Biz AZ, The Business Professionals Guide
Cruising in Style

Jason R. Kaplan is the picture of responsibility, despite the fact that he rides around all day in a convertible limousine. As a well-dressed college graduate and small business owner, Jason provides a sharp contrast to the common perception of limousine drivers.

This is Kaplan's niche and it's providing to be a successful venture for the Paradise Valley resident - as well as a welcome change for professional travelers and visitors to Arizona.

Kaplan is president of The Driver Provider, a full-service transportation company he founded in 1995. An Arizona State University graduate and a 25-year resident, Kaplan has set up a company which he believes benefits from his strong interpersonal skills and dogmatic dedication to customer service in a highly relationship-oriented business.

"I came out of college and didn't quite fit into the 9-to-5 world," Kaplan said. "I then realized that transportation was one major area which has lagged behind other service-oriented business so I created The Driver Provider. This way, I have the freedom of being my own boss and the ability to take the business as far as my ambition will allow."

During the first year of The Driver Provider's existence, Kaplan primarily catered to corporations for special events by providing designated driver services.

This service allows The Driver Provider to transport guests and their vehicles home from company-sponsored events, generally holiday parties. At the end of the evening, guests are driven home by a Driver Provider team; one team member drives the guest and their vehicle followed by a second driver in a company car. Many businesses found this a valuable service by reducing the company's liability and offering a preferred alternative to taxi services.

"I respect Jason and his fellow employees for allowing our streets to be safer," said Renee Martinez of Oberg Industries which retained The Driver Provider for the company's annual Christmas party. "This also protects our employees because we put them in responsible hands."

Following the holidays, Kaplan's personalized service also appealed to clients with varying requests and needs. He once ferried an elderly couple back and forth from their Phoenix and San Diego residences. On another occasion, he became a Grand Canyon tour guide and chauffeur for a retired police officer with special needs and his wife when the couple could not find transportation to accommodate a wheelchair and a service dog. In a letter received from the couple shortly after, they thanked Jason personally for "making our trip fun, safe, and most important - possible."

The Driver Provider's business quadrupled in sales when Kaplan realized he could tap into the convention and visitor's market with his customized service. The Driver Provider now offers a fleet of varying cars and limousines depending on a client's need, including sedans, vans, and "the only stretch convertible in the state."

Companies hire The Driver Provider for everything from an airport pick-up to transportation traveling executives throughout multiple-day stays. Kaplan said his understanding of the needs of professional travelers and travel planners added to his ability to attract the business of many of Arizona's top companies.

"It gets pretty intense transporting hundreds of top executives all at the same time," Kaplan said. "But, when you exceed the expectations of such a discerning clientele, it's a great feeling."

As rewarding as the business can be, making it successful is equally as challenging. Kaplan offers round-the-clock service and often drives clients personally. All company calls are fielded by Kaplan, who carries a digital phone with him at all times.

During the week, he is often at the beck-and-call of concierge and group organizers. Over the weekend, he answers to night clubs and entertainment venues by transporting bands and equipment. Kaplan often spends more time at resorts and the airport that at home.

Kaplan credits his family. He says they have been the springboard of his life, supporting him in a way which has allowed him to venture out into the small business world.

There may be something even more important that he brings to his company than his tenacity and dedication. Kaplan's success may be a result of two things, he is great driver and happens to be a really nice guy.

Tracey Cates
Contributing Writer

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