“I have been very blessed to find such good people,” says Callen Hotard, president of New Orleans based Hotard Coaches. “This is a people business and it all starts with the people on your team. The bus business is really about relationships and the Hotard team 'gets it.'”
Callen represents the third generation of Hotard's to run the company since it was founded in 1935. Specializing on charters and contract transportation services, their fleet has grown to 78 coaches and 10 mini-coaches.
ABC Companies recently delivered nine Van Hool TX45 luxury motorcoaches equipped with REI deluxe entertainment systems, wood grain floors and leather accented passenger seating. The coaches are powered by Cummins ISX engines coupled to Allison B500 Gen V transmissions and are equipped with Van Hool safety features including 3 point seatbelts, backup camera, lane departure warning, antilock brakes, Smartwave Tire Pressure Monitoring, Kidde Fire Suppression Systems and Automatic Stability Control.
Hotard explained that they are drawn to ABC because “We have a lot of similarities. The people at ABC from top to bottom are involved with creating and maintaining a tremendous relationship with Hotard. They've proven to be creative and flexible with our needs. It's not just about selling us buses, it's about helping us to be better and more successful. Both companies have a long family history and both of our success is driven by every individual exceeding expectations. It's a successful partnership where we both benefit.”
Greg Gates, ABC senior account manager, points out that “Callen and Colleen have a world of motorcoach experience. It's a pleasure working with folks who thoroughly understand the industry. They make us a better company and we're proud to contribute to their success.”
