Transportation

Bob Guillion--R & R Limousine

Bob Gullion is a chauffeur beyond definition - a paid driver of a vehicle - he provide service to the extreme with each and every customer he crosses pathes with. He is a leader in his field by example - his demeanor makes customers and guests feel that he is in control of each and every situation they encounter.

Rezgar Jaf--Ready Cab Company

There is no one who better exemplifies the personal and professional qualities that we honor through the ROSE award than Rezgar Jaf. Rezgar has been a Louisville taxi driver for nearly 8 years, and was a valued employee of the Seelbach Hilton for 7 years before becoming a driver. The warmth of his personality and the generosity of his spirit cross all cultural borders. He is a tireless promoter of our city, loves people, works hard, and always tries to lift the spirits of those he encounters.

He is easily one of the most compassionate people I know, whether it's supporting and caring for a friend during a serious illness, feeding those in need, bringing his nephew to the US to attend college after the death of his father, or taking a distraught young woman from the Louisville airport to Lexington for no payment. Rezgar's kind, enthusiastic character represents all that is good in our community.

Ron Reiger--Miller Trailways

Ron is the pinnical example of customer service. Ron always looks professional and does whatever he can to make our guest comfortable and ensure the sucess of their trip. Recently on a Harrison County FAM trip Ron experienced bus problems and was quick to solicit local help and jump right in to repair the bus as quickly as possible.

One of the riders sent this picture of Captian Ron to the rescue in addressing the problem and getting the group on their way.

Gail Smith--TARC

Gail Smith doesn’t walk into a room as much as she consumes it – particularly if the room contains fellow TARC employees or former or current passengers of one of her buses. She’s far more likely to greet the people she knows with a big smile, a high-five or a hug than a wave of the hand in passing or simple hello. “When you’re a driver, you get to know the people along your regular route and get to know their stories and all about their life,” said Smith, who has been a coach operator for TARC since November 2000. “You get to look forward to seeing them – they become like a family.” TARC started its “Ambussador” program to honor its dedicated employees who have gone above and beyond to provide exceptional customer service nearly a decade ago, and Smith has been recognized numerous times. Recently, a rider on one of Smith’s routes made a point to write TARC and note her compassion and care in dealing with a woman with visual impairments. “The woman was running behind and hadn’t quite reached the bus stop yet, but Gail recognized her and stopped the bus for her.

The woman recognized Gail and was very thankful admitting she was embarrassed for not being at the stop on time. Gail was careful to tell the woman where the nearest available seat was. When the woman got off the bus, Gail communicated to her how close the bus was to the curb and where in relation to the nearest intersection she was,” the rider wrote. “Later in the route a man asked if the 31 was the correct bus to get him to some destination (which it wasn’t) and Gail gave him thorough instructions on which bus he should take and approximately when it would be coming. Other passengers were very conversational with Gail, indicating that she cultivates good relationships with her riders. I was very impressed!”

Internally, Gail, a graduate of Seneca High School who has an 11-year-old daughter, Wilmisha, is also known as a helping hand. Gail has received several commendations from fellow employees for her team work. Frequently, she volunteers to take her coach to drivers who may be running late to the TARC transportation garage so routes can remain on schedule – even when doing so means staying well past her shift change. “She went far out of her way to help us out,” a radio operator said in one instance. “Thank you Gail, for being such a good team player!”

As noted previously, Gail goes the extra mile to be friendly and sensitive to the needs of her passengers – particularly ones that may be dealing with physical impairments or trouble in their life. “The more you talk to people, the more they get to trust you,” she said. “You become their friend because they tell you their stories, and they might not have any family or friends to confide in. You become that for them and help them out.” Sensitive, caring, friendly, and hard working – these are the attributes that Gail Smith shares with her community in her capacity as a coach operator for TARC – and they are why she deserves this year’s Rose Award in the Transportation category.

John Swisshelm--Mint Julep Tours

John is a true professional who treats every visitor and guest with dignity and care. He is always courteous, kind, safe, knowledgeable and polite. He truly represents Louisville's best and brightest regarding customer service and care.

He has spent his life in the service of others and deserves recognition as someone who takes his role and responsibilities for his profession seriously.