In the bustling landscape of Orlando’s transportation industry, FLA Car Service is quickly becoming synonymous with reliability, affordability, and a personalized approach to customer service. We sat down with the visionary CEO behind this thriving company to learn more about the inspiration, challenges, and future of FLA Car Service.
A Journey of Purpose and Passion
What inspired you to start FLA Car Service, and what is the company’s mission?
It has always been a dream of mine to create a service company that offers exceptional customer care. Since I was a child, I’ve had a passion for helping others. Growing up as the oldest of six children in a very impoverished family, I developed a strong sense of responsibility and found happiness in helping my siblings and mother. At the age of 7, I was knocking on doors to help my mom sell food to make a living.
My professional career started in retail in 2001, giving me over 20 years of experience working with clients across various industries. My personal goal has always been to make people feel special—I see my clients as family. Our mission at FLA Car Service is simple: to transport passengers to their destination with ease, relaxation, and affordability.
Setting a New Standard in Orlando Transportation
How does FLA Car Service differentiate itself from other transportation companies in Orlando?
We pride ourselves on offering the highest quality transfers at the most affordable prices. Unlike other companies that assign different drivers for every trip, we provide a consistent experience with a single, dedicated driver who has over 20 years of driving experience across multiple countries. This consistency fosters trust and familiarity.
We also prioritize safety for vulnerable individuals by offering driver verification in advance. Additionally, we will soon be the only company in Florida that donates $10 from every Port Canaveral transfer to buy theme park tickets for struggling families in Orlando. It’s heartbreaking that local children often can’t afford to visit the world-class parks right in their backyard. We want to change that.
The Core Values that Drive FLA Car Service
What values drive your company, and how do they impact the customer experience?
Our foundational value is that customers are family. We ensure that every passenger feels like they are being driven by a family member. We understand that families are often overwhelmed by the cost of vacations, so we remain committed to offering the best prices in the market.
Excellence and safety are also non-negotiables. Our transfers are conducted with the utmost professionalism and care. And finally, giving back to the community is central to our mission. We’re creating a savings fund to purchase theme park tickets for local families who can’t afford them. It’s our way of sharing joy.
The Road to Success: Challenges and Milestones
What challenges did you face when launching the company, and how did you overcome them?
Starting a company, especially in the transportation industry, is far from simple. It took months of paperwork, permit applications, and approvals to get ready for business. I invested my life savings to acquire the vehicle and cover operational costs. It was a significant gamble at my age, especially when I should be preparing for retirement.
One of my early mistakes was creating the wrong website, which delayed our visibility online. I’m doing everything for the first time and learning as I go, but I see it as a privilege. I’m investing in myself and embracing the process with positivity.
How has the company evolved since its inception?
We’re still in the early stages, having only completed about 15 bookings since August of this year. However, I remain optimistic and focused on growing our customer base.
Unparalleled Airport Transfers
What makes your MCO Airport Transfers stand out in such a competitive market?
Our MCO Airport Transfers offer affordability, consistency, and a personal touch. Many companies hire drivers on low wages, leading to high turnover and subpar customer experiences. By contrast, we offer a living wage and treat our drivers as partners. This approach ensures that our clients are driven by experienced professionals who genuinely care.
A Family-Friendly Service
Can you tell us more about your family-friendly services?
Our clients can expect a warm, family-style experience. We offer complimentary car seats and booster seats to ensure children’s safety. Vulnerable passengers can request driver verification in advance for added peace of mind. Our services include airport transfers to any hotels in Orlando and Central Florida, as well as round-trip transfers to theme parks and Port Canaveral.
Innovative Features and Fleet Highlights
What unique features does your fleet offer for passengers?
Starting in February 2025, we will offer free Wi-Fi on every transfer. Additionally, all our vehicles come with complimentary car seats for families who need them. We are also working on streaming capabilities, allowing passengers to watch their favorite shows or movies during their ride.
Navigating Industry Challenges
What are some of the biggest challenges in the transportation industry today, and how does FLA Car Service address them?
The biggest challenge is finding experienced drivers with a strong customer service background. To address this, we’ve decided to remain small and focused, ensuring we hire only the best. Our drivers are treated as family and compensated fairly. Our goal isn’t to maximize profits but to build a meaningful business that pays the bills and makes everyone involved happy.
Looking Ahead: Future Goals and Services
What are your short-term and long-term goals for FLA Car Service?
Our short-term goal is to increase our bookings and raise awareness about our services. By the end of 2025, we hope to consider adding another vehicle to our fleet. In the next five years, we plan to have a five-car fleet.
What new services or features can customers expect in the future?
By late 2025, we will introduce streaming services in our vehicles so passengers can watch movies or shows during their transfers. It’s all about enhancing the travel experience.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own transportation business?
Go for it. Be fearless and willing to learn. Invest in yourself—there’s nothing worse than looking back and regretting that you didn’t believe in your dreams. We live in a blessed and prosperous country, and it’s truly a privilege to start your own business. The pressure to succeed is also a privilege, and I’d rather be an active participant in life than a passive observer always looking for the next job.
A Vision Fueled by Passion
FLA Car Service stands as a testament to what passion, resilience, and a commitment to excellence can achieve. With a customer-first approach and a vision that extends beyond transportation, the CEO’s story reminds us that meaningful service begins with heart. As the company grows, one thing remains certain: FLA Car Service isn’t just a ride—it’s a journey defined by care, comfort, and connection.
