PDF - Mears Transportation

Transcription

PDF - Mears Transportation
September - October 2013
Continued on page 12
Volume 17
Issue 5
EMPLOYEE NEWS
WELCOME ABOARD
Meredith Bonnett has joined Hello! Arizona as the new Sales
Coordinator on Rachel Bell’s team. Meredith has an Art History
and Museum Studies degree from Arizona State and an M.A.
degree in Art Business from Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London.
After working for an events company in London on an inaugural art fair, she fell in love with working in the events industry.
Welcome, Meredith.
The Hello! Arizona Operations Team welcomes Holly Brown
as Account Manager. Having experience in event production,
Holly knows how to pull it all together. Also invaluable will be
her background as the Director of Marketing for two large area
shopping and dining complexes, where she was responsible
for organizing everything on the center events calendar. This
ASU graduate is sure to be a spectacular addition to the Hello!
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Hello! Arizona is pleased to welcome Jessica Crowley as
Account Manager1LZZPJHJHTLVUIVHYKPU1\ULHUKOHZÄ[PU
amazingly! With a background as an attorney, a day named after
her in her home town, and experience working in Conference
Services for one of Scottsdale’s preeminent hotels we are lucky to
OH]LOLY>LHYLJVUÄKLU[[OH[ZOL^PSSWYV]L[VILHUPUJYLKPISL
addition to the Operations Department.
Please join in welcoming Lindsey Fulkerson to Hello! Arizona as
a Sales Coordinator. Lindsey graduated from ASU this past May
with an emphasis in Special Events. She has been working for
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then as a promotions assistant. Additional experience includes an
internship with a Wedding and Events company in 2012. We are
excited for her to be joining our team, and she will be Brianna’s
sales coordinator.
2
ON THE MOVE
Sandy Esteves has been promoted to Operations Manager, Shuttle
Division. In addition to her eleven years with Walt Disney World
transportation, Sandy has six years of experience with Mears in our
Motor Coach Division. Sandy spent her last three years as a Driver
Manager, and has also spent time as a Motor Coach Operator, Cashier, Dispatcher and Manager on Duty. Her proven track record and
aptitude in each of these roles made her an obvious choice for this
position. We are thrilled that Sandy has accepted this opportunity to
continue to learn and take on new challenges with our company.
Please join in congratulating Claudia Jenkins on her promotion from
Program Accountant to Accounting Supervisor. Claudia will be
assuming responsibility for all Hello! Destination Management
billing. Claudia joined us in 1997. We excited that Claudia has
accepted this promotion, as it will allow us to continue to grow and
to leverage her sixteen years of billing experience. Claudia’s new
duties will include managing billers’ workloads, assigning sales teams
to billers, assuring consistency and accuracy in the billing process
and communicating billing changes in procedures and software.
The Hello! Arizona Team welcomes Sales Coordinator Aja Jones as
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Christie Christian, our AE for the Phoenician. Aja was eager to make
the move to Arizona and it was a big plus that she already knew
our proprietary systems and work culture. Her attention to detail,
enthusiasm, organizational skills and proactive approach will serve
her well as she provides administrative support and creates proposals
and contracts.
Bobby Karim has taken on the role of Manager on Duty, Motor
Coach Division. Bobby started with Mears in 2007 as a Motor Coach
Operator, was promoted to Client Service Manager in 2009 and has
spent the last year and a half as Shuttle Van Operations Manager.
Bobby is enthusiastic about the opportunity to return to his roots
in the Motor Coach Division working under the leadership of Lee
Bradley. This is just another step in Bobby’s development and we are
excited to have the experience he brings to the Motor Coach
Operations team.
Demetria Rogers joined the Hello! Florida Ft. Lauderdale team
as a Production Accountant in the peak of the season and hit the
ground running! She learned fast and managed multiple tasks
with ease during one of the most successful years in the Fort
3H\KLYKHSLVMÄJL/LY^PSSPUNULZZ[VZ[LW\WOLYKLKPJH[PVU
and her professionalism were evidenced from day one. With an
Accounts Payable background and more than 14 years’
experience in Accounting, Demetria is a great addition.
Michelle Rodriguez has been promoted to Driver Manager, Motor
Coach Division. Michelle joined the Mears team after a successful
career in property management. She served as Manager on Duty for
the Motor Coach Operations team for a year and has proven herself
to be a team player and leader. Her positive outlook, experience
and dedication will serve her well in her new role. Please join in
congratulating Michelle on this new opportunity.
Congratulations to Heidi Ziegler on her promotion from MDS
Customer Service Supervisor to Operations Dispatch Manager. Heidi
has been in the transportation and hospitality industry for more than
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position she will oversee all of the MDS dispatch functions, including
shuttle, DME and luxury vehicle dispatch, with all MDS dispatchers
reporting directly to her. She will also work closely with our IT
department on any technical issues that arise. Heidi has an
outstanding track record in all of her previous positions with
Mears, and her experience and capabilities have earned her this
leadership role.
Warren Wagman has recently been promoted to the role of Driver
Manager, Motor Coach Division. Warren began his career at Mears
as a Motor Coach Operator. It took only six months to recognize
Warren’s capabilities and he was soon promoted to Client Service
Manager where he has proven his leadership skills time and again.
After nearly two years as a CSM, we are excited about Warren’s
continued progression and congratulate him on this latest
advancement.
MEARS IN M OTION NEWSLETTER • September - October 2013
EMPLOYEE NEWS
25 YEARS
10 YEARS
Luis Trivino, Jr.
Shuttle Van Driver
Cheri Arusalu
Taxi Starter
Marcelo Bernardo
Hello! Florida Field
Staffer
Jennifer Campbell
Taxi Call Center
Assistant Manager
Jon Gibson
Shuttle Van Driver
Susan Harry
Hello! Florida Senior
Account Executive
Max Mena
Motor Coach
Operator
Nelson Pimentel
Client Service
Manager
Harold Siler
CDL Trainer/Motor
Coach Operator
Takeisha Alexandre
MDS Starter
Keturah AllenSanchez
Shuttle Van Driver
Helwig Brown
Motor Coach
Mechanic
20 YEARS
Jay Del-gado
Motor Coach MOD
15 YEARS
Ruben Grant
Assistant Director
Bus Scheduling
Adalisa Jackson-King
Accounts Payable
Specialist
5 YEARS
Donald Wilkerson
Motor Coach
Operator
Richard Liley
Motor Coach
Operator
Todd Affricano
Shuttle Van Driver
Rae Maffeo
PC Web Developer
Gloria Smith
MDS Cashier
Amanda Trosset
Hello! Florida
Account Executive
Cathy Vithaya
Motor Coach
Mechanic
1 YEAR
Dustin Adler, MDS
Colimon Adonis, MDS
Wanquise Alcida, MDS
Ariel Benitez, MDS
Jordan Bickel, HF
Marcio Biet, MDS
Melissa Camacho, MDS
Christie Christian, HA
Brian Clinton, MDS
Raul Colon, MDS
Amanda Ellis, CCC
Donalson Felix, CCC
Leslie Fry, HA
Adrian Geary, MDS
Melissa Germain, HF
Jonathan Gomez, MDS
Nelson Grullon, MDS
4HYR3HMÄLU, MDS
Gregory Leslie, MDS
Regina Lockett, MDS
Jason Marrero, MDS
Adriana Medico, HF
Christopher Miskovsky, CCC
James McKenna, MDS
Richard Murray, MDS
Odette Nestor, MDS
Edwin Nieves, MDS
Lydia Reichner, MDS
Herney Rojas, MDS
Kenneth Roman, MDS
Natalie Sheahan, HA
Eduardo Siriany, MDS
Mario Urena, MDS
Felipe Villanueva, MDS
M EA RS IN M OTIO N N EW SLETTER • Septem be r - Oc t obe r 2013
3
MORE EMPLOYEE NEWS
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS
KUDOS
Client Service Manager Rick Furtado
sends KUDOS to Motor Coach MOD
Jay Del-gado:
Motor Coach Operations Manager on
Duty Frank Minaglia sends KUDOS to
Motor Coach Operator Terry Kimmons:
“Jay Del-gado and all the drivers who
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outstanding job. Jay got all the coaches
here earlier than they were scheduled
and the drivers stepped up and took care
of all the guests. A job well done. I asked
Adam Joyner who had an another move
early to come back just in case, and that
paid off; we loaded 42 passengers on his
coach, instead of having to use alternate
vehicles.”
“Terry went beyond the call of duty in
returning a cell phone that a guest left
on a DME coach from the airport. Terry
returned it to the guest before she even
realized she had left it on the coach. The
guest was very grateful and wanted to let
someone know.”
Core Values: ,MÄJPLUJ`,U[O\ZPHZT
Hello! Florida Lead Field Staffer Chuck
Favorite sends KUDOS to Field Staffers
Mike Babb and Jamie Hickey and Mears
Program Manager Trish Kanner:
“Just wanted to say staff did a GREAT
JOB and wanted to thank Jamie and
Mike for their help loading luggage
at OIA. They were working the PWC
program and pitched in to help with the
E&Y program. Thanks to Trish for proper
LX\PWTLU[WSHUUPUN[VLMÄJPLU[S`TV]L
the E&Y group. A Great Team Effort!”
CONDOLENCES
Heartfelt condolences to friends, family and
co-workers of Motor Coach Operator Robert Frazho
who passed away recently. Robert joined Mears
in 2007. Robert’s family wishes to express their
gratitude for the outpouring of support they’ve
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Our prayers are with family, friends and colleagues
of Checker Cab Driver Robert Webb, Jr. who passed
away on August 17. Robert began contracting with
Mears in 2007.
Core Values: ,MÄJPLUJ`,U[O\ZPHZT
Travel Industry Sales Coordinator Jose
Ulmos sends KUDOS to Director of
Client Services Lee Bradley and Client
Service Managers Susan Ayars, Rick
Furtado, Nelson Pimentel, Karren
Umstead and Warren Wagman:
“I want to thank you and your team for
their work on WCV/Dance the World.
Their efforts went a long way to make
Dance the World a success! Your team
WLYMVYTZZVTHU`KPMÄJ\S[[HZRZHSS[OL
time. They make it look EASY, but in
reality it is NOT! This illusion of an easy
task may cause some to overlook the
great care, enthusiasm and responsibility
shown by your team. But I recognize the
value added by the Client Service
Managers. I could point out certain
individuals, but I know it is the sum of
the individuals that make up a great
TEAM! Thank you Rick, Karren, Nelson,
Susan and Warren! Job WELL DONE!”
Core Values: ,U[O\ZPHZT,MÄJPLUJ`
Core Values: 0U[LNYP[`,U[O\ZPHZT
Motor Coach Operator Paul Bokel sends
KUDOS to Assistant Human Resources
Manager Marcy Lapetina:
“Marcy has demonstrated service excellence above all and beyond in helping me
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Core Values: 9LZWLJ[,U[O\ZPHZT
Luxury Vehicle Division Operations
Manager Michelle Engram sends KUDOS
to MDS Shop Lead Foreman Carlos
Martinez and Radio Shop Technician
Tom Tishken:
“Luxury Vehicle Chauffeur Miguel
Sanchez left his vehicle at the shop
around 4:00 a.m. While working on the
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money inside the vehicle and immediately reported it to Carlos, who in turn
reported it to my department. When
Miguel realized that he had left the cash
inside the vehicle, he called Mears, not
knowing what to expect; he thought he
would be told ‘there’s nothing we can do
if you leave your valuable items behind.’
;VOPZZ\YWYPZL^L^LYLHISL[VJVUÄYT
the exact amount that was left behind
and return the cash to him. Miguel was
very grateful and appreciated the fact
that Mears employees were honest.
Great job, Tom and Carlos.”
Core Values: 0U[LNYP[`,U[O\ZPHZT
Luxury Vehicle Chauffeur Trainee Fred
Benavides sends KUDOS to Luxury Vehicle Training Manager David Thomas:
“Mr. Thomas is one of the best trainers
that I have ever seen and your company
should be very proud of him. All the
training materials were excellent as well
as the training room. I certainly came
out with a very good impression of your
company and will use and recommend
Mears in the future.”
Core Value: Enthusiasm
4
MEARS IN M OTION NEWSLETTER • September - October 2013
COMPANY NEWS
Hospitality Helping Hands Carnival Brings Smiles
Backsafe Training Delivers
Results
Children’s Home Society (CHS) of Florida works to break the cycle of abuse and help families grow
stronger by offering shelter, counseling, outreach, education and guidance. The organization serves
more than 25,000 children and family members each year through such programs. For children who
cannot safely return home, CHS creates forever families through private, international and foster care
adoption services. Annually, the organization reaches more than 2,800 children and family members
through adoption-related services. Since 1902, more than 38,000 kids have found forever families
with the help of CHS.
Orlando Account Executive Alison Davis received this note of thanks for leading Hello! Florida’s team
to produce CHS’s annual Hospitality Helping Hands Carnival again this year:
“A BIG thank you for your help in creating another successful event for the Children’s Home Society
families. The more than 180 CHS guests in attendance had a great time as they won wonderful prizes
from our partners, enjoyed fun food and plenty of games and entertainment.
More than 600 motor coach operators, shuttle
van drivers and mechanics have participated in
Backsafe training programs since we launched
this initiative in April 2012. In addition, reminder
stickers have been placed in our motor coach
luggage bays and rear luggage cages of the shuttle
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improve their lifting techniques and back safety
awareness, we are seeing a reduction in both the
number and severity of back-related injuries.
“We received the note below from a CHS foster parent who attended this year’s Carnival:
‘Please pass my thanks on to the organizers. Me and the boys had so much fun. They didn’t want to
leave. They asked me if we can go again this weekend!! Thanks again.’
“It is truly an honor to produce this day for these families. Thank you for joining us in doing so. See
you next year!”
President Paul Mears III adds these words of appreciation:
“Thank you to all. This is a great gift of your time, talents and dollars to generate deserving smiles. It’s
an honor to be associated with you. I know the planning time and event time could have been spent
with your own families instead. And a special ‘thank you’ to Alison for leading this again. We all benLÄ[MYVT`V\YL_[YHLMMVY[Z
“Last but certainly not least, thank you to our business partners who enthusiastically participate each
year, though you have your own causes…we are grateful that you joined one of ours.”
Quality Inn Low Q (location code
#773) is now
Rosen Inn International
7600 International Dr.
Orlando, FL 32819
407-996-1600
Shuttle Zone 3
Luxury Vehicle Zone 130
Taxi Zone 800
Effective October 1, the Peabody Hotel
(computer code #856) will become
Hyatt Regency Orlando Convention
Center
9801 International Dr.
Orlando, FL 32819
407-352-4000
Shuttle Zone 3
Luxury Vehicle Zone 131
Taxi Zone 189
M EA RS IN M OTIO N N EW SLETTER • Septem be r - Oc t obe r 2013
5
COMPANY NEWS
From Tragedy to Triumph
MDS Electronics Installer Andy Jimenez is the son of Gladys Cabrera, one of the victims who lost her
life as an innocent bystander at a deadly Casselberry salon shooting last October. Andy says, “After
my mom’s passing I wanted to create something positive out of something negative. I started the
IamGladysCabrera Foundation in honor of my mom to spread awareness about violence and what it can
do to you and everyone around you. Already we have done so much as a family for this important cause.
Our story was featured in Cosmopolitan magazine, covered on the front page of the Mother’s Day edition
of the Orlando Sentinel newspaper, and recently appeared in a women’s magazine in the UK. This
6J[VILY[O^PSSTHYRVUL`LHYZPUJLV\YSVZZZV^L^PSSILOH]PUNV\YÄYZ[HUU\HSº:[VW[OL=PVSLUJL
6UL:[LW([H;PTL»^HSRH[*YHUL»Z9VVZ[7HYR(SZV^LHYLOVZ[PUNV\YÄYZ[:WHNOL[[P)Y\UJOVU
September 29th, with proceeds going to help stop violence in our community.”
Karl Clements, Director of MDS Maintenance & Communications knows Andy’s journey and he says,
“Andy has grown a lot over the last year, and he has made a huge effort to turn grief over his family
tragedy into a positive thing for himself and others. He is a great guy and I am happy that he has taken
on this project.”
For more information visit: www.Iamgladyscabrera.com
Happy Tails in the Sunshine State
Guest Services Lead Sabine Sigel-Brown has been devoting time, energy and other
resources to Italian Greyhound (IG) Rescue since 2006. She says, “As you could
tell in our interview, I can get a tad excited talking about it; however, it is
something very, very dear to me and my whole heart is part of it.”
Here are excerpts from our conversation with Sabine:
“At any given time, our IG Rescue group might be trying to place as many as 10
different dogs. I would say 4-6 weeks is the average length of time it takes for a
rescued dog to be adopted, however it very much depends on the age, health and
background of the dog. Some get adopted within days or weeks, some take a few
months. I had a foster dog for almost a year before she found a home, and some
of it was because she was 10-11 years old.
“Italian Greyhounds do not race. They are small and truly a lap-dog-breed.
However, they are very daring and fast. Because their bones are quite thin, they
can break a leg simply by stepping into a small hole in the ground or jumping
from something too high. IGs are fearless, and I have heard of dogs that can jump
6-foot fences or leap down entire staircases. Also, they need to be held correctly
when picked up; they can be wiggly and may fall out of your hands, so to speak.
For all of these reasons, we get a fair share of IGs with broken legs because
Ä_PUNHIYLHRJHUJVZ[IL[^LLUHUK
¸3PRLHSSUVUWYVÄ[HUK]VS\U[LLYVYNHUPaH[PVUZ^LHYLHS^H`ZSVVRPUNMVY
volunteers. Being a volunteer can mean many different things. For example,
we have IT professionals who serve by working on the websites, and we have
transportation volunteers who drive dogs from one place to the next, as was the
case for my newest foster dog, Pickles. She was transported from Panama City to
Tampa then Tampa to Orlando. We often have volunteers who take a vacation
and take a dog along to help with part of a chain of transportation. IG Rescue
will work with anyone regarding how far someone is willing to drive - everything
helps.
6
MEARS IN M OTION NEWSLETTER • September - October 2013
“Of course, there is always a great need for foster homes/parents, so that’s
another way to assist. (Sometimes we have more dogs waiting to come in than
^LOH]LOVTLZ[VMVZ[LY[OLT\U[PS[OL`ÄUKHMVYL]LYOVTL-VZ[LYWHYLU[Z[HRL
JHYLVMHNYL`OV\UK\U[PS[OL`ÄUKHWLYTHULU[OVTL(SSTLKPJHSULLKZMVY[OL
dogs are paid for by Italian Greyhound Rescue. Food, treats, etc. are the foster
parents’ responsibility.
¸>LHSZVKVOVTL]PZP[ZMVYWYVZWLJ[P]LHKVW[LYZ[VTHRLZ\YLHSSPZÄULHUK
[VILJLY[HPU^LYLHSS`ÄUKHMVYL]LYOVTLMVY[OLZLILH\[PM\SJYLH[\YLZ>L
participate in fundraisers at rescue festivals, like our recent campaign for Joey.
Joey broke his legs three times, and because of a negligent previous owner the
injuries were never taken care of correctly.
¸>LHS^H`Z^LSJVTLKVNP[LTZJYH[LZ[V^LSZ[V`ZL[JHUKVMJV\YZLÄUHUcial donations. There are truly many different ways one can be a volunteer even
when someone is not able to take in a dog.”
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/ItalianGreyhoundRescue-SVYPKHVYO[[W!^^^ÅVYPKHPNYLZJ\LJVT
LOCAL NEWS
Spotlight on Safety
Coming Soon: The Most Dangerous
Season For Drivers
Fall just might be the most beautiful of the four seasons, but with
the change of season comes the need to change your driving habits.
In fact, according to research from the University of Michigan
Transportation Safety Institute (UMTSI), fall is the most deadly
season for driving.
October Surprise
;OL<4;:0YLWVY[W\ISPZOLKPU[OL;YHMÄJ0UQ\Y`7YL]LU[PVUQV\YUHS
HUHS`aLKTVU[OS`KLH[OJYHZOÄN\YLZV]LYH[OPY[LLU`LHYWLYPVK
and found that during the month of October, the chance of a crash
resulting in driver fatality is 16% greater per miles driven than in
the winter month of March. The study theorized that snowy and icy
^LH[OLYSLHKZ[VSLZZ[YHMÄJVU[OLYVHKHUKZSV^LYKYP]PUNZWLLKZ
Animals Increase Driving Dangers
(JJVYKPUN[V[OL5H[PVUHS/PNO^H`;YHMÄJ:HML[`(KTPUPZ[YH[PVU
5/;:([OLMHSSZLHZVUPZKLÄUP[LS`[OLTVZ[KHUNLYV\Z[PTLMVY
vehicle crashes with animals, the majority of which involve deer.
NHTSA also determined that most of the serious crashes involving
deer result from the evasive maneuvers drivers take in an attempt to
avoid hitting the animal. Sharp, sudden swerves can cause head-on
JVSSPZPVUZ^P[OHUV[OLY]LOPJSLVYJH\ZL[OLKYP]LY[VZ[YPRLHÄ_LK
object like a roadside tree or utility pole. These types of crashes
are more likely to result in serious injury or death, while striking
an animal can damage the vehicle but often leave the occupants
uninjured. Animals are not easy to spot in the evening and night
time hours and they move suddenly. Be prepared. Slow down and
keep your eyes moving.
Driving Blind
Early morning and late afternoon glare at this time of year can play
optical tricks, even on the most careful drivers. The problem is at
P[Z^VYZ[[OLÄYZ[OV\YHM[LYZ\UYPZLHUK[OLSHZ[OV\YILMVYLZ\UZL[
when you can literally be blinded by the sun. Slow down and
increase your following distance; keep your windshield wiper
ISHKLZJSLHUHUK[OL^HZOLYÅ\PKM\SS"HUKRLLWOLHKSPNO[ZVU[V
make your vehicle more visible to others.
Rain and Slippery Road Conditions
While the weather in the past year has been very unpredictable,
the early fall can be a time of intense rain storms and slippery road
JVUKP[PVUZ^OPJOZLLT[VOHWWLU^P[OV\[^HYUPUN;OLÄYZ[ML^
minutes of rainfall on dry pavement are particularly dangerous.
Oil, dust, dirt and other debris collect on the roadways and, when
mixed with moisture, the roads can become as slick as ice. Heavy
rains create pools of water, compromising driving control and
causing hydroplaning and loss of clear vision. Check your wipers
before the rain starts; know which areas along your trip might be
affected by rain before you depart; be cautious when driving into
Z[HUKPUN^H[LYLZWLJPHSS`^OLU[OLKLW[OPZKPMÄJ\S[[VKL[LYTPUL"
ILH^HYLVM[OLJOHUNLPUIYHRPUNLMÄJPLUJ`HM[LYKYP]PUN[OYV\NO
standing water; and increase your following distance and decrease
your speed.
Florida Is 41st State
To Ban Texting
While Driving
Governor Rick Scott recently signed
a bill into law making Florida the
41st state to ban texting while drivPUN=PVSH[VYZHYLZ\IQLJ[[VHÄUL
WS\ZJV\Y[JVZ[ZMVY[OLÄYZ[VMMLUZL
HUKMVY[OLZLJVUKVMMLUZL;OL
Florida ban is a secondary offense
and will become effective October 1,
2013. The Governors Highway Safety
Association (GHSA) posts a chart on its
website detailing all state “Distracted
Driving” laws.
Space Shuttle AtlantisSM Now
Open at Kennedy Space Center
Visitor Complex
The world’s most comprehensive attraction devoted to the
space shuttle, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s
new Space Shuttle AtlantisSM brings visitors nose-tonose with Atlantis as only astronauts have seen it
before – with payload bay doors open as if it were
ÅVH[PUNPUZWHJL
More than 60 interactive, touch-screen
experiences and high-tech simulators invite guests
to “be the astronaut,” bringing to life the people,
passion and patriotism behind NASA’s 30-year
Space Shuttle Program, as well as the complexity
of the engineering marvel that launched the
Hubble Space Telescope and built the
International Space Station (ISS).
Guests can conduct a virtual spacewalk,
practice docking to the ISS, create sonic booms
and glide down the Re-entry Slide; experience
[OLZLUZH[PVUVMÅVH[PUNPUZWHJLNL[HU
“X-ray view” of Atlantis’ interior, experience
an orbital sunrise and take the helm at the
shuttle cockpit. Strap in to the sights, sounds
and sensations of a launch and much more.
Call 877-313-2610 or visit
www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.
Source: Lancer Insurance
M EA RS IN M OTIO N N EW SLETTER • Septem be r - Oc t obe r 2013
7
CUSTOMER COMMENTS
Ed Brown with Gill St. Bernard’s School expressed
his gratitude for Motor Coach Operator Jeanne
Hamilton:
“Your company drove our group to the Kennedy
Space Center. During the day, I was alerted that the
grandmother of one of our students had suffered a
massive stroke and we needed to get that student
home ASAP. Luckily, we had Jeanne Hamilton as our
KYP]LYHUKZOL^HZ[LYYPÄJ>OLU^LZ[VWWLKMVY
KPUULY0OHKWSHUULK[VÄUKH[H_P[VNL[[OLZ[\KLU[
and me a short distance to our hotel where I had a
van. Jeanne insisted that she would drive us to the
hotel and come back for the rest of our group. Not
only did she do that but she was very caring and
compassionate in her approach to our student.
¸@V\T\Z[ILHNYLH[JVTWHU`[VOH]LZ\JOHÄUL
driver working for you. I’m glad we did business
with Mears.”
Core Values: ,U[O\ZPHZT9LZWLJ[
A happy customer sent thanks to Limousine
Chauffeur Stanley Minorczyk:
“Etta was THRILLED with the driver and said everything was fantastic.”
Core Value: Enthusiasm
Motor Coach Operator Omar Guayana received
these words of thanks from Jane Carpenter, Senior
Sales Manager with Disney Destinations:
“I was out with our Camp Disney Trainings in the
theme parks. Our Mears coach driver for most of
the week was Omar Guayana, and he was fantastic.
I would refer him to any group; he was so nice to
work with.”
Core Values: 9LZWLJ[,U[O\ZPHZT
Hello! Las Vegas Senior Director of Operations Kelly
Hanson was thanked by a happy client:
“You were amazing! We would have been up a
creek if you hadn’t alerted us to the situation and
taken control. And I would have ended up with 300
lost guests in Vegas! I don’t know what I would have
done without you and can’t thank you enough.
¸0»SSKLÄUP[LS`\ZL/LSSV3HZ=LNHZHNHPU0OHKH
NYLH[L_WLYPLUJL^P[O`V\YVMÄJLPU6YSHUKV^OPJO
is why I looked you guys up in Vegas.”
Core Values: ,U[O\ZPHZT,MÄJPLUJ`
Hello! Las Vegas Director of Operations Kristina
Ghiloni, Account Executive Jennifer Cheung and
Product Development Manager Krista England
received the appreciation of this customer:
“I want to thank you for all your support and great
service during our incentive trip in Vegas. I have
nothing but great comments and great experiences
from our team participants. You delivered what was
WYVTPZLK^P[OÅ`PUNJVSVYZ¹
Core Values: ,MÄJPLUJ`,U[O\ZPHZT
Suzanne Garver, teacher at Cypress Creek
Elementary, praised Sales Coordinator Lisa Wilson
and Motor Coach Operator Luis Castro:
“I am an elementary school teacher who was
invited to bring my class to Mayport Naval Base
in Jacksonville. I had no idea what to do for
[YHUZWVY[H[PVU;OLWYPUJPWHS»ZVMÄJLNH]LTL[OL
names of the charter bus companies that were
approved for use in Volusia County. I started calling
[OLUHTLZVU[OLSPZ[HUK[OLÄYZ[[^VJOHY[LY
companies basically laughed at me because I
needed a bus so soon.
“When I called Mears I was helped by a wonderful
person, Lisa Wilson. She guided me in the process of
getting a coach. I was so nervous and excited about
this trip, just because it was the end of the school
year and I was so happy my students would get to
experience Mayport. I have emailed and called Ms.
Wilson numerous times and she is always positive
and has the ability to make you feel great about
your trip.
“I will recommend Mears to everyone here in
Volusia County, and when I need a coach in the
future I will call Lisa Wilson. So many times all we
hear is the bad from unhappy customers. I am a
very happy customer and was so blessed to have her
helping me make my trip special for my students.
“Our driver, Luis, was an angel. Our trip was perfect
and it was because of Lisa and Luis. Please let them
know how much I appreciate them. Mears is lucky
to have them.”
Core Values: 9LZWLJ[,MÄJPLUJ`,U[O\ZPHZT
City Cab Operations Manager Wayne Nassis and
Taxi Parts Counter Manager Larry Duniho provided
great service to Stefan Kneis, Vice President, QGP
Solution Market Introduction / SAP AG:
“I’d like to thank the Mears team, especially Larry
and Wayne for delivering my iPhone which I left
in one of your taxis during our company convention. I really appreciate your high level of customer
service and look forward to using your transportation
services during my next Orlando visit.”
Core Values:0U[LNYP[`,U[O\ZPHZT
8
MEARS IN M OTION NEWSLETTER • September - October 2013
Sales Manager Linda Schwarz and Sales
Coordinator Peggy Nance were thanked by Lesa
Caden with Connect Tours:
“I have had the greatest pleasure working with you
and for Connect Tours over the past nine years. You
have been a pleasure to work with, extremely
professional and always courteous. However, my
journey is coming to a close. I am departing my
position to pursue what I hope to be the last chapter
of my working career before retirement.
“I greatly appreciate your loyalty to Connect Tours
over the years as well as the personal relationships
I’ve developed. Thanks for the great years and happy
memories!”
Core Values: ,U[O\ZPHZT9LZWLJ[
Lynne Iozia, Florida Service Delivery Supervisor
with Virgin Holidays Limited, complimented Client
Service Manager Rick Furtado:
¸0^V\SKSPRL[VJVTTLU[VU[OLL_[YLTLS`LMÄJPLU[
manner Rick Furtado handled the coaches, drivers
and passengers for Virgin Atlantic Flight VS128 from
the Caribe Royale. I commend him for having the
foresight to have one of the coaches come back
just in case, as we did not have a complete head
count. And good thing he did, because more than
40 passengers were on that last coach. Thank you,
Rick.”
Core Values: ,MÄJPLUJ`,U[O\ZPHZT
Senior Sales Coordinator Rachel Bustamante and
Hello! Florida Field Staffer Dave Langenbach
received the gratitude of a guest:
“Thank you so much for providing transportation for
our group. It was a pleasure working with both of
you and I appreciated how helpful Dave was onsite!
I look forward to working with you at future events
in Orlando.”
Core Values: ,U[O\ZPHZT,MÄJPLUJ`
Luxury Vehicle Chauffeur Sean Holley received
these words of appreciation:
“You are indeed fortunate to partner with as
dedicated a chauffeur as Sean Holley. Sean has
driven me and my family on several trips from the
Orlando airport, Sanford airport, Vero Beach and
Disney World. He was concerned that each area
of our trip was taken care of by being prompt and
knowledgeable in all aspects of his service to my
family. I told Sean how much I appreciate his
attention to detail, but I wanted to tell you as well.”
Core Values: 9LZWLJ[,MÄJPLUJ`,U[O\ZPHZT
CUSTOMER COMMENTS
Sales Coordinator Erin Leonhardt and Motor Coach
Operators Drivers Mauricio Ledesma and Nacim
Saddedine earned this compliment:
“Service was AMAZING! Our drivers were fantastic
and really nice and helpful. Thank you again so
much!”
Core Values: 9LZWLJ[,U[O\ZPHZT
Hello! Florida Vice President and General Manager
=PJ3H_ZVUWHZZLKHSVUNHZH[PZÄLKJ\Z[VTLY»Z
compliments for Hello! Florida Field Staffers Mike
Babb, Rick Boyd, Ben Eld and Rich McDonough:
“I am employed at Marriott International and was
attending the ICON conference at the Orlando
World Center. I was staying at the JW Marriott and
took the shuttle several times a day. The drivers and
dispatchers were kind, courteous, professional and
always on time. I especially want to mention Rich,
Rick, Mike and Ben. Thank you for everything your
company did to make it an easy transition going
back and forth between the two hotels.”
Core Values: ,U[O\ZPHZT9LZWLJ[
A Convention Service Manager from the Grand
Floridian appreciated the service provided to the
+PZUL`5H[PVUHS:HSLZVMÄJLNYV\WI`:LUPVY
Account Executive Sarah Barry and Luxury Vehicle
Chauffeurs Larry Groves and Ali Siddiqui:
“The two drivers were superb. I simply texted
‘restage’ and they were always there when we
turned the corner. Not a single solitary hitch, smooth
as silk. I can see why you recommended them both.
THANK YOU!”
Motor Coach Operator Tammy Shaw earned this
note of appreciation:
A grateful customer praised Shuttle Van Driver Rey
Gonzalez:
“I rode on a Mears coach as part of the Carnival
transportation to the Orlando Airport from Port
Canaveral. Our driver was Tammy Shaw and she
was exceptional, above and beyond, a stand out,
extraordinary. She is a huge asset to your company
and represents you well to the public. I would
personally recommend Mears to anyone, because
of her.”
“I was picked up at Hyatt Place Universal Hotel.
After the 4th stop, I realized that I had left my cell
phone in my hotel room. I asked Mr. Gonzalez if he
could take me and my daughter back to the hotel,
and I would take a cab to the airport so that I would
not keep the shuttle waiting. Mr. Gonzalez very
politely informed me that he would after he made
his last pick up, since he could not leave a customer
stranded.
Core Values: ,U[O\ZPHZT9LZWLJ[
Nikki Dumm with Girl Scout Troop 377 commended
the service provided by Sales Coordinator Erin
Leonhardt and Motor Coach Operator Bobby Love:
“I wanted to pass along good words about our
driver, Bob. He was professional, but still welcoming and friendly. He made the girls feel comfortable
and safe on the coach. We had some rough weather
on the way back from Tampa, but he handled the
drive as one would expect from a professional driver.
We were thankful to have him behind the wheel!
“He assisted us in loading and unloading coolers
under the bus and accommodated multiple visits to
the ‘water stash’ by our families with young children,
as well as drops of souvenir purchases during the
day. We had a wide range of ages on the bus, and
all felt comfortable and welcomed by Bob.
“I also appreciated your assistance and patience
with my questions and concerns in the planning
WYVJLZZ0^V\SKKLÄUP[LS`JOVVZL4LHYZMVYHU`
future adventures!”
Core Values: 9LZWLJ[:HML[`,U[O\ZPHZT
Core Values: ,U[O\ZPHZT,MÄJPLUJ`
Michael Anderson, Business Development Specialist
with MMI, had great things to say about Shuttle Van
Driver Iraj Maleknia:
“I would like to commend one of your drivers, Iraj
Maleknia. He picked up a near-full van load from the
Renaissance Sea World to return us to the airport.
“I sat in the front seat so he and I conversed more
than the others in the van, but he went out of his
way to point out several sites on the trip back to the
airport and he announced the airline stops prior to
us entering the airport. Upon arrival at our drop-off
points, he thanked each of us for using Mears
Transportation and invited us back to use your
service the next visit in Orlando.
“He was an outstanding ambassador for your
company and I hope he is given credit for his efforts.”
Core Values: 9LZWLJ[,U[O\ZPHZT
Yellow Cab Driver Jason Bosini received the
appreciation of a customer who emailed this
compliment to Paul W. Issler, Manager of Ground
Transportation Services, Greater Orlando Aviation
Authority Orlando International Airport:
“I had such a pleasant experience with Taxi 182,
Jason Bosini. He was polite, explained all the proper
taxi information I needed to know on my trip, and
made my stay in Orlando safe and wonderful. I
had him as a driver 4 times on my week-long trip
to Orlando. He arrived on time, provided a prompt
ride and even supplied some helpful tips along the
way. You do not come across drivers like him when
traveling. He takes pride in his job and you are lucky
to have him as an associate. I will request to use him
again on my future travels to Orlando. Thanks!”
Core Values: ,U[O\ZPHZT9LZWLJ[:HML[`
“In the meantime, he called his dispatcher and got
the phone number to the hotel and suggested that I
JHSS[OLTHUKHZRPM[OL`JV\SKÄUKT`WOVULHUK
have it held for me at the front desk. That way, he
informed me, I could get the phone, hop back on
the shuttle and save the cab fare (Mr. Gonzalez gave
me his phone so that I could place the phone call).
Needless to say, everything worked out perfectly
and we got to the airport at the planned time.
“I want to commend Mears on a great employee.
Mr. Rey Gonzalez was calm, polite, and a truly nice
guy! We travel many times a year to Florida and Las
Vegas. We always take cabs or rent cars. No more!
From now on we will always rely on Mears. I will
gladly recommend you to everyone, all thanks to
Mr. Gonzalez!”
Core Values: 9LZWLJ[,MÄJPLUJ`,U[O\ZPHZT
OIA Starter Cory Short received these words of
thanks:
“We would like to inform you of the excellent
service we received from Cory Short. When we
arrived at the baggage claim he quickly made us feel
at home. He answered each and every question we
had and took care of us very well. Because of his
service we are truly glad we chose Mears. He is a
big asset to Mears.”
Core Values: ,U[O\ZPHZT9LZWLJ[
Vice President, Government & Community Affairs
Shannon Gravitte and Motor Coach Operator Joel
Mollay were thanked by N. Y. Nathiri with The
Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community,
Inc.:
“Thanks so much for the courtesy transportation
from Mears Transportation Group. Today’s session
VM[OL5VU7YVÄ[,_LJ\[P]LZ»9V\UK;HISL^HZQ\Z[
perfect, due in large part to our organization’s
ability to provide a seamless experience with moving
about/around Eatonville. Joel Mollay, our driver,
provided superb service; and if the occasion arises
again, we’d love to have him back with us.”
Core Values: ,U[O\ZPHZT,MÄJPLUJ`9LZWLJ[
M EA RS IN M OTIO N N EW SLETTER • Septem be r - Oc t obe r 2013
9
CUSTOMER COMMENTS
Roxane Rose, Account Designer with
Executivevents, expressed her thanks for the
wonderful service she received from Hello! Florida
Account Executive Lorraine Hunter and Creative
Services Manager Holly Steinebronn:
“After looking through all the bids, Hello! Florida was
the one real standout. So yea you! I appreciate the
hard work you put into the proposal, the options,
the pricing (staying within budget) and creativity.”
Senior Account Executive Jennifer Janette adds:
Luxury Vehicle Chauffeur Paul Bronson was
commended by a grateful customer:
“After Paul dropped us off at the Dolphin hotel,
my son noticed he had left his wallet in the car. I
promptly called Paul and informed him of what
happened. He was so nice and offered to bring the
wallet back to the hotel after he dropped off his
other customers. I am so thankful for Paul and his
willingness to go above and beyond to get my son’s
wallet back to him. I just wanted the company to
know what a GREAT driver he is.”
“Lorraine and Holly did an exceptional job beating
out 8 other companies for this business.
Core Values: 9LZWLJ[0U[LNYP[`,U[O\ZPHZT
“The client intended to narrow their selection down
to a few companies and go through a second round
VMZLSLJ[PVUI\[KPKUV[ÄUKHULLK[VKV[OH[IHZLK
on the high-quality proposal they received from us.”
Kevin and Shawna Reed, owners of Your Event
Florist, were very pleased with the service provided
by Hello! Arizona Director of Creative Services
Cendy Knight:
Core Values: ,U[O\ZPHZT,MÄJPLUJ`
“Tereatha was most informative and exhibited
wonderful communication skills. I would like to
commend her for her excellent customer service.”
“We wanted to thank you IMMENSELY for getting
our tariff completed last summer. We have been
reviewing our numbers with Hello! Arizona and saw
HKLÄUP[LPUJYLHZLPUI\ZPULZZV]LY[OPZSHZ[ZLHZVU
and attribute it to having the completed tariff. We
cannot begin to thank you for your kind efforts. It
[Y\S`^HZZVILULÄJPHSMVY\ZHUK^LQ\Z[HWWYLJPH[L
that you took the time with us. We wanted to make
sure you knew and to acknowledge the impact it has
had on our partnership with Hello! Arizona.”
Core Values: ,U[O\ZPHZT9LZWLJ[
Core Values: 9LZWLJ[,MÄJPLUJ`,U[O\ZPHZT
Lloyd Roberts, Regional Director for Walgreens
Health Systems Solutions, appreciated the service
provided by OIA Customer Service Representative
Tereatha Williams:
Hello! Florida Account Executive Heidi Fischer and
Account Manager Karen Betancourt provided great
service to Erika Burho, Director of Event Marketing
with NYSE Euronext:
“Please consider this a very big, very belated thank
you for the always-wonderful support you provided
at the NYSE’s event in Fort Lauderdale. It was, once
again, such a pleasure partnering with you, and I
HTZV]LY`HWWYLJPH[P]LVM`V\YÅL_PIPSP[`HUK
willingness to make things work in the face of our
larger-than-expected turnout. Looking forward to
our next opportunity to team up!”
Julie Thornton with Grace Bible Church had this to
say about Sales Manager Ortancis Gaines and Motor
Coach Operator Lionel JeanBaptiste:
“Thank you so much for assigning Lionel to our
NYV\W>L5,=,9^HU[HU`VULKPMMLYLU[/LÄ[
in with our group better than any driver from any
company we have ever used. Please tell him of our
appreciation and commendation. Once again,
Mears Transportation has met our needs beyond
expectation not only with Lionel but with every
aspect.”
Core Values: ,U[O\ZPHZT9LZWLJ[
Core Values: 9LZWLJ[,MÄJPLUJ`,U[O\ZPHZT
A happy customer complimented Sales Coordinator
Lisa Wilson and Shuttle Van Driver Mark
Bartoszewicz:
Sales Coordinator Erin Leonhardt and Motor Coach
Operators Jack Henkle and Bradley Lopes received
this note of thanks:
“Thank you again for your assistance in booking
our transportation! Everything worked out perfectly.
The driver was so courteous and provided excellent
service!”
“The Grant Family would like to thank your
company for providing us with great professional
service. Yours drivers were very courteous, professional and on time. Also, thank you for your support
and patience working with me.”
Core Values: 9LZWLJ[,U[O\ZPHZT
Core Values: ,U[O\ZPHZT,MÄJPLUJ`9LZWLJ[
10
MEARS IN M OTION NEWSLETTER • September - October 2013
Checker Cab Driver Jean Michel received the
appreciation of a customer who called in this
compliment:
“Erica called to compliment Jean Michel for his
superior customer service skills. Her family rode in
his taxi from the Beach Club Resort to Disney Quest.
When it came time to pay, her husband gave Mr.
Michel a $50 bill instead of a $20, and walked away.
The driver was honest and immediately returned it
to him. Afterwards, they realized they had left their
stroller in the back of his cab, and before they could
even report it, he once again returned their property
to them. They were impressed by his helpfulness and
honesty.”
Core Values: 0U[LNYP[`9LZWLJ[
Tina S. Phillips, Director with Expense Reduction
Analysts, recently sent this note of appreciation for
Shuttle Van Driver Brian Duquaine:
“We had a wonderful experience with Mears. We
relocated our mom and dad from Chicago to
Orlando, no easy feat as you can imagine, and I
[YH]LSLKHSVUL[V*OPJHNV[VWHJR[OLT\WHUKÅ`
them back. Both mom and dad were in wheelchairs,
and dad was on a portable oxygen condenser. My
brother set up the Mears van to meet us at the
airport to take mom and dad to their new digs in
Sanford.
“The drivers and representative from Mears were
waiting at baggage pick-up with a sign welcoming
Helen and Tony Stefanos. What a sight! They were
very kind, compassionate and patient loading my
folks, and all arrived safe and sound.
“Again, had to share the experience. It was a nice
way to end a very hectic and crazy day!”
Core Values: :HML[`,U[O\ZPHZT
Sales Coordinator Peggy Nance and Luxury Vehicle
Chauffeurs Angel Crespo and Larry Groves made a
great impression on this customer:
“I want to thank you for all your help in organizing
our family transportation. You were so helpful in
setting things up and your drivers were prompt,
MYPLUKS`JV\Y[LV\ZHUKLMÄJPLU[0^HZHSZV]LY`
pleased with the appearance of the vans. Can’t
thank you enough - you helped make our family
reunion for my husband’s 90th birthday very
memorable. I will certainly recommend Mears to any
friends who might need your services in the future.”
Core Values: 9LZWLJ[,MÄJPLUJ`,U[O\ZPHZT
CUSTOMER COMMENTS
Katie Beddow, Event Coordinator with Linder &
Associates, had this to say about Sales Coordinator
Lisa Wilson and Hello! Florida Field Staffer Jamie
Hickey:
“A huge thanks to you and your team for your
contribution in making the Thomas & Betts event
an amazing experience for our guests. Jamie was
wonderful to work with onsite coordinating the
arrival and departure of the coaches.”
Core Values: ,MÄJPLUJ`,U[O\ZPHZT
Stanley G. Smith from Monroe Township, New
Jersey commended the exemplary service provided
by Luxury Vehicle Chauffeur Louis Grey:
“This letter is something I rarely write, but I was so
very impressed by one of your Chauffeurs that I feel
the need to communicate this to you. I returned
home from my trip to Orlando and advised my wife
that I felt as if I had made a new friend. It is not
often that someone calls a total stranger a new
friend, but I was truly impressed by my driver Mr.
Louis Grey, who augmented my excellent stay at the
9P[a*HYS[VU0YLHSPaLK[OH[`V\TPNO[ILULÄ[MYVT
knowing about my experience with this chauffeur.
“Mr. Grey was extremely cordial, friendly, courteous,
RUV^SLKNLHISLHUKLMÄJPLU[PUOPZKYP]PUN>OLU0
ÄYZ[Z[LWWLKPU[VOPZJHY[OLJSLHUSPULZZHUK
orderliness in the vehicle impressed me immediately.
In my mind this was indicative of a person who
both enjoyed and took pride in his work. He had a
pleasant demeanor which helped lessen the weight
of my problems at the time. Our conversation was
light, politically neutral. Most importantly, he was a
good listener. So many drivers, whether taxi or
limousine, can be quite opinionated and overwhelming. Mr. Grey was the opposite of such.
“He was very informative and enlightening about
different points of interest, not only in Orlando but
in other areas of Florida. This was especially helpful
to me being a world traveler and always curious
about local environments.
“Mr. Grey is a very skilled driver. The ride was
ZTVV[OHUKNP]LU[OL[YHMÄJPU[OLHYLHOL
maintained an air of calm and a very patient
demeanor which gave me a sense of safety and
well-being.
“You should know that as a retired attorney from
New Jersey, I have and will continue to recommend
him and his services to my family, friends and
business acquaintances. If all your drivers are half as
good as Mr. Grey, I would have no doubt you have
a very successful company. In fact, I have described
my experience in Mr. Grey’s vehicle as one of the
best, and I do believe that other customers of Mr.
Grey would second my emotion.”
Hello! Arizona Account Executive Katie Castro
received the gratitude of Courtney Miller, Account
Director with BCD M&I:
“I know I am driving you batty! I just wanted to
say thank you. You have been so helpful and
responsive!”
Core Values: 9LZWLJ[,U[O\ZPHZT
Hello! Florida Account Executive Chad Daun and
Account Manager Danielle Guido provided great
service to Courtenay Love, Meetings & Conventions
Client Events Director with Visit Orlando®:
“Thank you so much for your wonderful partnership
in helping to create a memorable and truly unique
atmosphere for the DMAI Opening Celebration!
“Your team never ceases to amaze us through all
the years we have worked together. Danielle/Chad,
what can we say, but THANK YOU! You and your
onsite team were a pleasure to work with and so
accommodating of any changes made. The lighting,
décor, bar, swish panels, water wall - all of the
details down to the pillows created a high-end event
that is truly indicative of Hello! Florida and helped
us shine as a destination in front of more than
900 guests!
“Thanks again for the attention to detail, top notch
service and for partnering on an amazingly
successful event!”
Core Values: ,U[O\ZPHZT,MÄJPLUJ`
Sales Coordinator Jose Ulmos, Motor Coach
Operators Cindy Parker and Alvaro Rudinger and
Shuttle Van Driver Steven Jennings received these
words of gratitude:
“Thank you again, Jose, for all of your help and
your understanding. I can’t begin to tell you what
amazing drivers you have. Cindy, our driver to the
port, was just the most delightful person, and the
two gentlemen who helped us upon our return were
fantastic. I hope they will be recognized for their
outstanding service.”
Core Values: 9LZWLJ[,U[O\ZPHZT
EXAMPLES OF
EXCELLENCE
Motor Coach Operators Benjamin Ortega and John
Sturniolo have served thousands of customers during
their tenure with Mears. Recently, our “Mystery Shopper”
observed them aboard Disney’s Magical Express (DME).
Congratulations to Benjamin and John for earning a
Perfect Shopper Report and courtesy award! Here’s what
the shopper had to say about their great service:
Benjamin Ortega
“When I got to the coach Benjamin
welcomed me to Disney’s Magical
Express and offered to help me with
my bags. While waiting to depart,
Benjamin was conversing with some
passengers who had struck up a
friendly conversation with him.
When all passengers were on board
and we were ready for departure, he welcomed everyone
and then said, ‘We will be making four stops totaling
about a 30 to 45-minute trip.’ He listed all the stops
in the order in which we would make them. Benjamin
also informed guests, ‘If you would like more or less air
conditioning, you can adjust the knobs above your head
to allow however much air you would like, and there is a
restroom at the rear of the coach for anyone who needs
it.’ As we neared the resorts, Benjamin announced that it
would be a good time to take pictures of the Disney arch.
Once we passed under the arch, he said, ‘This is where
dreams come true.’ He again stated the order of the
resorts that we would stop at. He said, ‘Have a great time
and thank you for choosing Disney’s Magical Express.’
Before anyone got off the coach he reminded them to
grab all of their belongings.”
John Sturniolo
“When John arrived at the resort, he
got off the coach and announced
that this was the Disney Magical
Express to the Orlando International
Airport. He asked all the guests if
they had any luggage or if they had
sent it to the airport ahead of time.
He loaded the luggage for the guests. When the coach
started moving, he announced, ‘There will be two more
stops and then a 30-minute ride to the airport. Thank
you.’ John made sure to repeat this message at each stop.
(M[LY[OLÄUHSN\LZ[ZNV[VU[OLJVHJOOLHUUV\UJLK
‘My name is John, very nice to meet you all. It will be
about 30 minutes to the airport. If you have given me
any luggage I will give it back to you as you depart. If
you sent it ahead then it will be on your plane. There is
a restroom in the back and if you need to adjust the air
you can do so above your head. There will also be a short
video once we get going. Thank you for riding Disney’s
Magical Express and enjoy the ride.’ When we arrived
at the airport John announced which airlines would be
at which terminal and wished everyone and their family
a safe trip home. As guests departed from the coach,
John reminded them to check for all of their belongings,
to watch their step as they get off the coach, and then
thanked them and helped them with their luggage.”
Core Values: 9LZWLJ[:HML[`,MÄJPLUJ`
,U[O\ZPHZT
M EA RS IN M OTIO N N EW SLETTER • Septem be r - Oc t obe r 2013
11
MORE COMPANY NEWS
Volunteers
Alicia Reece
Ariel Christenson
Brian Purdy
Butch Sawyer
Cali Stropoli
Cari Rubin
Carlos Collazo
Cathy Larson
Chris Recicar
Crystal Garcia
Dan Ford
Daniel Rubin
Danielle Ford
David Thomas
Denny Robles
Dylan Fawls
Elvia Vazquez
Gabriel Perez-Ocana
Grace Herzog
Ian Kaufman
Janice Lowe
Jim Ungvary
Joy Fleming
Julie James
Kimberly Pinto
Kiara Reece
Liliana Padilla
Luis Sterling
Lydia Cortez
Lynn Pool
Marcy “Cookie the Clown” Lapetina
Marilyn Melendez
Matthew Savoie
Michael Ford
Mickie Goelz
Molly Gravitte
Pam Ward
Pamela Ocana
Pete Savoie
Robert Phelps
Rodger Schmidt
Rolando Valentin
Russ Mercer
Sarah Savoie
Shannon Gravitte
Shelbi Patrick
Shieva Jolly
Stanley Rubin
Steven Ouy
Thomas Maley
Tina Fawls
Vanessa Velasquez
12
Donations
Supplies & Money
:`IPS/PJRZ(TLYPJH»Z6MÄJL:V\YJL
Ryan Hand / CDW
Rhonda Marcus / SunTrust
Lisa Harris / Humana
George DiGilio / TentLogix
Solar Bears
Universal Studios
Central Florida YMCA
Florida Hospital Centra Care
MEARS IN M OTION NEWSLETTER • September - October 2013
Children’s Book
Donations
Brittany Gardner
Stephen Phillips
Amy Fields
Merry Meyer
Prize Winners
Antonio Arias
Brandon Bade
Eve Bent-Pittman
Dieuvais Brutus
James Corbitt
Gary Dantes
Fritz Gedeon
Leslie Lewis
Guy Mauvais
Jeff Miller
Alphonsus Oguike
Frantz Rivette
Mounes Rizk
Maria Rodriguez
Ricardo Rodriguez
Velma Rogers
David Rose
Gloria Smith
Patty Soto
Elies Toussaint
Denzi Wroy