WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — Great tasks are accomplished when your team cares about the end product and beyond. ABC Companies’ Ashley Cornell, vice president of marketing, and Brian Nelson, sales engineer, say this “Golden Rule” mentality helps them provide the best possible service for new and loyal customers.
Family Mentality
“It’s a family run company, and it’s reflected in the level of support and service we provide our customers,” Nelson says. “We don’t just treat each other like family, but those that buy from us as well. It’s organic for all employees to want to provide that level of service.”
By being nimble and forward thinking, the company has set itself apart from the others providing similar products, Cornell says. As a sales engineer, Nelson goes out into the field and talks to customers to better understand the technical aspects of a Van Hool motorcoach, and also provides technical feedback to Van Hool about information from the field.
Nelson’s enthusiasm for his work matches what Cornell says the company strives to do. ABC Companies is a growing business that supports the chauffeured transportation industry.
Fast Facts
Location: Faribault, Minn. (headquarters); Winter Garden, Fla.
Service: Bus manufacturing and sales
Founded: 1972
Founder: Clancy Cornell
Employees: 600
Website: http://ift.tt/1sfD6S6
Contact: (407) 287-3060
“We think we can bring a lot that might be different in terms of quality and customer service,” Cornell says. “Our 24/7/365 in-house after sales support team is always ready to answer questions, send manuals, or provide training. We want to make operator’s lives easier.”
The company is also providing video chat capability via its app, enabling customers to talk face-to-face with experienced ABC personnel. “Once you buy a bus from us, we don’t just wave goodbye to you and say good luck. We want to be there for you every step of the way.”
Paving The Way
ABC Companies’ most popular motorcoach among chauffeured transportation buyers is its C model. First launched as the C2000, Van Hool builds it exclusively for the American market. In 2013, the company renamed it the CX which comes in 35-ft. and 45-ft. versions, but Nelson says the 35-ft. provides operators with the best transition into the bus market.
The limo market wasn’t an area of focus for ABC at first because the buses it produced were too big, Cornell says. “The CX35 was the eye opener because it’s not a body on chassis. Once operators try it, it provides them with access to a different client base, so they start to get more comfortable and upgrade to the CX45. The two models provide more flexibility and variety.”
Stay Current
The biggest challenge for ABC is the ever-changing market, especially with technology evolving daily. “You have to keep up with that because if you don’t, you’ll get pushed aside and become irrelevant,” Cornell says.
ABC’s digital dashboard is a good example. If your competition has one and you have a more antiquated version, you’ll get left behind. Ten years ago, amenities such as 110-volt outlets and Wi-Fi did not exist on buses. The challenge is staying ahead of the curve. “We enjoy the competition because it’s healthy and keeps us on our toes,” she says.
Another growing client group the company considers when planning products is Millennials. “We’ve put a renewed emphasis on appealing to that market and providing all the conveniences they’ve come to expect,” Nelson says. The company continues to look for areas it can expand into while growing and providing the best service possible.
Keywords
ABC Companies buses industry vendors motorcoaches Van Hool
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