When I was an affiliates manager, I would cringe if a key client was going into Newark International Airport.
It truly was a nightmare from delayed flights to changed gates to lost luggage. You name it. Parking was difficult, let alone finding a space. Well, I had the pleasure of picking up my daughter’s friend there the other night. Her flight was delayed two hours.
Yes, I live in New Jersey, but Newark is north Jersey and I live south which is closer to Philadelphia and Atlantic City. I rarely visit Newark and I like it that way. I got to sit in terminal A for two extra hours and I got to see all of the chauffeurs in baggage waiting for their clients. If you own a company that services Newark, I challenge you to go to Newark the Tuesday before Passover and watch your chauffeurs. I counted four slumped in seats sleeping. Three had no jackets or windbreakers on. Three had their signs clipped to their ties. I actually got on the phone and called some of you to tell you I saw your chauffeur. I wish I had a camera so that you could have seen the motley crew. I was embarrassed for our industry. They all had signs and worked for companies that I had farmed business to in the past.
Of those I called, a couple couldn’t be bothered and actually told me how hard it is to get good chauffeurs. Shame on them for sending these guys out to represent their companies. Next time, I will bring the camera. There were more than 20 chauffeurs there and only four would meet the minimal standards that I would expect to see in our industry. Two truly did shine and I walked down to see what companies they were representing. They had blank signs. I asked and they told me companies that I knew were not from the area (affiliates). I gave them my card and they told me Arrow.
Eddie, great job! These two knew the business. They never sat and were truly great representatives of your company. I would have called you also that night but I didn’t have your number on me. I challenge every owner to go out and check out who you have representing you. Late at night, all bets are off. Let me know if you think I am out of line on this, but I was truly appalled and amazed.
Print | posted on Friday, April 17, 2009 5:24 PM