May 1, 2017

Meet Clarence Hilton III of Big C’s Charter Service

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Clarence Hilton III.

Clarence, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The company was formed in 2008 but our service did officially begin until 2011. During that three-year period, I was still working full-time at the City of Glendale (Water &Power). I was preparing for retirement and at the same getting all of my ducks in a row for Big C’s Charter Service, Inc.

In the beginning our focus was van transportation to San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino exclusively! We had a twelve-passenger van and transported folks to play bingo six days per week.

We have since evolved into providing group transportation in our luxury 28 passenger shuttle bus. Many of our groups book us for trips to downtown Los Angeles (DTLA), Hollywood, Santa Monica, Malibu and Torrance.

The groups that hire us are from all over the counties of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and even as far as San Diego county!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There have definitely been some obstacles. People seem to think it’s as simple as purchasing a bus and you’re on your way. Not so! There is so much regulation involved and it has to be. We have people’s lives in our hands. The regulatory agencies have so many transportation companies to deal with. It can be a bit frustrating waiting for all the certificates to be approved.

So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Big C’s Charter Service, Inc. story. Tell us more about the business.
We now offer luxury group transportation to any location in California, Nevada and Arizona. We definitely stepped up our game when in 2015 we purchased a new 28 passenger luxury shuttle bus manufactured by “Grech Motors.”

If you go to their website you’ll see they are not some company building school busses, airport shuttles or transit busses. They only manufacturer luxury shuttle buses, limo busses and mini coach busses.

Our luxury shuttle bus is one of the things that sets us apart from other companies. When we pull up to pick up our groups we are often complemented on the beauty and style of our bus! It’s definitely not just some box on wheels.

I’m not only the president of the company, I am also the driver. Since I am hands on with every group, they always receive my undivided attention!

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I truly don’t believe luck has anything to do with it. It’s all about providing exceptional customer service with every customer contact! Answering the phone personally instead of voicemail, returning text messages and emails promptly. You cannot afford to have the attitude that you’re the only game in town. The transportation industry is extremely competitive!

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