Braden Lewis, a 21-year-old college student at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, has incredible drive.
Representing the fourth generation of his family’s motorcoach company, Lewis Coaches, Lewis has been working alongside his father, Harold W. Lewis, Jr., since he was a child. His family’s company, founded by his great-grandfather, Earl Lewis, Sr., in 1960 with school buses, transitioned into charter services by the 1980s and has continued to grow ever since.
“I joined my dad full-time after high school,” Lewis said. “Driving and interacting with people is by far my favorite part of the business. Seeing the smiles on passengers’ faces when they’re excited for a trip is the best feeling.”
Lewis is passionate about carrying forward the company’s tradition of excellence. While studying business management, he’s putting what he’s learning to work overseeing operations at Lewis Coaches. Lewis not only helps in the office but also spends time behind the wheel. After earning his CDL, he began driving buses, eager to experience firsthand what makes his family’s business so successful.
“My dad’s run the operation since the late 90s, but I’ve been driving recently and love it,” said Lewis. “It’s like a paid vacation. Every day, you see something new, meet new people, and it’s never the same routine. Whether it’s professional athletes or regular folks, it’s an amazing way to see the world and offer a quality service.”
‘Opportunities are endless’
As the company expands its charter services, Lewis notes its diverse fleet of vehicles, catering to different client needs.
“We have seven MCI and five Prevost coaches. Both brands are top of the line, and we’re fortunate to offer them to our customers,” Lewis said. “It’s about reliability and serviceability, and both perform flawlessly.”
Despite his youth, Lewis doesn’t shy away from connecting with other industry leaders at the UMA Motorcoach EXPO and other industry gatherings, though he laughs at being labeled an industry social media “influencer.”
“I’m just doing what I love – taking pictures, networking, and having fun,” said Lewis, known for his enthusiasm and approachable personality.
As Lewis looks ahead, he’s committed to recruiting younger drivers into the industry, grappling with a driver shortage.
“The opportunities are endless. You can get your CDL at 18, and it gives you freedom. We need more youth in the industry, and I try to advocate for that,” he said.
Lewis isn’t ready to take over the family business just yet, preferring to stay on the road for now.
“Hopefully, my dad doesn’t retire too soon because I want to get out there and drive for at least a year. We’re in a heated debate over who gets to drive more,” he laughed.
