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Success Story
Just for You Transportation Service, Inc.
Willie Gray really applied himself to mastering the basics of business and finances when thinking about starting his own small business. Successful entrepreneurship doesn’t just happen; it takes hard work and dedication. He had a vision, thoroughly researched the specific commercial enterprise and took business classes at a local community college, all in careful preparation for launching his own transportation service. “I had worked driving a van for social services with Maricopa County and understood the need for ‘call on demand’ service,” stated Willie. They started on a small scale out of their home, but thanks to a U. S. Small Business Administration 7(a) guaranteed loan through Bank of the West, they were able to construct their own building for the business operation. Not only did they meticulously plan every step of the way, they have also built for expansion and diversification. Just for You Transportation started in 1997 with just two employees. Currently, the staff consists of 19 employees, most of whom are full-time. As Charlene Carlson from Bank of the West stated, “Mr. Gray impressed me by the way he started this company and where he has taken it in just a few years.” In just four years (from 1999 to 2002) he has managed to increase his gross revenues by seven-fold. Just for You Transportation Service, Inc. provides non-medical, non-emergency ambulatory and wheelchair transportation to individuals and small or large groups. Transportation services include travel to and from medical facilities, the airport, corporate meetings, any type of event (sports events, concerts, etc) or to fill a community need. They count among their major clients the State of Arizona, the City of Phoenix, Maricopa County, Gila River Indian Community, and Area Agency on Aging, Refugee Program. The personalized service may consist of picking up clients to take them to jobs, court appearances, supervised visitation with parents, doctor’s visits, daycare, job training programs and schools. They own all their vehicles having just purchased a 47-passenger coach to add to their fleet. They have mini-buses, executive vans, standard vans and sedans many of which are wheelchair accessible. They have also added a tow truck which will be available for commercial use. Although Willie Gray has full responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the company, Angela Gray holds an important role. There is not a contract executed that is not checked and rechecked by Angela. She brings problem solving skills to the business because of her background and education as an electrical engineer. When plans were executed for their building, they decided to allow additional space for classrooms so that they could diversify. They hope to start another facet of the business by offering defensive driving classes and training for getting a commercial driver’s license in their south Phoenix facility. | ||