ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Do you remember your first limo show? There’s no doubt you were at least a little nervous and slightly intimidated by all of the big industry names together in one place. That’s why LCT created the Street Team: A group of seasoned operators who post updates before, during, and after the show on social media, as well as serve as guides for attendees who might not know the best people to strike up a conversation with just yet.
This year, the Street Team is comprised of nine operators from nine different states who are ready to help introduce you to notable operators on the show floor. LCT interviewed a few of them to see why they decided to take on the task of being show ambassadors.
The Fearless Leader
Team Captain Julie Dotan, president of J & B Executive Transportation in Troy, Mich., is a Street Team regular who’s a seasoned Facebook user and loves helping others in the industry. “The team is a good resource for new attendees because it’s an easy way to know what’s going on at the show and we can help with introductions. The best part is you’ll already know what we look like,” she says. She’s friendly, easy to approach, and has 18 years of experience in the luxury ground transportation industry, so she’s happy to answer any questions attendees might have.
Dotan’s favorite, and what she believes is the most beneficial, part of LCT Shows is the numerous networking opportunities available. Another thing she’s looking forward to is great sessions (one of which she’s a presenter at) and the packed exhibit hall floor. A word of advice she’d like to give is make the best of your time at the show by getting to know as many people as possible. “You never know when you will need an affiliate to cover a job or for some guidance.”
The Ambitious Millennial
Briana Candeub, affiliate manager for Park Avenue Limousine in Feasterville-Trevose, Pa., is really enjoying working for her father’s company, but establishing herself as an individual in the industry is something very important to her. “I want to continue to show the industry what I have to offer and the ideas I have as a millennial. I thought joining the street team was a great way to get my name out there. I also love any chance to help and welcome new people into the industry as I was once in that same position and I know it can be extremely overwhelming,” she says.
Candeub thinks one of the things that makes the team a good resource for new attendees is the fact it features a mix of notable people from the industry who are all different ages and have different levels of experience. “You are bound to relate to someone on the team and can use them as a good mentoring tool for yourself and your business.”
What is she most looking forward to? “If my dad asks, tell him I said meeting new affiliates and bringing back business,” she jokes. “The real answer is seeing my limo peeps! So many people in this industry are not just affiliates; they’ve become friends who turned into family. I am so thankful for many of the relationships I have made and for the mentors I get to spend time with. Maybe soon enough someone will be able to look up to me the same way.”
Her father Alan started Park Avenue Limousine 30 years ago with one vehicle, and today the family oriented company has a mixed fleet of approximately 50 vehicles. “Our number one priority is service, service, service!,” she says. “A large amount of our in-house staff and chauffeurs have been with us for over 15 years and we are all proud to represent the Philadelphia area together. Establishing new local and worldwide relationships is extremely important to us, and any one of our staff members you see at a show is approachable and will welcome you with open arms.”
The Friendly Face
Sam Emam, vice president and client relations manager of Chauffeurs Limo Corp. in Kenilworth, N.J., joined the Street Team because he knows shows can be overwhelming when it seems like everyone already knows each other. “I wanted to be a friendly face to any newcomers or one person attendees to make them more comfortable attending the show just like Julie Dotan was with me when I first started networking.”
What makes the Street Team such a good resource? Emam believes it’s because everyone on the team brings a lot of knowledge about the industry from different parts of the world. “If you combined everyone’s contact list, we probably know everyone in the industry.” He would like attendees to know he runs a small, family-operated company with his father out of North Jersey that serves the entire NY Metropolitan Area, is super friendly, and says you can talk to him about anything.
He’s most excited about the educational aspects of the show. “You never stop learning in this industry. I’m also looking forward to deepening my existing relationships with my affiliates and meeting new ones from the northeast.” His advice for new attendees is to be friendly, smile, and be willing to get out of your comfort zone to meet people if you want to be successful.
The Attendee-Turned-Team Member
Jami Crouch, director of affiliate and client relations for Aadvanced Limousines in Indianapolis, Ind., is all about helping others learn new things and make new connections.
“When I was new, I knew the happy faces of the Street Team were there to help introduce you to people or just help you better understand how to get the most out of the shows. I believe the Street Team makes it easy for new attendees to have a ‘go to’ person if they need something without having to feel shy or embarrassed. I believe these people are highlighted as those you can count on to help guide the way,” she says.
According to Crouch, Aadvanced Limousines started with a single vehicle over a decade ago as a retail operation that focused on limousine service. The company has since mastered the customer experience which has allowed them to transition into becoming outstanding affiliates for your needs in Indianapolis.
“Having only been with Aadvanced Limousines for just over two and half years, I’m still fairly new to the industry. It has been an incredible experience, and I look forward to continuing to grow and learn! I would say to attendees always bring the best of you, lots of business cards, and do not miss an opportunity to say hello or meet someone new.”
The Affiliate Authority
With nine years of experience in the limo industry and a passion for her job, Renee Ferraro, affiliate manager for ZBest Worldwide in Baltimore, Md., enjoys posting on social media and being a part of the team to assist others. She believes the collective experience of the team members makes them a great resource for new attendees. “I enjoy helping others learn the tricks of the trade,” she says.
Ferraro is most looking forward to the new sessions, courses, and exhibit hall floor. “I can’t wait to see what’s new out there that will help our industry stay strong and keep us moving forward,” she explains. “And did I mention the networking and partying with some of the best affiliates around? That’s my favorite part of the show!”
She believes the best thing to do is to get to know as many affiliates as you can. “We are all just one big, happy family and here to discuss all our problems and solutions to help everyone.”
The Fabulous Floridian
Wendy Kleefisch, owner of Brevard Executive Limousine & Transportation in Indialantic, Fla., joined the Street Team to help her industry peers with any questions or concerns they may have regarding the LCT East show as well. “If it’s their first time, or twentieth time, I’m always there to help!,” she says.
Kleefisch mentions the shows are large, and people can easily get lost. “We are there to help get you in a session, to the show floor, or charity event. Whatever your needs are, we are here for you!” She’s most looking forward to meeting new people, and making some new corporate accounts at the same time. “It’s my favorite time of the year! See you soon, and please check out my Facebook and Twitter posts so we can connect at LCT East!”
To see a full list of Street Team members for the 2016 LCT-NLA Show East, click here.
If you’d like to be a future member of the Street Team for the International LCT Show in March 2017, please contact LCT assistant editor Lexi Tucker at lexi@lctmag.com.
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