Johnny

Hey! So nice to speak with you! Can you tell our readers a little bit more about yourself? Where are you originally from and where do you live now?

I'm Johnny. I was born in current-day Bulgaria which was the old Soviet Union where I escaped from as a 17 year old boy.

What's one thing you love about where you live now?

I moved to Chicago, IL. The freedom we have for someone like me to be able to have a business where I was able to provide a decent living for my family and give jobs to people like me who came to the USA with nothing but hope to have a chance in self determination.

Tell us a little bit more about what your company does and how it started. How does it help your customers?

I started in the mid-70s, those who know Chicago O'Hare those days can understand how different things were. No signs, no internet, no way to promote yourself really. I would work non-stop, hand out cards and offer better rates faster than others. From there I found my way, instead of driving I told all the owner operators I will load you for a cut. From there it was off to the races.

If someone wants to start a business, what advice would help them?

If you want to start a business, do not give up. You will suffer in the beginning and even as the years go there will be up and down. If you stick to it and provide an honest business model of taking care of both your employees and customers things come together. Find your niche and perfect it.

What's one piece of feedback from a happy customer or client that you won't forget?

Never forget, we had a client on September 11th. All flights were grounded and her husband worked out of tower one. We were out of vehicles, I personally got in my car and drove all the way to New York. That lady happened to be an owner of one of our future largest corporate accounts.

Where do you see your company in the future?

Rideshare really changed the way people move, we focus now on Midsized rides like Sprinter Vans. We still do it all but to find your niche as I always say and perfect it is your chance to separate you from the rest. With AI we will probably be facing new challenges and opportunities.

What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

Biggest misconception is thinking to be a chauffeur is a mindless job. On the contrary, drivers handle the most precious cargo as in people.

What has been one of your biggest struggles building your business, and how did you deal with it?

Biggest struggle is keeping up with current ways to get your name out there. Customers come and go if you are around for decades. People change jobs, you need to make sure your name is known.

What was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?

Michael Jordan, James Brown

Any shoutouts you want to make?

Want to say, Moovs dispatch software is truly a family. Great easy set up and is a one-stop shop for everything limo.

Where can our readers follow your work or learn more about your upcoming projects?

Visit us at www.ametransportation.com