” During his career in the transportation industry, David has experienced many changes. “There has been an obvious upgrade in service offerings but, at the same time, a downsizing of stretch limousines. More and more people are becoming acutely aware of offering luxury through attention to detail and service not just through the size of the vehicle,” David said.

David joined the TLPA in 1984 as a way to immerse himself in the transportation industry and learn from his peers. “The more you learn the more options you have to make the right decision and do the right thing,” said David. “The TLPA has been a great resource for me through the years, especially when I started my own business. Having a set network of people already in the industry to turn to with questions has been invaluable and I take pride in being recognized by such an outstanding organization.”

TLPA 2008 Limousine & Sedan Chauffeur of the Year.

Charles Kabbani, Chauffer, Owner/Operator, Vital Transportation, Inc., Long Island City, New York

Charles Kabbani, Chauffeur, Vital Transportation, Inc, Long Island City, New York, has been selected as the TLPA 2008 Limousine & Sedan Chauffeur of the Year.

Charles Kabbani, Owner/Operator for Vital Transportation, was born in Brooklyn, New York and moved to Staten Island in 2000 where he presently resides. After driving for Brighton Beach Car service, Charles joined Vital Transportation in 1985.

Berj Haroutunian, President of Vital Transportation stated, “Throughout his career at Vital, Charlie has served on various committees in the company. Charlie has a true love for the job and gives one hundred percent to every assignment he goes on. Charlie has gone above and beyond the call of duty and is a true inspiration to the over 500 other drivers in Vital.” He is also a true hero.

On August 23, 2007 he saved the life of a passenger. The woman was picked up at the World Financial Center and was on her way to Grand Central Station when she began to have a seizure. “When she got in the car she said she didn’t feel well,” Charlie said. “We were driving for a while having a conversation when she suddenly stopped talking. I looked back to make sure she was alright and saw that her eyes were rolling up into her head and she was convulsing.” Thinking quickly, Charlie pulled his Town Car to the side of the road and placed a 12 inch ruler in her mouth to prevent her from swallowing her tongue and choking to death as he rushed her to an emergency room.

Charlie says, “I remained in the waiting area until her husband arrived, and later met with the emergency room doctor who told me that, if it weren't’t for my quick thinking, she would have suffocated.” For his heroic act Charlie was presented the “Driver of the Year” award from New York City Taxi and Limousine Commissioner Matthew Daus, the first Black Car driver to receive this coveted award.

Charlie has been a professional chauffeur for more than 20 years and he said that he had a similar experience with a passenger 20 years ago. He saved that person’s life as well and learned a valuable lesson: never stick your fingers in the mouth of a person having a seizure. “I still have scars from the last time when I got bitten,” he says. “I was just lucky to have the ruler right on the seat next to me this time.”

We asked Charlie what he enjoyed about driving a limousine. He responded, “The thing I love most about driving a limousine is getting to meet lots of different people. I get to travel all over the northeast and have seen some beautiful homes,” he said.

“Driving for Vital is truly a rewarding experience; the staff and management are extremely friendly and helpful. Being that Vital is among the most prestigious and successful limousine companies in New York, they're constantly busy with quality work that affords me the opportunity to earn a good living.”

He said, “I've seen many changes in the "Black Car Industry" such as the way drivers communicate with dispatchers. Twenty years ago we used two-way radios. Now we receive assignments through a computer and we can also process credit card rides in the car as well.

Also, the introduction of hybrid vehicles is good for the environment and saves drivers money on gas.” Right now Charlie drives his Lincoln Town Car which is kept in immaculate condition, but Charlie says that he plans to purchase a brand new hybrid vehicle by next year to do his part in reducing carbon emissions. “There are several cars to choose from, however, the vehicle I will most likely purchase is the Toyota Camry Hybrid. “

We asked Charlie what qualities did he think a good chauffeur must possess. He said, “In my opinion, a good chauffeur has a positive attitude, knows where he is going, will get out and open the door and can communicate well with the customer. It’s also very important to keep your car running and looking like new all the time.

Customers appreciate traveling in a clean car that rides like new.” Charlie stated, “I am very much honored to receive this award. When I heard that I was this year’s TLPA Limousine & Sedan Chauffeur of the Year I was thrilled to see that my commitment to service and professionalism has paid off. Last year I received a driver of the year award within my company and in April of this year I received the first ever "TLC’S (New York City Taxi Limousine Commission) Driver of the Year" award presented to a Black Car driver.”

TLPA 2008 Large Fleet Taxicab Operator of the Year

Simon Garber, President, Chicago Carriage Cab Royal, Chicago Illinois and Owner, SLS Yellow Jet Cab, Queens, New York

Simon V. Garber, President, Chicago Carriage Cab/Royal 3 CCC, Chicago, Illinois, has been chosen as the TLPA 2008 Large Fleet Taxicab Operator of the Year. Mr. Garber is also the owner of SLS Yellow Jet Cab in New York City. Simon was born in Odessa, Russia, in 1965. In 1977, in order to escape Soviet oppression of Jews, his family moved to New York City.

With just $300 in savings to support a family of five, the Garber’s moved into subsidized housing while his father, a sheet metal worker, and his mother, a nurse, sought out work. Simon was educated on a full scholarship at a Jewish school run by the Lubavitch movement which has a program that provides education and integration for Russian Jews.

As a student of business and economics at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey, Simon drove taxicabs at night to support his education. In 1984, at age 19, with money borrowed from his mother Zhanna, Simon began his own cab company with two leased meda lions. Simon’s mother is still an investor in his company. His father, Vladimir, worked for the company as general manager from 1987 until his retirement. His brother-in-law, Edward Sheinin, is general manager of the Chicago operation.

Simon’s New York SLS Yellow Jet Cab has more than 300 taxicabs and is one of the city’s largest independent operators. Throughout his lengthy taxi management career, Simon has experienced every facet of the taxi industry; from cleaning and driving cabs to working as a dispatch operator, an accounts manager, and sales director. In 2003, he invested over $18 million dollars to purchase 300 taxi medallions for his newly formed Chicago Carriage Cab Company. CCC/Royal 3 CCC’s taxi fleet currently has 850 taxi medallions and over 1,200 drivers.

We asked Simon what made his company stand out from others. He responded, “Chicago Carriage Cab has 220,000 square feet of garage and office space. We maintain a large staff including maintenance, dispatch and management to support our 1200 drivers and keep our 850 vehicles in top shape to benefit drivers and passengers alike.

Our management style is exceptionally hands on and we anticipate problems and consider solutions before they occur. We are dedicated to the welfare of every individual driver and work behind the scenes and up front to offer quality leadership. This sets a tone and leads to quality service to passengers.”

Simon defines his management philosophy as follows: “We launched Chicago Carriage Cab on June 19, 2003. Mayor Daley spoke at our opening ceremony and acknowledged us for raising the bar on taxi service in the Windy City while challenging us to be ambassadors of good will for visitors to Chicago. We are committed to fulfilling the Mayor’s mission for us! I believe that a quality fleet begins with management, staff and garage support dedicated to efficiency and establishing the best possible working conditions. If every driver from full time to part time is treated with respect they will be encouraged to treat passengers with respect as well.”

Simon’s goal is to continue to expand in Chicago and then to replicate the success of the Chicago model in two other major cities in the next five years. He states, “I am privileged to be part of an important service industry that rewards creativity and hard work, and encourages continuing growth and development. One benefit of my involvement as a cab company owner is the chance to extend opportunity to drivers who may be newcomers to this country—just as I once was. I watch them advance, and it strengthens my resolve to help our industry remain strong and to continue to emphasize its many positive accomplishments.”

Simon is very active in community and civic affairs. His involvement has included joint programs in seat belt usage with the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, sponsorship of the regional championship games of the U.S. Quad Rugby Association and support of the AFTER SCHOOL MATTERS, one of the largest programs of its kind for teens in the United States. He was appointed by Mayor Daley to the Board of Directors of ITN, the Independent Transportation Network, a program offering low cost rides for seniors.

Simon’s reaction to being selected as the TLPA Taxicab Large Fleet Operator of the Year was as follows: “I am truly honored and assure you I will always hold high the standards of our organization. This award you have bestowed upon me is the jewel in the crown of my life and it means more to me than you can imagine. I recently became a member of TLPA and am very impressed with its high standards and commitment to excellence moving forward. I anticipate serving on various committees and applying my experience and energy to the success of the organization. As the 2008 Large Fleet Taxicab Operator of the Year, I feel a special obligation to contribute and to show leadership where I can be of service.”

As you read this article, there is still time to register to attend the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association's 90th Annual Convention and Trade Show in Tampa, Florida, Octo ber 26-29. The meeting will get underway with the Annual Gateway Insurance Golf Tournament to benefit the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Foundation which will be held on Sunday, October 26 at Tournament Players Club (TPC) course of Tampa. It will end with the closing night banquet on Wednesday evening, October 29.

The evening features an open bar, a wonderful meal, the Operator of the Year Awards, entertainment and the silent auction to benefit TLPA's legislative arm, the TLPA Action Fund.

For registration and hotel information, visit TLPA’s web site at http://www.tlpa.org/meetings/08annual_convention.cfm.

Also, it is not too early to put the 2009 TLPA Spring Conference & Expo, which will be held at the Grand Hyatt New York, March 25-28, 2009 on your calendars.

Hal Morgan, TLPA Executive Vice President, submitted this article.

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