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Mike McDonal of Saucon presented “Managing Risk in a High-Cost World.” McDonal examined risk as a company-wide business issue involving drivers, vehicles, maintenance, documentation, claims and regulatory compliance.
He highlighted how operators can make operational decisions that reduce exposure and prevent incidents from becoming even more costly.
Tom Holden of Transportation Advisors/EZ-DrugTest.com presented “Safety Culture Beyond Compliance.” Holden emphasized that meeting regulatory requirements is essential, but compliance alone does not create a safe operation. A true safety culture is reflected in the decisions, behaviors, communication and accountability demonstrated throughout the company every day.
Matthew Marrin, Field Administrator, FMCSA, and Lieutenant Brian Reu, Minnesota State Police, presented a regulatory and enforcement update.
Chris Riddell of The Bus Network presented “The 30K Foot View: What Happens Next in the Industry, Why We Should Care & How We Shape It.” The session encouraged attendees to step back from day-to-day operations and consider the bigger picture, examining the forces changing the motorcoach industry, including evolving customer expectations, new buying behaviors, technology, market pressures and growing competition.
Robyn Goldenberg of FINDSTAFF presented “Recruiting and Retaining Drivers in Today’s Market.” Goldenberg discussed recruiting through a marketing lens, identified where outdated hiring processes cost companies qualified candidates, and explained why retention depends as much on leadership, communication and company culture as it does on compensation.
UMA’s Ken Presley provided a legislative and regulatory update, highlighting challenges the industry faces following the election. ABA President and CEO Fred Ferguson also attended and outlined ABA’s current efforts.
- The evening concluded with the MCBOA “Driving Excellence” Awards:
- Operator of the Year – James Hey, Southwest Coaches
- Associate/Vendor of the Year – Aram Nikitas, Motorcoach Industries
- Troy Voigt Memorial Leadership Award – Chad Ely
Wednesday began with a focus on maintenance and repair. Mike McDonal of Saucon hosted a session titled “OEM Maintenance Outlook: What Operators Need to Know for 2027,” in which attendees heard directly from OEMs about changes they should prepare for to keep their fleets moving forward.
Ray Smith, Vice President of Operations and Maintenance at Voigt’s Bus Company, presented “Inside the Shop: Costly Decisions, Lessons Learned & What We Changed.” Smith shared candid, real-world experiences from the shop, including what worked, what did not, what each decision cost in money, time or downtime, and what changes were made.
After lunch, Bill Pfeifer of Motor Coach Industries presented “The Diagnostic Detective: Troubleshooting Without Throwing Parts at the Problem.” Pfeifer examined a more systematic approach to troubleshooting, helping technicians move from symptoms and fault codes to the actual root cause.
Christian Riddell of The Bus Network returned to present “Extending Profitability: Dynamic Pricing, Inventory Strategies & More — Finding Margin in Places You May Not Have Looked.” Riddell explored how demand, timing, fleet availability, trip mix and limited capacity can affect the true value of each opportunity.
The meeting concluded with MCBOA President Chad Ely thanking attendees and sponsors and looking forward to the next 40 years. |
