BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — After losing its founder and navigating the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, Huskey Trailways rebuilt and expanded under second-generation leadership, earning the 2026 United Motorcoach Association Vision Award in the Large Company category.
The women-led transportation company, operated by Julie Huskey and her daughters, Mollie Pruneau and Katie Brunner, received the honor Feb. 13 during the awards gala at the United Motorcoach Association Motorcoach EXPO, held Feb. 11–14 in Birmingham, Alabama.
The United Motorcoach Association Vision Award recognizes companies demonstrating innovation, leadership and long-term impact within the motorcoach industry.
“This is truly a special moment for us,” Pruneau said in accepting the award. “After losing my dad in 2019, everything felt overwhelming. But together, we chose to keep moving forward.”
Huskey Trailways began when Kent Huskey purchased his father’s school bus company in 1996. Starting with only a few buses, he and his wife expanded into motorcoach charter services in Festus, Missouri, south of St. Louis.
Now entering its 30th year, Huskey Trailways continues under second-generation leadership focused on growth and service to its customers and employees.
The company joined the Trailways network in 2008 and became a founding member of the Midwest Bus and Motorcoach Association in 2011, where Julie Huskey remains active.
Surviving two blows
Kent Huskey’s unexpected death at age 55 in 2019 left the company’s future uncertain just months before the pandemic halted travel nationwide.
In response, Julie Huskey assumed leadership, and Brunner left her teaching career to oversee office operations, human resources and compliance. Pruneau, who had been with the company full-time, moved into an executive leadership position and now serves as general manager, overseeing daily operations.
“My sister was a school teacher and said, ‘I’m just going to come on,’” Pruneau said. “Then I stepped into a vice president role, which was never the plan, but this industry became our world.”
The family decided to continue operating during one of the most difficult periods in motorcoach history.
“Like so many in our industry, we were tested beyond what we thought we could handle,” Pruneau said. “What carried us through was our people — our employees, our customers, and our shared belief that this company was worth fighting for.”
With support from industry colleagues, the company became certified as a women-owned business and rebuilt operations through military transportation work and luxury tours. Huskey Trailways expanded its fleet, opened locations in Poplar Bluff and Springfield, Missouri, and grew to nearly 50 employees.
The family also diversified during the pandemic, launching an e-commerce boutique and acquiring a graphics company that still operates.
United Motorcoach Association Chairman Alan Thrasher introduced the award recipients and praised the company’s leadership.
“These ladies resolved to continue Huskey Trailways’ mission at a very difficult time,” Thrasher said. “Not only did they survive — they prospered.”
Julie Huskey was elected to the United Motorcoach Association board in 2023, representing the organization’s first district and serving on membership, education and EXPO committees. She also participates annually in the association’s legislative Fly-In in Washington.
Accepting the honor, Julie Huskey thanked supporters and industry partners.
“I just want to thank everybody for believing in us,” she said. “And I want to thank God.”
Photos by Jill Kelly/Terrapin Blue
