Carson Capital Corp., Including Its Operating Company, Shuttle Bus Leasing Announces Its Transition to a 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Carson Capital Corp., Including Its Operating Company, Shuttle Bus Leasing Announces Its Transition to a 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Riverside, CA – Shuttle Bus Leasing (SBL) announced its plan to transition to a 100% employee-owned company. The announcement was made during a special lunch celebration on Friday, August 20, 2021, to the entire employee base at its headquarters in Riverside, CA. The meeting was simultaneously broadcast to all remote employees via video conference.

Dale E. Carson, President and Owner of Shuttle Bus Leasing, and his wife, Terri, started SBL over 34 years ago and worked tirelessly to build it into the industry-leading organization that it has become. Throughout the company’s history, Dale and Terri have been proud to employ such a talented and diverse team, and have always tried to show their sincere appreciation to each and every employee.

During the announcement, Dale expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the staff, and said that turning SBL into an ESOP was his and Terri’s way of giving back to the people who helped the company be successful – their employees. He further explained that the ESOP retirement benefit would be in addition to the Company’s existing 401(k) Plan retirement vehicle.

An ESOP, facilitated through a trust, provides company stock to employees as part of their retirement benefits. When Congress established the ESOP employee benefit plan in the 1970’s, the governing legislation was written that “the ESOP is required to be operated for the ‘exclusive benefit’ of participating employees (and their beneficiaries).” Once the transition to an employee-owned company is finalized, employees will benefit from contributions made to their account.

SBL projects greatly benefit their customers and the communities they serve. Now more than ever, customers are looking to partner with companies that are also aligned with those goals. SBL prides itself on providing a great product and taking care of its employees. Becoming an employee-owned company demonstrates further commitment to its employees, and future success of the company and its customers.

CCW Delivers Two Completely Rehabbed 60′ Buses to Capital Area Transit

CCW Delivers Two Completely Rehabbed 60′ Buses to Capital Area Transit

RIVERSIDE, CA – Complete Coach Works (CCW) announced today that it has made the final delivery to Capital Area Transit (CAT). The contract, which calls for the rehabilitation of two articulated New Flyer buses, was awarded late last year.

Work on the buses included repowering the engines to Cummins Recon ISL. The new engines are fuel efficient, low weight, and compact. Additional work for the buses included installment of rebuilt Allison transmissions, new driver seats, reupholstered and repainted passenger seats, new interior and exterior LED lighting, and ADA compliant wheelchair ramps. Other upgrades included new brakes and suspensions, steering components, and destination signs.

Rehabilitation of vehicles is often part of a transit system’s strategy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the 60′ articulated vehicles provides more space for riders and allows for greater social distancing. The vehicles also enhance the passenger experience by improving customers’ comfort and safety in a cost-effective manner.

By purchasing a remanufactured bus, CAT receives two fully renovated buses for about half the cost of a new bus. “A complete restoration is not only cost-effective, but a retrofit bus takes a fraction of the time to deliver in months not years,” states Brad Carson, Director of Sales and Marketing at CCW. “Our priority is to assist our clients in their efforts to ensure the safety of the people in their communities. We will continue to work and support agencies through this unprecedented time”.

CCW Receives Award to Supply and Rehab Five Buses for Yamhill County Transit

CCW Receives Award to Supply and Rehab Five Buses for Yamhill County Transit

RIVERSIDE, CA – Complete Coach Works (CCW) announced today it was recently awarded a contract from Yamhill County Transit (Yamhill Transit) to supply three 30’ and two 35’ remanufactured Gillig buses.

In the height of the Covid-19 pandemic essential businesses, including public transit agencies, implemented safety and caution procedures for their employees and riders. Yamhill County Transit is among the many agencies to require face coverings, include hand sanitizer stations, and enforce physical distancing of at least 6 feet.

In order to promote social distancing, Yamhill Transit will add five remanufactured buses to its fleet. The buses will service its local routes in McMinnville and Newberg, Oregon. “Adding rehabbed buses to Yamhill’s fleet will not only minimize overcrowding, but will provide Yamhill a large savings over acquiring new buses,” states Jim Paul, Regional Sales Manager at CCW. “Purchasing rehabbed buses is the most cost-effective and efficient way to provide safe and reliable transportation to its riders.”

This rehab project will take place at CCW’s headquarters located in Riverside, CA. The rehabilitation will include replacement of the original engines with Recon Cummins ISL engines. In addition, the buses will include Allison B400R transmissions, new driver seats, new floors, new interior and exterior LED lighting, and ADA compliant wheelchair ramps. The buses will then be painted and decaled to reflect Yamhill’s branding.

“We look forward to the successful completion of this project. Our goal is to improve customer satisfaction. We are elated Yamhill will be able to offer a more comfortable experience to its passengers,” added Jim Paul.

Complete Coach Works Welcomes its Newest Regional Sales Manager

Complete Coach Works Welcomes its Newest Regional Sales Manager

RIVERSIDE, CA – Complete Coach Works (CCW) is proud to welcome Tracy Owen as the company’s newest Regional Sales Manager. With over 30 years of unique experience and expertise in sales, Tracy will continue to build his success with CCW, the nation’s leading bus remanufacturing company.

Tracy has worked as a Sales Manager in both the transit bus and motorcoach industries. He is well rounded and has experience working in several facets of the bus industry, such as refurbishments, OEM, and pre-owned bus sales. Throughout his tenure in the industry, he has developed many relationships with transit agency personnel, bus companies, owners, operators, and other industry professionals.

“I’m very excited to join Complete Coach Works. The company has many options to offer its customers and has earned respect as the Nation’s leader in remanufacturing. I look forward to serving the industry and to be entrusted to represent Complete Coach Works as a Regional Sales Manager,” states Tracy.
Tracy will lead the sales organization of the Central and Southern regions. He will assist in providing sales and support to CCW’s cliental and build relationships with potential customers.
Brad Carson, Director of Sales and Marketing at CCW, states, “Tracy is an excellent addition to the CCW Family. Tracy brings a proven track record of sales management with solid industry experience. We are confident he will serve our customers and provide them with the best service possible.”

CCW Receives Award to Supply Two Completely Rehabbed 60′ Buses to Capital Area Transit

CCW Receives Award to Supply Two Completely Rehabbed 60′ Buses to Capital Area Transit

RIVERSIDE, CA – Complete Coach Works (CCW) announced today it was recently awarded a contract from Capital Area Transit (CAT) to supply two rehabbed 60′ articulated New Flyer buses.

In the post COVID-19 world, agencies such as CAT seek ways to mitigate the risk to its passengers and drivers. In doing so, CAT has partnered with CCW to provide them with the utmost protection and deliver a more comfortable passenger, and driver experience. The 60′ articulated vehicles will provide more space for riders to enhance social distancing. The rehabbed buses will also improve the reliability of bus service throughout Harrisburg, PA.

“We recently earned the American Public Transit Association’s Health and Safety Commitment seal. It means we are committed to keeping transit safe during COVID-19. Riders rely on us and it is our shared responsibility to assist in protecting them. If we can add any more space to the vehicles to increase distancing between passengers, then that’s the right course of action.  We are an essential service and it’s critical that we keep the region moving forward,” states CAT Executive Director, Richard H. Farr.

Work will be performed at CCW’s headquarters located in Riverside, CA. The buses will be equipped with Cummins Recon ISL engines and rebuilt Allison transmissions. Upgrades include new driver seats, reupholstered and repainted passenger seats, new interior and exterior LED lighting, and ADA compliant wheelchair ramps. Additional work includes new brakes and suspensions, steering components, and destination signs.

“CCW looks forward to our ongoing partnership with Capital Area Transit,” states Brad Carson, Director of Sales and Marketing of CCW, “Our top concern is ensuring our customers can provide safe and reliable transportation, in a cost-effective manner, during this unprecedented time. We believe these buses will be a great addition to their fleet! We commend CAT in taking extra precaution for the safety of their riders and the community it serves.”

Complete Coach Works Delivers Final Remanufactured Bus to Josephine Community Transit

Complete Coach Works Delivers Final Remanufactured Bus to Josephine Community Transit

RIVERSIDE, CA – Complete Coach Works (CCW) announced today it has made the final delivery to Josephine Community Transit (Josephine). The project included supplying and rehabilitating two 35ft Gillig buses.

The project supports the City of Josephine and its efforts to enrich the passenger experience.  The work was completed at CCW’s headquarters in Riverside, CA. The job specifics included the installment of Cummins ISL Recon engines and rebuilt Allison transmissions. CCW also installed new floorings, ADA wheelchair ramps, driver seats, as well as updated interior and exterior LED lighting. In addition, the buses were painted a sleek and stylish blue to reflect Josephine’s branding.

“The buses look remarkable, just like brand new buses,” said Regional Sales Manager at CCW, Jim Paul. “These vehicles were not only economically convenient for Josephine Community Transit, but also helps sustain the environment for future generations.”

The rehabilitated buses are an efficient approach to acquire and extend the useful life of the buses well beyond the usual life expectancy, while at the same time saving a substantial amount of money. The cost of a rehabbed bus is a fraction of the cost of purchasing a new bus. The vehicles also enhance safety and offer improved vehicle reliability for years to come.

Scott Chancey, Transit Manager at Josephine Community Transit stated, “The delivery of these vehicles allows us to transition to larger heavy-duty transit vehicles at quicker than anticipated pace. This transition is critical for us to consistently provide good transit access through the urbanized areas of Josephine and Jackson County.”

“We are excited and honored to have been selected for the Josephine project. We value their business and relationship and look forward to the opportunity of working together again in the future. We are happy to be a part of the continued evolution of transit,” said Jim.