What’s ahead in 2012 for the Washington DC area’s premier transportation company? Reston Limousine CEO and President Kristina Bouweiri shares the news:

“Our plans for the new year are to roll out some new technology that we bought called eFleet. It’s really amazing, it has double GPS, it has a security feature. It will also help us go paperless so that our chauffeurs will not have to hand in paperwork and our accountants won’t have to handle that as well so we hope it saves us on some labor costs and it’ll make us more efficient so we’re really excited about that.

“We’re also really excited about the fact that it’s an election year which means there’s a lot of activity in Washington DC, a lot of people coming to town, a lot of meetings, a lot of events which will drive a lot of business to transportation, tourism, the hotel business so that’’s exciting because as we all know the economy’s a little flat.

“And we’re also going to be launching all sorts of amazing new packages: limo and dinner packages, day trips to great, fantastic places. We tried a New Year’s Eve day trip to New York City that was sold out and very popular. So stay tuned to our website at www.restonlimo.com to see all the new offerings we’re going to offer this year.”

You can also get updates directly from Reston Limousine by signing up for our online newsletter at http://www.restonlimo.com/about/newsletter-sign-up/!

In one of our latest videos, Loudoun Free Clinic Executive Director Debra Townsend shares a wonderful Christmas miracle story that happened thanks to Maria Kopsidas of Cookology. Reston Limousine was happy to participate in this endeavor by providing transportation of the meals to to the Loudoun Free Clinic.

Visit our YouTube channel now at http://www.youtube.com/user/restonlimousine

Cookology founder Maria Kopsidas and her staff provided Christmas meals consisting of a whole roasted chicken, roasted potatoes, roasted winter vegetables, and an apple pie. Volunteer students from Loudoun County High School’s National Honor Society helped to set up the meals, and Reston Limousine provided transportation to deliver the meals from Cookology at Dulles Town Center to Loudoun Free Clinic in Leesburg.

On Cookology’s Facebook page that day, they posted a great shout-out to Reston Limousine:

Thank you to the wonderful, caring driver from Reston Limousine who painstakingly organized 200 trays and 50 pies in the bus so nothing would move an inch–and nothing did!

Looking for a unique gift for someone who has everything? A Reston Limousine gift certificate can be used throughout the year for any occasion!

Gift certificates can be used on a DC Monuments Moonlight Tour, Public Wine Tour, Day Trips to New York City, Atlantic City or Charlottesville, and more!

Call 703.478.0500 to purchase a gift certificate today!

Robert was selected for his professionalism and safety practices to the trade and presented the prestigious honor during the achievement awards gala at the Nov. 6–9 livery conference in Atlantic City, NJ.

President and CEO Kristina Bouweiri praised Robert’s enthusiasm for his duties and noted that he “so well represents our company’s core values of customer service, safety, integrity, diversity, and being employee-centered.”

“The success of Reston Limousine is not only due to our management, but is also based heavily on the loyalty and hard work of our qualified staff of individuals such as Robert Erby, who literally keep our company safely moving forward,” Bouweiri said.

A five-year employee of Reston Limousine, Robert has received numerous internal awards including Employee of the Month in February 2007 and June 2009, and Employee of the Year, Charter Driver in 2007 and 2010.

“Being a chauffeur in a large transportation company such as Reston Limousine demands attention to detail, flexibility, and a calm and helpful manner, as new challenges arise frequently,” added General Manger Tony Simon. “Robert’s smile and positive demeanor have never failed to convert a routine trip into a customer service experience that always puts our clients at ease and creates a memorable experience,” said Simon.

Here are just some of the accolades our clients have given to Robert:

Thank you for sending your very best drivers on the evening of June 4 for our wedding party at Oatlands. All the drivers concerned, especially Percy, Russel and Robert (who worked the late shift as well) and Eric were polite, professional and cooperative as could be in navigating those big passenger busses in the dark in our old driveways.
Susan Wight
Special Event Site Manager, Oatlands
June 2011

Thank you so much for your assistance on our recent trip to DC. Everything worked out very well transportation wise – the group really enjoyed Mr. Robert Erby. I hope that we get the chance to meet him again one day in the future. …Thanks again for everything.
Jed C. Evans
Young Farmer Coordinator, Georgia Farm Bureau Federation
March 2011

Kristina,
Just a quick thank you from us for your valuable role in providing the wonderful bus and driver for our Reality Richmond on February 3rd. Reston Limo was thanked on board the bus each way, and your chauffeur Robert Erby was a gem.  Thanks for helping Leadership Fairfax, and for your flexibility in changing the date due to the snow the week before.

Positively,
Wayne Hill
President & CEO, Leadership Fairfax
February 2011

Dear Frank,
I’m not sure who I should send this to so please forward this to the appropriate person. I just wanted to commend Reston Limo and especially our driver Robert Erby for giving us a wonderful experience on June 24th.  He was courteous, knowledgeable and extremely polite to all of us on the bus.  Robert made our trip to our White House tour that much more enjoyable.  I would recommend him and your service to anyone who travels to and around Washington, DC. Please let Robert know how happy we were with his service.

Sincerely,
Denise R. Cournoyer
Treasurer, United Lens Company, Inc.
June 2010

Good morning Darcelle-
The day got away from me yesterday but I wanted to shoot you a note to say we all had a wonderful time in NYC.  The bus driver Mr. Robert was excellent just a delight to be around.  Extremely patient (we had young girls on the bus who were in good behavior, but unfortunately (3) got bus/car sick) and professional.  I was very impressed how he could maneuver that bus.  Overall I love the service and the bus and hope to use your services again when we plan another trip to NYC.

Sincerely,
Marisa Sheelor
June 2010

I am a USO volunteer and on Saturday evening, along with friend, escorted approximately 70 Walter Reed patients and their guests to a comedy show at the Patriot Center. Robert Erby drove your 55 passenger coach bus, accommodating the majority of those who attended the event. He was an absolute pleasure to deal with – friendly, patient, professional and attentive to the needs of the soldiers. Clearly comfortable with and familiar with their needs, it was immediately apparent that Robert has driven wounded warriors previously.

On the return trip to WR, he accommodated several by dropping them off at his/her offsite residences near Walter Reed. He never hesitated to make things a bit easier and more convenient for his passengers.

Impressively, he handled the bus with ease and confidence. I look forward to having Robert drive on future WR outings – he’s an employee of whom you should be proud.
Gayler
April 2010

Margaret:
Just a grateful thank you for providing the SUV and Robert today — our pastor called me and confirmed that we had four persons use the shuttle this morning and again this afternoon in order to attend worship at church.

Based upon the service we have received thus far as well as another member adding to her annual pledge to ensure the shuttle continues, I will be making a presentation to the Church Council this month requesting an extension of the program from Easter Sunday through Sunday, May 23.  I eventually hope that Dumbarton will be able to finance the shuttle program year round and will keep you and Tony advised of that process.

I am extremely pleased with how the shuttle is operating and again thank you for such outstanding service especially on a weekend in which one of the largest snowstorms ever to hit DC occurred. Have a terrific day!

Doug Nelson
DUMC Finance Chair
February 2010

Name: Kevin Higashigawa
Subject: Great Customer Service from Robert Erby, Chauffer
Hi,
I would like to commend one of your employees. His name is Robert Erby. He is a chauffeur working out of Washington, DC. I am one of the team doctors for UCLA. We were in DC for the Eagle Bank Bowl in Dec 2009. Robert Erby gave us excellent service! At the end of our trip, I accidentally left my suit in his bus and he was so kind as to hand deliver it to my hotel. I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. Erby and to commend Reston Limos on your terrific service and employees!

February 2010

Hi Margaret,

My name is Ashleigh Hall and I’m the Interim Director of the Student Ministry from Cherrydale Baptist Church. We had Robert Erby drive our bus this past weekend for our winter retreat to PA, and I wanted to let you know that he was simply fantastic! He was so patient with us, so flexible, so available, and just a really great guy. I wanted to let you know so you can pass on the praise to him. For any trips in the future, we’d LOVE to get Erby again. We hope to see him next time! …

Thanks again and God bless,
Ashleigh Hall
Student Ministry Interim Director, Cherrydale Baptist Church
January 2010

Daniel,
Thanks for helping to make our Grant & Scholarship Dinner at the National Press Club a success.  Please be advised that we have received positive feedback on the overall ground service from the hotel to the venue and back.  All comments were positive and appreciative.  I have to agree that all of the drivers did a great job for us.  All of the buses were right in place when the event was over and transferred us successfully back to the Renaissance Hotel.

Specifically, we received several positive comments about one of the drivers—Robert Erby.  Comments included that he was very professional and courteous, had a welcoming and friendly personality, very accommodating, and knowledgeable about the area.  My colleague and I also found him to be very easy to work with as we gathered our 200 attendees to board the buses both ways.   Sounds like our attendees were very impressed with Robert as my colleague and I were as well.

Far too many times, people will only acknowledge a person to advise of a negative experience.  I, on the other hand find great value in announcing when employees have done an outstanding job.  As an Event Manager in the meeting planning industry for several years, I appreciate quality service from a ground supplier.

Please let them know that we appreciate their assistance.
Renette Brazile, CMP
Event Marketing Manager, LexisNexis
August 2009

Hi Daniel,

Thanks for a successful weekend! The busses were nice and clean and the drivers were courteous and professional. I personally met Robert and he was lovely! I wouldn’t mind having him on our trips anytime!…

Thanks!
Malinda Barrett
Swanson’s Travel, Director, New York Operations
December 2008

Good afternoon Joe,
I wanted to express my appreciation for your patience while AMSC secured the award from our Contracting Office.  The comments below are from Mr. David Austin (AMSC’s staff ride guide) regarding the service provided by the driver. Reston Limousine provided outstanding service and support, especially the driver, Mr. Robert Erby. Mr. Erby conducted himself in a thoroughly professional manner.  He was personal, flexible, adaptable, and most important, he was on time.  He made a long bus ride down to Savannah very pleasant. Please be sure to pass along these comments to Reston Limousine. I will definitely be calling again for future services…

Again, thanks!
Rene’ Ballard
Management Support Specialist, US Army Combine Arms Center
May 2008

Dear all,

I would like to pass on my heartfelt thanks to Reston Limo driver, Robert Erby. We booked Mr Erby for two longs days during an official visit by the New Zealand Prime Minister, and the Embassy couldn’t be happier with his assistance. Not only was he kind and courteous, but his superior knowledge of our many destinations was extremely helpful during a stressful and busy time. Please pass on my thanks to Robert, we would not hesitate to work with him again.

Kind regards,
Kerry Bothwell
On behalf of the NZ Embassy
March 2007

Subject: Notes on Mr Erby

Great driver, very professional, thanks for giving us one of your top chaps for the program to date – glad he is on tomorrow, too. It has really made the difference for this tough to please group. I had every confidence, even after a long day for him and Elisabeth (and then a long night as we waited for them to finish seeing Hamlet…including 3 hours…all in Hebrew…ye gods…)…that the group would be returned by the best means possible by a driver who knows DC, understands the group profile quickly, and is not easily flustered.

Best,
Amberlee Huggins
Senior Account Manager, Capitol Services, Inc.
March 2007

Michael -
Please pass this along to the appropriate people for me.  First, thank you for making arrangements for my family yesterday for a limo bus and driver to do the DC lights and tour.  The evening was lovely.  Our driver was Robert Erby and he was such a nice gentlemen – very knowledgeable and very polite and considerate, a real treat in todays world!  I will certainly use Reston Limo. in the future and will recommend them to anyone seeking this service.  Merry Christmas!

Mary Rose
December 2006

President and CEO Kristina Bouweiri recently were interviewed with The Dandelion Patch Heidi Kallett in Fortune about how their Client Appreciation Lunches have reaped more benefits than they imagined when they first started them.

When Kristina Bouweiri started hosting customer appreciation lunches in 2009, she thought she was just helping a friend boost her lagging business.
Little did she know that the lunches, which have been held in posh restaurants around Washington, D.C. like The Palm and Capital Grille, would introduce her to almost 900 of her clients, giving her own business a jolt.
Bouweiri’s unexpected success is testament to the power of appreciation and gratitude in business.

To read the entire story, visit Fortune at http://management.fortune.cnn.com/2011/11/23/why-gratitude-is-good-for-business-year-round/.

Following is a photo gallery of images from the most recent Client Appreciation Lunch, which took place at Wildfire restaurant at Tysons.

The in-depth story chronicles Kristina’s transformation of the company, as well as the key staff members who have played an integral role in creating the premier international transportation operator it is today.

To read the complete story, visit http://www.limodigest.com/OnlineArticles/1011/1011-dc-power-hitter.html.

Reston Limousine and Sterling Women are proud to be sponsors of Pink Party DC 2011, a fundraiser benefiting Maimah Karmo’s Tigerlily Foundation, an advocacy organization aimed at helping young women with breast cancer. Guests are encouraged to wear pink to the party, which takes place 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 23 at Trump National Golf Club in Potomac Falls.

At the party, guests will enjoy Hors d’oeuvres, Mimosas, Pink Drinks, Fashion Show by Annalee’s Formals – Meet the Models, Stylist from Kristel Closets, Makeovers by Makeup Artistry by Tracie, Breast Cancer Awareness Presentation by Vita Images & von Elling Imageworks, Consultations and Boutique by Trousseau, Music by DJ Z-Tek, Raffles, Auction, VIP Swag, Celeb Photo Ops and more.

Dr. Amy Irwin

The featured speaker will be Dr. Amy Irwin, A Virginia Cancer Specialist with the the Loudoun and Fairfax offices of Northern Virginia Hematology Oncology.

The event is organized by Lipstick Rocks, a social networking group for women. The Tigerlily Foundation is the premier national breast cancer foundation providing education, awareness, advocacy and hands-on support to young women (15-40) – before, during and after breast cancer

For more information about the event, visit http://pinkpartydc2011.org.

To purchase ticketss, visit http://pinkpartydc.eventbrite.com/. VIP tickets include VIP swag, photo opps with featured guests and models.

Got your tickets? Now make sure you get there in style and reserve your vehicle at Reston Limousine’s Reservations page at www.restonlimo.com/customer-log-in/.

We back that mission with independent audits and we recently received the highest rating in an intense, three-day Department of Defense audit of all aspects of our safety performance.

“The rigorous inspection was an extremely thorough test of our safety fitness,” Keith Johnson, our Limousine’s Safety and Training Manager, says. He notes that while the outside audit is “very intense on its qualifications for all commercial vehicle drivers,” it also measures other aspects of a transportation company such as record keeping, safety management programs, operational procedures, and vehicle maintenance standards.

By achieving the audit’s highest ranking, Reston Limousine is qualified to transport military personnel, as well as to provide transportation services for federal, state, city and county agencies. In addition to successfully earning the Department of Defense’s highest score, Reston Limousine also has the Department of Transportation’s highest safety rating.

“We feel that what sets Reston Limousine apart from other travel service companies is our ability to not only see where we need improvement, but the desire and flexibility of our employee team to try different solutions to constantly improve our operations,” says Kristina Bouweiri, President and CEO of Reston Limousine.

Focused on guiding her business toward the future, Bouweiri noted that Reston Limousine will continue to pay particular attention to enhancing its customer service and safety. “Our continued evaluation and attention to safety management procedures will ensure that Reston Limousine remains in a proactive leadership role within our industry.”

In the video below, meet Keith and our other staff who work behind the scenes to make Reston Limousine the premier transportation operator in the Washington DC metropolitan area and beyond!

This special event takes place 6-9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 3 at Fortessa’s outlet store at 22601 Davis Drive in Sterling.

Early Bird registration at $15 ends on Sept. 26; late registration at $20 ends Oct. 2; and entrance at the door will be $25. Register today, as space is limited!

Click here to register now!

Proceeds from the event will benefit the American Red Cross (Loudoun County Chapter); Becky’s Fund; Community Foundation for Northern Virginia.