Written by Paige Dawson
One of the best parts of our job is working directly with entrepreneurs and business owners to help them tell their story. Often we’re engaged by companies in transition, whether they’re merging, changing business models or needing to refresh their brand to boost sales. And sometimes we have the privilege to work alongside a company founder as a business idea develops from the early stages to fruition. Recently we got to do just that.
Last week, our client Alex Danza launched Vonlane, an executive motor coach service with first class seats, Wi-Fi, a conference room and an on-board attendant offering premium cabin service. Vonlane’s concept is simple: give business travelers a comfortable, affordable alternative to flying or self-driving between Texas cities and that primarily focuses on returning productivity and luxury for road warriors. The key value is that you spend about the same amount of total transit time but are able to be productive the entire way.
After building another successful ground transportation business, Alex set off on this new venture more than a year ago. He wanted to solve a problem and he has nailed it. Over the last several months, we’ve watched as Alex painstakingly ensured that every detail of the Vonlane experience would serve his company’s mission. From working with manufacturers to customize and perfect the design of the seats and create groundbreaking legroom, to hiring top-notch drivers and attendants, Alex’s commitment to his passengers has guided every step along the way.
Clearly, Alex has struck a chord in the marketplace. Press coverage on Vonlane’s announcement of service has been astounding, from a feature in The Dallas Morning News to dozens of TV and radio stories. Beyond the concept, Alex is a TV natural as he is poised, polished and articulate. See for yourself — a small sampling of coverage includes:
The social media response has also been overwhelming, with over 10,000 Facebook likes on WFAA’s first broadcast TV story and continuing buzz across the Twittersphere. It’s exciting to watch people connect with and embrace the solution Alex has created.
I can attest that the concept works. I traveled on Vonlane for our Austin media preview and even though I knew how luxurious the coach environment was, I was still a bit apprehensive about spending six hours on the road in one day. I was wrong. Pun intended, the time flew by and I was far more productive than I would have been in my office. Getting to sip Starbucks coffee, nosh on gourmet snacks and soak in some Texas countryside while I worked was just a bonus. I’m hunting for another excuse to go to Austin and be able to knock out some complex projects in a comfy Vonlane leather seat. Check out some of the interior shots here and see what I’m describing.
For those of you wondering, the service runs from Dallas to Austin four times daily during the week. Tickets are $100 each way with no change or cancellation fees. Learn more at www.vonlane.com.
Congratulations and best wishes to Alex and the entire Vonlane team. We’re so grateful to be a small part of what will surely bring big benefits to Texas travelers for years to come.
Maureen Paulsen and Alex Danza, President & CEO of Vonlane
TV crews at Vonlane’s Austin media preview
Inside a Vonlane coach
