“I’ve never met so many people who understood exactly what I was doing,” he says. A chauffeur with Jordan Limousines of Kemah, Texas, Crimmins was blown away by the many opportunities that arose from his first business trip. Networking with fellow ground transportation professionals filled him with excitement.
“This is why people go out and do these shows,” Crimmins says. “This is the rush, the surge, the payoff. Shaking someone’s hand, making a really good first impression…” Clearly, the show made an impression of its own on him. His story provides a refreshing insight into a first-timer’s passion for the industry. As with any good industry origin story, the chauffeured roots go deep…
Once Upon A Time…
Ever since he was little, Crimmins was exposed to the world of vintage vehicles through his father’s friends who would travel around the country to purchase cars with the intent of breathing new life into them. About a year and a half ago, one of these friends, Joe Jordan, became his boss.
Because most of Jordan Limousines’ business is weekend wedding retail, the job fits perfectly for a full-time college student. Crimmins started out by learning how to drive Rolls-Royces, Bentleys and other old classic cars. He eventually discovered he had another talent: Creating promotional videos for the company.
With just an iPhone 6 and some recording equipment, Crimmins started a YouTube channel for his employer. He adapts what he sees and likes in other videos to create a similar effect for the ones he films for Jordan Limousines, which is owned by veteran Houston operator and limousine industry advocate, Joe Jordan.
“I just had someone I met at the show from South Dakota email me because he needs help creating his own,” he says. “I want to share my knowledge so everyone can be on the same playing field.”
Blissfully Employed
From the suit and tie to the chauffeur’s cap and white gloves, Crimmins not only looks the part, but acts it as well. “When I’m in one of Joe’s cars, I make sure I take my time. It’s nice to not be in a hurry…I don’t want to feel like I’m rushing the experience for the couple.”
After reading 2016 Show keynote speaker Doug Lipp’s book Disney U, he’s tried to apply what he’s learned to the way he treats his clients by making the inside of the vehicle the “happiest place on Earth.”
“When I can tell the couple is having fun, I might ‘accidentally’ take a wrong turn and have to go around the block,” he says.
Crimmins understands it’s all about the experience. While he does make sure the couple gets where they need to be, it’s the simple things like driving over a romantic bridge rather than down a street with blinding streetlights that he thinks clients really appreciate. This same principle applies to the vehicles as well. “That’s the difference between taking a Rolls-Royce and a Honda…It’s the fact the seats go back and are so soft. And yes, I do have Grey Poupon in the glove compartment,” he jokes.
A Gentleman and A Scholar
Now in his junior year at the University of Houston, Crimmins has switched from a major in political science to English. While he did appreciate the critical thinking skills he gained in his poli sci courses, he believes his true passion lies in writing. In between classes, homework, and driving, he jots down his thoughts whenever he feels inspired.
“I’m thinking I want to go to conventions and write a book and speak about it,” he says.
At times, it can be difficult to balance an academic life with a professional one, but Crimmins is happy his job allows him to do what he loves. He did, however, miss two midterms in order to attend the International LCT Show.
“My homework usually involves reading or writing, so I can do it in the car while I’m waiting to pick up my clients,” he says. “But how do you go out of town on these really important business trips when you’re supposed to be at school?” Luckily, his professors understand and he’s able to perform such a juggling act with ease.
Although he’s unsure of what the future holds, Crimmins has certainly learned a lot from his time as a chauffeur…and as an English major. His favorite book, Moby Dick, has the perfect message for anyone who doubts the usefulness of his area of study: “If you have a goal and are living for something, even if you’re crazy or other people think you’re crazy, you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.”
Keywords
Bentley chauffeur profiles Houston operators International LCT Show Mandalay Bay Millennials Rolls-Royce Sara Eastwood Texas operators video vintage vehicles WebXclusive weddings
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