Mike Whitehead, founder and managing director of coach industry supplier Distinctive Systems Ltd., died on Feb. 11 at the age of 74, the company announced today on its website and on Facebook.
Whitehead was a pioneer in applying computing technology to the coach industry. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business in 1974, a program that featured a strong computing component, and quickly recognized the potential of the earliest personal computers emerging in the late 1970s.
In 1980, after joining his family’s long-established coach business, Whitehead identified major efficiencies that could be gained by computerizing the management of private hire and regular contract bookings.
He purchased a computer and spent over a year writing software at his dining room table during evenings and weekends. His innovative work soon caught the attention of local operators, prompting him to turn his project into a new business.
“Initially Mike had no thoughts of turning this into a separate business, but chatting to other operators at local association meetings, many were interested in what he was doing,” according to his obituary.
Building his business
Whitehead founded Distinctive Systems and embarked on a nationwide tour to demonstrate his Coach Manager system. He personally installed hardware and software for operators, provided training, and offered ongoing support, while his father managed the accounts. In the first year, the company sold 23 systems.
The business continued to grow. In 1995, Distinctive Systems moved into new, purpose-built offices and expanded its product line to include tour booking and vehicle maintenance systems.
“The company expanded into other territories, including the USA and Australia, and the company Mike created now serves over 2,600 coach operators,” according to the obituary.
In 2022, the company celebrated its 40th anniversary with a staff party that highlighted decades of achievements and teamwork.
“Mike built a successful team, recruiting people with coach industry expertise, some having worked for the company for over 35 years, along with strong development and IT staff,” the obituary said.
He is survived by his wife, Jackie, and sons, Alex and Chris, who will continue to run Distinctive Systems. The company has been a longtime vendor member of the United Motorcoach Association and a participant in the UMA Motorcoach EXPO.
