Association Member News

KENSINGTON, MD — On Friday, October 24, 2003, the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association named Ron Young, senior chauffeur at Limousines by Linda, San Diego, Calif., as its 2003 Limousine & Sedan Chauffeur of the Year. The award was presented to Mr. Young by TLPA Vice President Brian Wier and TLPA President Gene Hauck at the association's 85th Annual Convention & Trade Show, held in Reno, Nev.

Mr. Young was awarded with a plaque and a check for $300 by TLPA, who also paid for his airfare, hotel and convention registration. Limousines by Linda Chauffeur/Fleet Manager Phil Riccio and Operations Manager Gaynell Jennings also were presented with a plaque for the company's efforts in fostering a work environment that promotes excellent chauffeurs.

Ron Young is a native Californian who has lived in the San Diego area most of his life. Fourteen years ago, he owned an auto upholstery store and had a business meeting with one of his clients, Jon Chester, CEO of Limousines by Linda, and Jon's administrative assistant. They sat and discussed politics, jobs, money and business stress. To Ron's surprise, Jon Chester's administrative assistant called the next day and said that Jon was so impressed with Ron's demeanor that he wanted to know if he was interested in becoming a part-time chauffeur when he was not working at his upholstery business.

Ron now says, "Here I am fourteen years later, working as a chauffeur with San Diego's greatest limousine company, Limousines By Linda, the only limousine company I have ever worked for, and enjoying everything about the job and the company." Ron tells TLPA, "When I'm working for Limousines By Linda, it's not like working a job. To me, every day is like an adventure because I get to go places that I've never been before. I get to meet people in all walks of life: movie stars, presidents, CEOs of major companies and sports figures."

Ron points out that despite the glamorous people he meets, his most important clients are the everyday people he chauffeurs. Asked what makes a good chauffeur, Ron responds, "To treat all clients the same, go the extra mile, do whatever it takes and always be in control."

Usually, TLPA's Limousine & Sedan Chauffeur of the Year is nominated by an executive with the company for which he drives. In the case of Ron Young, the nomination was sent by Guy Mongello, president of Elegant International Limousines of Tampa, Fla. Mr. Mongello wrote to TLPA, "I feel it is time for Ron Young to be recognized for this award for his years of accomplishments, not only for being a safe driver and leading by example, but for his client relations. Numerous times, I have had clients traveling to the San Diego area that were assigned to Ron. My practice upon a client's return is to do follow-up calls to make sure everything went well.

"I have only had compliments about the services provided by Ron Young. It's always impressive when a client remembers their chauffeur's name when there's only been one or two meetings between the two. This is the case with Ron and this has stood out with me for a long time. I feel that after all these years of driving, there would be nothing better for him than recognition and an award from an organization such as the TLPA."

By winning TLPA's Limousine & Sedan Chauffeur of the Year Award, Ron Young is the first chauffeur in TLPA history to come from a limousine company where the operator has also been presented with a TLPA award.

Jon Chester, who passed away in September 2003, was TLPA's 2000 Limousine & Sedan Operator of the Year. That two people from the same organization have been presented with TLPA Awards speaks volumes of the quality and service provided by Limousines by Linda and of Jon Chester's high standards in providing transportation service.

"I am elated to have been chosen to receive this prestigious industry award and I thank everyone for choosing me to receive it," Ron Young says of receiving this award.

In honor of dedication to his profession and his clients, the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association proudly recognizes Mr. Ron Young as the TLPA 2003 Limousine & Sedan Chauffeur of the Year.