Monday, September 8, 2008

• Operator Of The Year Award : Stardust Cruises

After working for other limousine operators, Ken and Susie Martin thought they could run a limousine business better than others in their town. By providing a product not offered in the area (a limo bus) and coupling it with exceptional and unheard of service (including a hostess on board), they launched Stardust Cruises Limousine Service. In nearly 4 years the Stardust fleet has grown to 2 limo buses, a 200” Hummer, a Van Terra, a 120” Lincoln 5th door, and a 1930 Model A stretch. Initially running the business themselves, they now have 3 full time employees, and 10 part time employees.

Ken and Susie live in Santa Maria, California, which is a small rural town with a big heart. They participate in numerous charitable fundraisers, including the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the Pacific Repertory Opera, the Alzheimer’s Association, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Shoes for Students, Rotary Club, YMCA, at least 7 local elementary and high schools, Hats for Hope, Tri Counties Blood Bank, Discovery Museum, the Elks, Easter Seals, IFOP, Marian Foundation, EOC, Santa Maria Mural Society, Orcutt Children’s Art Foundation, Make A Wish Foundation, CASA, Friends of Hearst Castle, Greenspace, SLO Symphony, Hospice Partners, Oncology Nurses Society, VTC, Ethel Pope Auditorium Foundation, Central Coast Natural History Association, Girsh Park Foundation, and the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts Foundation, among others. Establishing themselves as a local business that cares for the communities it serves has made Stardust Cruises Limousine Service a community leader. The Martins hold membership in the Elks Lodge #1538, the Santa Maria Breakfast Rotary Club, the Santa Maria Model A’s, the Model A Ford Club of America, they belong to 7 Chambers of Commerce, the San Luis Obispo Vintner’s Association, GCLA and the NLA.

Recognizing the potential danger of alcohol and teenagers, Ken and Susie organized a Sober Prom and Graduation Extravaganza to show kids how to have a good time without drugs and alcohol. They invited the local limousine operators to bring their vehicles for display. The show included 2 local radio stations, the DARE Program, the Santa Maria Fire Department, the California Highway Patrol, the Santa Maria Police Department, and local vendors, such as photographers, tux shops, and a Mary Kay representative. The show was free to the public and encouraged parents and students to choose legitimate limousine services that would not allow alcohol on board.

In an effort to better the limousine industry and secure its ties to the wine industry, the Martins have launched what they call the Stardust Difference. Each winery in the area receives a copy of their wine policy as well as a sample letter that is sent to each wine tour customer explaining the policy and appropriate behavior at the wineries. “We have to protect the wineries from our own clients” says Ken.

“If we are denied access to the tasting rooms, limousine businesses will greatly suffer. A wine tour is not a drunk run, and shouldn’t be conducted as such. We are hoping to “raise the bar” so that all the limousine operators in the area will improve their level of service to the wineries. It can only help us all.” That is one of the reasons they have joined the local Vintner’s Association. “It only makes sense to partner with the businesses that support your business.” says Ken. Wine tours make up about 70% of Stardust’s business.

Committed to improving their business, Stardust has attended the LCT Show each year, and continually strives to learn from other operators and businesses as well. “We learn from others’ successes and failures. Competition is healthy. It makes everyone try harder.” says Susie.


Chauffeur Training Program

S
tardust Cruises Limousine Service employs drivers with both Class B licenses with a Passenger Endorsement and Class C licenses. Those with Class B are enrolled in the DMV Pull Program and have periodic and random drug testing. All drivers do 2 or 3 “ride along” trips in the limo buses. They read the Safety Manual, Orientation Manual, and Wine Tour Policy. They are required to view the Driver’s Training Videos.

They are oriented on each vehicle, know all the electronics, and learn to use the digital camera. Each driver spends time with our Driver’s Trainer until they prove proficiency.

Since our large vehicles are staffed with a hostess as well as a driver, the hostess also acts as support for the new driver. If a hostess reports a “rough ride”, or other training issues, the driver is required to repeat the training and drive test until improvement is noted.

Safety meetings are held at monthly and safety issues are discussed and policy reviewed. Current events extracted from the news, industry journals, and newsletters are shared. We have instituted a “Non-Punitive Performance Improvement Program” which has improved safety and awareness. Drivers and hostesses are required to review the material discussed in the meetings before their next assignment.

Stardust Cruises Central Coast's Premiere Limousine Service
Please contact Ken or Susie Martin at 805 938-0018 for more information!
Or, you can email us at ken@stardustcruises.com

Visit our website at StardustCruises.com

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