DETROIT LAKES, Minn. — With a growing footprint across Minnesota and North Dakota, Olander Bus Service is back with the United Motorcoach Association and looking to connect.
Founded in 1961, Olander began as a small family-owned school bus operation with just two buses. More than six decades later, it has grown into a transportation company with nearly 60 school buses, six motorcoaches, and 80 employees. The company recently expanded by acquiring Red River Trails in Moorhead, Minnesota, marking a move into western North Dakota.
“We’re kind of the dreamers,” said General Manager Ethan Walz, 25, who has been with Olander for nine years and stepped into his new leadership role in June. “We’re taking a phased approach to growth. Right now, that means expanding our motorcoach and tour divisions, and UMA plays a big part in helping us do that.”
The company’s return to the United Motorcoach Association signals its renewed commitment to the motorcoach side of the business. Olander originally joined UMA before the pandemic but let its membership lapse. With travel rebounding, the team sees renewed value in the networking and resources the association offers.
“UMA provides so many tools—industry updates, email newsletters, virtual events—and the networking is huge,” Walz said. “Being able to learn what works and doesn’t work from other operators really helps guide what we’re doing.”
Planning its tour packages
Walz said the company is building out itineraries for a seasonal tour offering, aiming to launch four trips in 2026. Before the pandemic, Olander had started gaining traction with tours to destinations like the Black Hills, Medora, and Mackinac Island. The team is now surveying local businesses and residents to better understand where the community wants to travel.
“Rather than guessing behind closed doors, we want to involve the community from the start,” Walz said. “That’s going to be key to our success.”
While school transportation remains the company’s core business, its ability to offer motorcoach services, driver training, and maintenance support sets it apart.
“We’re a one-stop shop for many districts,” Walz said. “Some just need help covering a route, while others use us for charter trips or training. We build strong personal relationships with all our partners—most of them know us by first name.”
Kraig Erickson, who joined the company two years ago as a driver and now serves as Motorcoach and Charter Operations Manager, said the company prides itself on service and family-style hospitality.
“Our focus is quality over quantity,” Erickson said. “We treat our passengers like family and go the extra mile, even when it’s not required. That’s something we take a lot of pride in.”
The company operates a mixed coach fleet, including Van Hool, MCI, and, with the addition of Red River Trails, Prevost.
Olander is also exploring ways to bring its mechanics to UMA events such as the popular Maintenance Interchange, which offers hands-on learning and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing.
While Walz has attended national school transportation conferences, the company plans more in-person UMA participation. Erickson recently completed UMA’s virtual sales and marketing training and hopes to attend his first Expo in 2026.
“Our goal is for every member of our admin team to attend at least one in-person event per year,” Walz said. “We’re excited to be back and look forward to reconnecting with the UMA community.”
This story is part of an occasional series spotlighting new members of the United Motorcoach Association. The goal is to help accelerate their exposure within the industry and expand networking opportunities. If you’re a new UMA member and would like to be considered for a future feature, email Editor-in-Chief Shandra Martinez at busandmotorcoachnews@gmail.com.
