When Eagle Wings launched in 1998 with a single motorcoach, the goal wasn’t to build the largest company in the industry; it was to build one that customers could trust. Nearly three decades later, the family-owned company continues to grow while staying true to the values on which it was founded.
“We never set out to become the biggest company. We wanted to become a company people could trust,” Vice President Peter Bryant says.
In this New Member Spotlight, Bryant reflects on Eagle Wings’ evolution into a second-generation family business, the challenges and opportunities facing motorcoach operators, and why the central Indiana company recently joined the United Motorcoach Association.
Bus & Motorcoach News: Tell us about Eagle Wings and how the company has evolved since its founding. What were some of the key milestones that helped shape the business?
Peter Bryant: Eagle Wings was founded in 1998 with a simple vision: to provide safe, dependable transportation while honoring God through the way we serve people. We started with one coach and a belief that if we treated customers with integrity and put their needs first, the business would grow. We never set out to become the biggest company—we wanted to become a company people could trust.
Over the years, we’ve expanded our fleet, built relationships with churches, schools, universities, and nonprofit organizations, and continually invested in newer equipment and our team. Every milestone has been centered around improving the experience for our passengers while staying true to our company values.
One of the most meaningful milestones has been transitioning Eagle Wings into its second generation of family leadership. While we’ve embraced new technology, modern safety systems, updated equipment, and new markets, we’ve worked hard to preserve the culture established nearly three decades ago. Our mission hasn’t changed—we’re still committed to moving people safely while serving them with excellence and integrity.
BMN: How did you get into the motorcoach industry? What attracted you to this line of work?
PB: Before starting Eagle Wings, our founder, Dan Bryant, spent years driving buses and working on transportation for several nonprofits and schools. He enjoyed helping people travel safely and realized there was an opportunity to build a company that focused not only on dependable transportation but also on relationships.
We believe that every trip matters because every group has a purpose. Whether it’s a church heading out on a mission trip or students traveling for an educational experience, we’re privileged to be part of those journeys. Over time, that sense of purpose became the foundation for everything we do at Eagle Wings.
BMN: Give us a snapshot of Eagle Wings today. How many motorcoaches do you operate, how many team members do you employ, and who are your primary customers?
PB: Today, Eagle Wings operates a fleet of six motorcoaches, including one of the few double-decker sleeper coaches in the region, allowing us to serve a wide variety of transportation needs throughout the Midwest and across the country.
Our team includes approximately 25 professional drivers, mechanics, office staff, and leadership team members who are passionate about delivering safe, reliable, and personal service.
Our customers include colleges and universities, athletic teams, churches, schools, nonprofit organizations, corporate groups, and tour operators. We’ve been blessed to develop many long-term relationships with customers who have trusted us for years, and we don’t take that trust for granted.
As a family-owned business, we believe our greatest strength is the relationships we’ve built. When customers call Eagle Wings, they’re talking directly with people who know their organization, understand their needs, and genuinely care about their experience.
BMN: What are the biggest opportunities and challenges facing motorcoach operators today, and how do you hope your involvement with UMA will help Eagle Wings navigate those challenges and achieve its goals?
PB: The motorcoach industry has changed dramatically since we started in 1998. Operating costs, insurance, regulations, equipment, and workforce challenges have all increased, but one thing hasn’t changed: people still want safe, dependable transportation from companies they trust.
At the same time, there are tremendous opportunities ahead. Group travel continues to be strong, and technology is helping operators like us become more efficient and better connected with customers. As a smaller, family-owned company, we have the ability to adapt quickly while still providing personalized service.
We value everything UMA brings to the industry. The education, advocacy, networking, and willingness of members to share ideas have been incredibly valuable. We believe the best operators never stop learning, and we’re excited to continue building relationships that will help Eagle Wings grow while also giving back to the industry.
BMN: What’s something fellow UMA members would be surprised to learn about you?
PB: People might be surprised that when Eagle Wings started in 1998, we never imagined it would become a multi-generational family business. The goal wasn’t to build a large company—it was to build a company with a reputation for integrity and service.
We also think people would be surprised by how involved our family still is in the day-to-day operation. Even as the company has grown, we’re still answering customer calls, helping solve problems, checking on drivers, and making sure every trip reflects the values Eagle Wings was founded on.
At the end of the day, we’re not just in the transportation business—we’re in the people business, and that’s what has kept us passionate about this industry for nearly three decades.
