Metro Magazine named Arrow Stage Lines the 2016 Innovative Operator Of The Year. Arrow Stage Lines’ COO Luke Busskohl and V.P. of Marketing & Business Development Brandon Osborn received the award on January 12, 2016 at the ABA Marketplace event held in Louisville, KY.
“This was a fantastic surprise,” said Arrow Stage Lines’ COO Luke Busskohl. “Our aim has been to continually innovate to provide a better experience for our customers, passengers & team members. This award helps remind our team that we are moving in the right direction.”
After being recognized as one of the top innovative companies 2014, Arrow Stage Lines began developing even more products, technology enhancements and brands. Arrow Nationwide Ground Logistics was released, in late 2014 providing clients with nationwide ground transportation solutions outside of the Arrow footprint. In August 2014, Arrow Stage Lines’ clients & passengers experienced the nationwide release of Arrow Connect, the company’s connectivity solution that delivers a stronger on-board experience for the end user. Coach enhancements followed with pristine exterior graphics packages, and new innovative Kiel seats for enhanced legroom and maximum comfort along with new models added to the fleet.
Arrow Stage Lines released a new website in 2015 designed to enhance the on-line customer experience. The new website includes segmented locations for easier searching, robust imagery, clean navigation and leveraged a proprietary software when developing a new quoting platform. Arrow Nationwide Ground Logistics underwent a brand reconstruction after experiencing sizable growth in 2015, followed by Arrow Entertainer, a brand that welcomed “Rebel”, the latest addition to the growing fleet.
“At the close of 2014 we made a very intentional decision to focus on re-defining the customer experience,” said V.P. of Marketing & Business Development Brandon Osborn. “Many of the improvements we have made are pushing us forward, and we are beginning to look at a lot of different ways to continue our momentum with all our brands.”
Product development was a large push this year according to Gene Wordekemper. The team was diligent on not only improving the coach functionally, but also focused on delivering a product that was consistent in color, feel and layout.
“Our round of 40 deliveries this year was a very tedious process, and for good reason,” said Director of Maintenance Gene Wordekemper. “Incorporating the same feel to each of the coaches really sets Arrow Stage Lines apart.”
Arrow Stage Lines not only advanced the customer experience, but made strides in leveraging new technology to enhance current practices. The company deployed Zonar, nationwide, an Electronic Vehicle Inspection Report solution that launched the company forward into the digital age. The advancement provides the company with a wealth of data including engine diagnostics, fuel reporting and more. Tablet devices and paperless logs are only the beginning, according the Gene.
“The award is a fantastic honor and it is a privilege to be recognized among our peers,” said Luke. “This was an all-around team win. Every team member had a hand in helping us achieve this award.”
Arrow Stage Lines has plans to further the development of Arrow Connect this coming year, as well as begin work on a number of new initiatives to help keep the company on the cutting edge.
