Executive Coach Builders, based in Springfield, Missouri, is one of the OEMs showcasing innovative vehicles at the 2023 UMA Motorcoach EXPO. Bus & Motorcoach News spoke with David Bakare, CEO of the premier luxury limousine and bus builder, about how the company helped customers through the pandemic and his predictions for the industry in 2023.
Bus & Motorcoach News: How have global supply chain issues changed the way your company serves the motorcoach industry?
David Bakare: Just like the rest of the world, we are faced with the day-to-day challenges in the supply chain. We understand time is money to our customers. As a result, we have enhanced our warranty and service department, so we are always acting rather than reacting to our customers’ needs. Stocking additional parts and providing real-time answers from our qualified staff has aided us in accomplishing this goal.
BMN: What trends should motorcoach operators be paying attention to this year?
DB: With rising costs, management should analyze all aspects of their business: employees, equipment and customers. Don’t analyze your employees strictly as a cost – they are the way you make money. Invest in them, train them, and make them feel they are part of the team. Rolling stock should be analyzed based on return on investment, so understand every aspect of its cost. Then, when you know your true cost of operations, you can charge your customers a price that is a win-win.
BMN: What is the most must-see product EXPO attendees need to ask about when they stop by your booth?
DB: During the pandemic, the Executive Coach design and engineering team concentrated on making changes to enhance occupant safety and product reliability. Over the past three years we have committed vast resources to make sure that our products are compliant with federal safety standards. We must deliver the safest and most reliable product, making our customers’ investment truly a sound one.
BMN: How have global supply chain issues changed the way your company serves the motorcoach industry?
DB: During the pandemic, our design and engineering team concentrated on making changes that would enhance occupant safety and product reliability. We have always been committed to our products meeting federal safety standards, but over the past three years we have committed vast resources to make sure our products will be compliant with all requirements of FMVSS No 227. At Executive Coach Builders, we are committed to providing our customers a superior product that is safe, reliable and provides a good return on investment.
