AMES, Iowa — John and Kim Grzywacz had just finished mapping out a five-year plan for steady, deliberate growth at their Ames-based company, CIT Signature Transportation, when a new chapter arrived sooner than they expected.
The couple, who have operated the family-run motorcoach company since 1992, had no intention of expanding so soon. Their plan was to focus on internal stability — strengthening management, refining operations, and preparing for gradual growth down the road.
Then came a call from Ron Moore, whose family had operated Burlington Trailways for more than four decades. Moore was preparing to scale back and wanted to know if the Grzywaczes might be interested in part of his business.
Their answer was quick: no.
“Our first response immediately was, like, 17 seconds after they presented it to us — no,” said John Grzywacz, president of CIT Signature Transportation and a board member of the United Motorcoach Association. “We had just finished our strategic planning session. We decided this was going to be a stabilization year.”
But Moore kept coming back. Each time, the Grzywaczes listened a little longer. Eventually, what started as an unexpected phone call became a conversation they couldn’t ignore.
“When you get a door knock several times, you start to pay attention,” said Kim Grzywacz, CIT’s director of sales and marketing. “Maybe we were supposed to be listening to this. Maybe sitting back and waiting wasn’t the right decision after all.”
The Moores are also selling part of their business to Windstar Lines, a Carroll-based carrier with locations across several Midwest states that is operated by the Greteman family.
Assets involved
CIT’s decision brought its next stage of growth ahead of schedule. It purchased Burlington Trailways’ Davenport facility, several motorcoaches, and related charter assets, expanding its reach into eastern Iowa and western Illinois.
Founded in 1992, the company provides transportation for athletic programs, corporations, schools, and private groups across the Midwest. It has grown from a small local operator into one of Iowa’s most recognized transportation providers.
At the same time, Windstar Lines acquired Burlington Trailways’ tour and charter bookings, along with the tour office building, four motorcoaches, and several employees.
In a Nov. 4 Facebook post, Windstar announced the purchase and said it would hire four employees of the charter and tour division and offer jobs to all the motorcoach drivers and tour hosts.
“We are proud to carry on the quality service that the Moore family of Burlington has brought to travelers in Southeast Iowa for the past 44 years,” the post said.
That same day, Burlington Trailways shared a message from the Moore family confirming the transition and their decision to end the company’s tour operations:
“Due to rising costs and other factors, sadly, the Moores will no longer be able to continue operating Burlington Trailways tours,” the message said.
“Windstar Lines … has committed to continue to create the travel experience our customers have become accustomed to,” it said.
The Moores thanked travelers “for the faith and trust you have given to Burlington Trailways so that we could take you on adventures, bringing memories for years to come.”
All deposits for future trips were transferred to Windstar, which will fulfill those bookings through 2025.
Common philosophies
John and Kim Grzywacz said the deal reflected a common philosophy among family businesses that prioritize service and community ties.
“We’re both family-owned companies, and that’s what drew us to the Moores,” Kim said. “We share similar values, and that made this the right fit.”
CIT and Windstar both plan to retain former Burlington Trailways staff to maintain continuity.
“We’re talking to former employees, and Windstar is talking to former employees,” Kim said. “The goal is to make sure service to the community continues without interruption.”
John added, “The Moores are wonderful people who built a respected business. We wanted to see them succeed through this process and make sure their team and customers were taken care of.”
Founded in 1919, Burlington Trailways is one of the Midwest’s oldest motorcoach carriers. Under the Moore family’s leadership since the early 1980s, it became known for its red-and-white coaches and daily “line run” routes connecting Burlington, Des Moines and Chicago.
Those routes have ended, with Jefferson Lines and Greyhound now covering much of the corridor. Burlington Trailways continues to operate independently, focusing on its charter and maintenance services.
The company’s West Burlington maintenance facility, known for its craftsmanship and paint work, remains in operation as the family evaluates its next steps.
“They have a beautiful shop,” Kim said. “It’s top of the line. They’re still weighing what to do next.”
Reflecting industry changes
John Grzywacz said Burlington Trailways’ transition mirrors broader challenges in the motorcoach industry.
“There are market forces creating headwinds for a number of line-run operators across the country,” he said. “COVID changed the environment. The market just isn’t the same. It’s hard to pivot when your entire infrastructure is built around a system that’s disappeared.”
Kim added that certain types of travel have been slow to return.
“It’s a change in who our clientele are,” she said. “We’re doing more athletics, and the military has always been there. But tours — especially school groups and family trips — just aren’t traveling like they used to. Families have less discretionary income.”
Although CIT doesn’t operate tours, Kim Grzywacz has become one of Iowa’s most active voices in tourism and group travel. In June, she and the company were honored at the Iowa Travel Industry Partners annual awards ceremony in Sioux City.
Her leadership bridges Iowa’s transportation and tourism sectors.
“I love my state, and I love promoting travel within it,” she said. “Advocating for tourism helps everyone in our industry.”
The Grzywaczes have operated CIT Signature Transportation for more than three decades, providing charter, athletic, corporate and group travel across the Midwest. Several of their children work in the business.
“We’re trying to be strategic and tactical about what the future looks like,” John said. “CIT has given Kim and me a good living and a great family life. We want to make sure our next generation has that same opportunity.”
He added recent transitions among businesses across Iowa.
“Unfortunately, there are more companies falling out than coming in,” he said. “But we’re trying to fill the void that’s been created and keep Iowa’s motorcoach industry strong.”
Kim said the focus remains on customers and community.
“It’s a little nerve-wracking, doing something new,” she said, “but ultimately it’s about serving clients and keeping great service in the communities we care about.”
