Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Sunshine Shuttle has acquired Trumpet Coach, of Chipley, Fla., making Sunshine a major transportation company in northwest Florida.
The recent acquisition also expands Sunshine into a more diverse transportation company in the Panhandle, offering sedans, limousines, vans, local shuttle vehicles, and now, luxury motor coaches. The new arm of Finch’s transportation business is Sunshine Coach. During peak season, the company will employ about 40 workers.
Sunshine began in 2002 by John Finch, the owner of Sunshine Shuttle and Sunshine Limousine, as a secondary business interest. When Finch’s development investments dissolved, he concentrated his entrepreneurial efforts on the transportation company. The company has seen double-digit growth three years in a row, and Finch says he expects even greater things with his latest expansion.
Finch plans to capitalize on the success of the 21-year-old Trumpet Coach and says there are 26 charters already on the books. Trumpet’s last full year showed annual sales of $5 million. “Calls to Trumpet now come into our central office where we use state of the art reservation and dispatch software and equipment. We have people available 24/7.
“It’s a tough business, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s seasonal to some degree but our bills come due every month. Adding the coach business to our already-established line of professional transportation options will allow us to provide year round travel to areas out-of-state as well provide service to our large local customers more efficiently.”
Sunshine works closely with many high-end resorts along the northwest Florida coastline to provide transportation to the three major Panhandle airports. Sunshine also provides ground transportation at Sandestin Beach and Golf Resort, and is the designated transportation provider for Southwest Airlines personnel in northwest Florida. It also has been the official transportation courier for events such as the Destin (Florida) Seafood Festival and the Panama City Beach Jazz Festival.
Finch credits his tough performance standards for the company’s continued success. “I demand the best from my employees so they can provide the best service to our customers. We want to bring the limousine service to the shuttle and motor coach business.”
According to several trade journals, such customer focused business models provide more long-term success and ultimately, larger profits and has brought national attention to the hometown business.
In November 2011, for the third consecutive year, Sunshine Shuttle & Limousine Service was selected for the 2011 Best of Santa Rosa Beach Award by the U.S. Commerce Association.
John was recently selected to hold a board position for the Limousine Association for the state of Florida. Among other achievements, Sunshine Shuttle & Limousine was voted Best Transportation by the readers of Destin Magazine.
“More festivals, tournaments and sporting events are coming to the Panama City Beach area every year, and these events require additional transportation. Sunshine Shuttle & Limousine recent and continued expansion is in direct alignment with this transportation need,” says President & CEO of the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce, Beth Oltman.
President and CEO of the Walton Area Chamber Kitty Whitney said the acquisition will have a positive impact on the area’s tourism business. "Sunshine Shuttle’s services and programs have been innovative and necessary as our streets become more crowded, especially during peak tourism season. We are proud that our members take very seriously these opportunities in economic growth and development.”
Monday, December 26, 2011
New Years Eve Specials
Hourly rates:
15 passenger vans-$75/hr
Sedans (4passenger)- $75/hr
8 passenger limos- $85/hr
14 passenger limo- $125/hr
6 passenger van- $55/hr
14 passenger mini bus-$65/hr
We also do one way transfers please call 850-650-6333 for availability and pricing. Please note NYE is our busiest day of the year, book as soon as possible to insure availability.
Hourly rates:
15 passenger vans-$75/hr
Sedans (4passenger)- $75/hr
8 passenger limos- $85/hr
14 passenger limo- $125/hr
6 passenger van- $55/hr
14 passenger mini bus-$65/hr
We also do one way transfers please call 850-650-6333 for availability and pricing. Please note NYE is our busiest day of the year, book as soon as possible to insure availability.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Sunshine Shinning in Times of Need
More than 150 toys were collected for the Freeport Fire Department toy drive when John and Barbi Carroll-Hawbaker opened their home Dec. 3 to the people of Destin for their annual Christmas party and Jesus’ Birthday party. For the second year in a row, families arrived at the party in style, courtesy of Sunshine Shuttle and Limousine.
Santa arrived at the party via fire truck and set up shop to talk with those in attendance. Five-year-old Brighton Maryann Watson, daughter of Tina Watson, was one of the many children who couldn't wait to sit on Santa’s lap and give him their wish lists. Brighton also enjoyed her first limo ride.
Others contributing to the success of the party were Destin / Fire Rescue, Jessie Scott, John Wagoner, Suzy Sims, Linda Shores. Louise Fressell, Maliga Pillay, Evangeline Zamonte, Delia Simms-Holts, Terry and Ann Allen, Jeasie and Jonas Areco, Publix, photographer John Brashears, Zak productions magic show and balloons, and Destin United Methodist Church.
Friday, December 09, 2011
Thursday, December 08, 2011
Testimonial
Hello John,
Please accept my thanks and appreciation for the wonderful services provided by Sunshine Shuttle during our recent Small Airports Conference in Destin between Nov. 1-5, 2011. Though our transportation logistics were complicated, from individual airport shuttles to group transfers, everyone in your company provided consistently excellent service. I would like to specifically compliment two drivers, Walter and Jane, who provided our group transfers at various times. They were punctual, knowledgeable about the area, and genuinely engaging with our attendees. During the few times I needed to call Sunshine Shuttle’s reservation line, your office staff answered promptly and professionally. Throughout the entire process, I was extremely fortunate to work most closely with Donovan. His calm demeanor to my numerous schedule changes as our conference grew was very much appreciated, thank-you Donovan!
My lasting impression, is that the entire Sunshine Shuttle staff are proud of their company and the beautiful environment in which they reside. I’m quite sure this overall team effort is a direct reflection of your management style John, therefore please feel free to use my comments for future references. All the best with your continued success!
Cheers,
Terri
Please accept my thanks and appreciation for the wonderful services provided by Sunshine Shuttle during our recent Small Airports Conference in Destin between Nov. 1-5, 2011. Though our transportation logistics were complicated, from individual airport shuttles to group transfers, everyone in your company provided consistently excellent service. I would like to specifically compliment two drivers, Walter and Jane, who provided our group transfers at various times. They were punctual, knowledgeable about the area, and genuinely engaging with our attendees. During the few times I needed to call Sunshine Shuttle’s reservation line, your office staff answered promptly and professionally. Throughout the entire process, I was extremely fortunate to work most closely with Donovan. His calm demeanor to my numerous schedule changes as our conference grew was very much appreciated, thank-you Donovan!
My lasting impression, is that the entire Sunshine Shuttle staff are proud of their company and the beautiful environment in which they reside. I’m quite sure this overall team effort is a direct reflection of your management style John, therefore please feel free to use my comments for future references. All the best with your continued success!
Cheers,
Terri
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
Tour of Christmas Reflections!
This is the year to visit the Historic Defuniak Springs Lake to see Christmas Reflections. Why not make a trip of it and go to Bogey's Restaurant, right next door to the Historic Defuniak Hotel, for a glass of wine and dinner! This offer lasts through the whole month of December. Hours are 5 p.m-9 p.m. 7 days a week. Call for pricing! Make Reservations at Bogey's Restaurant at (850) 951-2233. We offer private vehicles or share rides for parties.
Finch Transportation Receives 2011 Best of Santa Rosa Beach Award
U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement
NEW YORK, NY, November 29, 2011 -- For the third consecutive year, Finch Transportation has been selected for the 2011 Best of Santa Rosa Beach Award in the Sunshine Shuttle & Limousine Service category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).
The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
Nationwide, only 1 in 120 (less than 1%) 2011 Award recipients qualified as Three-Time Award Winners. Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2011 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.
About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)
U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a New York City based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.
The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.
U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement
NEW YORK, NY, November 29, 2011 -- For the third consecutive year, Finch Transportation has been selected for the 2011 Best of Santa Rosa Beach Award in the Sunshine Shuttle & Limousine Service category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).
The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
Nationwide, only 1 in 120 (less than 1%) 2011 Award recipients qualified as Three-Time Award Winners. Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2011 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.
About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)
U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a New York City based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.
The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.
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