When Transportation Charter Services (TCS) acquired Royal Coach Tours last year, CEO Terry Fischer says, it felt less like a business transaction and more like the natural evolution of a long-standing relationship.
The two companies had collaborated for years as International Motorcoach Group (IMG) members, supporting one another in overlapping markets. The acquisition of the multi-generational family business from siblings Dan Smith and Sandy Allen proved a seamless fit.
“Royal Coach Tours was already a respected and growing company with a solid foundation and great culture,” Fischer said. “We shared similar values, operated with similar cultures, and already collaborated often. It was a great opportunity to marry TCS and Royal together.”
The acquisition allowed both companies to streamline operations across Southern California, Las Vegas, and Northern California, creating a cohesive customer experience. TCS is based in Orange, California, while Royal Coach is based in San Jose.
“Now, a customer can make one call, and we can handle them in five or six markets,” Fischer said.
Preserving a respected brand
Rather than folding Royal Coach Tours into the TCS brand, Fischer chose to preserve its 75-year legacy while creating a visual connection between those companies and his Polynesian Adventure, or PolyAd, operation in Hawaii.
“We wanted to honor that legacy and goodwill,” Fischer said. “Royal’s new coaches now feature Polynesian Adventure blue and yellow, making them pop while maintaining their identity. It’s been about blending the two brands while respecting their history.”
This approach was intended to create continuity for Royal’s loyal customers while creating a stronger brand association with TCS.
The acquisition also created opportunities to expand into Royal’s markets while introducing new services. Fischer’s career began in tour and travel, where TCS has significant expertise.
“Tour and travel is our No. 1 focus,” he said. “Over time, we’ve expanded into this space significantly, especially with Royal Coach, opening up new opportunities and segments.”
Fischer says professional sports transportation is a growing focus and an area where Royal has established a strong reputation.
“Flawless execution is essential. There’s no room for error,” he said. “Royal has been heavily invested in this sector for years, working with NFL teams like the 49ers and Raiders. It’s challenging but rewarding work.”
Collaboration becomes more important
With TCS’s expanded West Coast footprint, Fischer relies on a robust and collaborative team with great leadership to maintain high standards across all locations.
“We have an awesome maintenance team, and each location has its own shop and mechanics,” Fischer said. “For Hawaii, we have a technical director who flies between islands to train staff and provide support. If one location gets behind, we shift mechanics around to help. It’s all about teamwork and maintaining high standards, no matter the geography.”
A cornerstone of TCS’s success has been its emphasis on empowering leaders across the organization, particularly women, which includes his wife, Kathryn, Executive Vice President of Sales, who oversees sales for all the brands; Lesleigh Campise, TCS Director of Sales; Kelly Camps, PolyAd Vice President of Sales; Jamie Barut, PolyAd Vice President of Operations; Lynee Cradduck, Royal Director of Sales; Micaela Ward, Royal Las Vegas General Manager; and Fischer’s sister-in-law Tracey Fischer, who oversees Maintenance Administration across all brands.
“Our female leadership team is incredible,” Fischer said. “They’re methodical, organized, and aggressive when chasing opportunities. They’ve been instrumental in our success.”
He praises the team’s attention to detail and high standards for compliance and record-keeping, which contribute to the company’s ability to scale seamlessly.
The leadership team also has earned the respect of the industry. Terry Fischer is the current Chairman of the American Bus Association (ABA) Board of Directors, a member of the California Bus Association Board and Co-Chair of its Legislative Committee. He also served two terms on the IMG Board. Kathryn has served a term on the Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA) Board of Directors and is a current member of the SYTA Foundation Board of Governors.
Fischer, who started in the industry as a bus driver, takes a hands-on approach that includes driving motorcoaches regularly.
“I’ve just recently driven team buses for the Yankees during the World Series and jump into the seat to help out with professional and collegiate sports teams regularly,” he said. “Every time I get behind the wheel, it reminds me why I fell in love with this business. It’s like I never left.”
He says that love for the industry drives his vision for the growing company.
“I lead by my passion for the business, and that passion is infectious,” he said. “I want our teams to see what’s possible and align with the culture and brand we’re creating. It’s my job to be the brand’s biggest advocate and ensure we deliver the exceptional experience our customers expect.”
Started by obtaining CDL
Fischer’s journey into the motorcoach industry began with a family connection and a practical decision. His father owned a bus company in Canada, and while Fischer didn’t initially plan on making it his career, he earned his CDL at 18 to have it “just because.”
His focus at the time was on sports. He played collegiate volleyball for University of Calgary and spent time on the Canadian men’s junior national team. But when he wanted a summer job, he realized his CDL could open doors.
“I wanted to find a job where I could utilize my CDL, so I applied to a well-known company in the Canadian Rockies – Brewster Express – and got hired,” Fischer said. “That’s where my love affair with the motorcoach industry began.”
Driving tours through the Canadian Rockies introduced Fischer to the industry’s blend of logistics and customer interaction. After finishing school, he worked full-time for Brewster, driving during the 1988 Winter Olympics.
By 1989, he joined his father’s company, initially focused on school buses. However, Fischer convinced his father to branch out into motorcoaches, growing the fleet significantly by the time the business was sold in 2004.
After staying on with the new owners for a few years and then working briefly on the West Coast, Fischer took a leap of faith in 2011 by purchasing TCS, setting the stage for the company’s current success.
A new family connection
Terry’s brother, Kevin Fischer, followed a different path before joining the family business. While Terry worked in buses, Kevin managed their family-owned ski resort, building a career in the ski industry.
“I always thought Kevin was going to stay in the ski industry,” Fischer said. “That was his thing. He ran the resort and was well-known and respected in that industry across Western Canada.”
In 2014, as TCS began to expand, Fischer realized he needed additional management support. To his surprise, Kevin expressed interest in the role of vice president of operations.
“It was like starting over for him,” Fischer said. “He left the ski industry after 30 years, went through all the immigration processes, and joined me in 2015.”
He praised Kevin for bringing experience in regulatory compliance and facilities management that transferred seamlessly to the motorcoach industry. His brother’s primary responsibilities include overseeing safety, maintenance, and facility operations. This role continues to grow as TCS expands. Kevin is currently a member of the ABA’s Bus Industry Safety Council Executive Committee (BISC).
“He loves the challenge,” Fischer said. “Every time we get settled, we take on a new project, like acquiring Royal Coach Tours, and it pushes him outside of his comfort zone, but at the same time it has helped him grow. It’s been a great fit for both of us.”
