(ROCKVILLE, Md.)—After returning home from Vietnam, Army veteran Robert DeLucia Sr. learned the cab business in Pittsburgh from the ground up, starting as a driver.
But one thing was different about DeLucia. Starting on his first day of driving, he found out what his clients preferred to drink, such as coffee or tea, and would have it ready for them when he picked them up—and he always dressed in a shirt and tie, of course.
“I’m a veteran. I’ve always dressed well, maintained my vehicles well,” DeLucia said. “That’s how I grew my business, with those service standards. And I maintain them.”
Now, his dedication to excellence will be recognized on the national stage, when DeLucia is named the Taxicab Operator of the Year by the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association (TLPA), the oldest and largest trade association of its kind in the world.
Starting with one vehicle, a limousine, in 1982, DeLucia’s company flourished over the years by offering consistent service, embracing innovation and, most importantly, continuing to diversify. He incorporated as Star Limousine, and later founded Cranberry Taxi in 1989 and Classy Cab in 2005. DeLucia also offers paratransit, ambulatory and nonambulatory services to veterans, in American-made vehicles driven by veterans, a service called VETaxi.
“Bob embodies that notion of making a good first impression,” said Alfred LaGasse, CEO of the TLPA. “Always impeccably dressed and focused on what he needs to accomplish, he brings that sense of style and focus to his companies every day.”
DeLucia will accept his award in front of hundreds of industry peers at the TLPA’s 100th Annual Convention & Trade Show on Oct. 28 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.