Friendly transactions, safe, clean vehicle interiors and reliable, trustworthy service have been cornerstones of Quick’s Bus’ success for the past 75 years.
For the third-generation company’s service to peers and the state’s motorcoach industry during COVID-19, Quick’s received the 2021 Robert T. Mitchell Public Service Award from the Virginia Motorcoach Association (VMA).
It marked the third time the company received the prestigious award. Previous winners were President Jason Quick’s father, Robert L. Quick Jr., and his grandfather, Robert L. Quick, co-founder of the company in Staunton, Virginia.
After an unprecedented year for U.S. motorcoach operators, Jason Quick said the Mitchell Award held special meaning for him.
“After months with our fleet parked, Quick’s Bus is back on the road and ready to build,” said Quick, who noted how staff worked throughout 2020 to stay top-of-mind with clients while preparing the safest passenger experience when it was time to restart.
He and team members also worked with VMA and companies in the state, keeping them informed about government programs and other resources.
Friendly competitors
Quick’s operates a mobile service truck, assuring reliability on the road no matter where its coaches go. The company is always ready to help other operators with that type of service when needed.
“We are all friendly competitors. It’s been a challenging time for our entire industry, but bus travel is still one of the most economical and environmentally sound ways to see the country. It’s time for us to come back stronger than ever,” said Quick.
Quick’s Bus has a long history of logging more than a million miles annually with charters to Washington, D.C., up and down the Eastern Seaboard and to destinations across the United States and Canada.
Quick joined the family business from college in 1994 after his grandfather called to tell him, “It’s time to drive some buses.” He worked his way up in the business, taking over as president when his father died in 2019.
“My grandfather knew everyone and would help everyone, and my dad (who served in the U.S. Army for 22 years, returning to the company in 1992) added his military discipline,” he said. “Both styles worked. We treat our people and customers like family. Some of our drivers have been with us for more than 35 years.”
‘Immense pride’
The company received its award at VMA’s 2021 annual meeting, held Aug. 8-11 in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Established in 1968, the award is named for one of VMA’s founders and presented to members who distinguish themselves among their peers and as effective negotiators for their industry at the state level.
Vice President Mona Seaman, who joined Quick’s in 2001, received the VMA President’s Award for her career accomplishments and strong support during the COVID–19 shutdowns.
“There is immense pride carrying on a legacy, where your family name is visible on the equipment that’s seen out on our roads,” said Quick. “Customers stick with us because we offer good value, great service and consistency, and we meet their demands as fast as we can.”
