Barry Giese
Austin, TX (USA)
Role(s):
Founder/Owner/Principal
Nite Owls
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Startup
Location:
Austin
Industry:
Entertainment
Year Founded:
2008
Number Employees:
10-50 people
Description:
I spent 30 years in the IT industry traveling all around the US for almost 7 years of my career. This ended when I was layed off over a year ago. I was offered an opportunity to become the operations manager for a transportation company that had a small vision and wanted to grow. They started with 3 small buses and annual sales of approximately $385,000. I was offered the position because of my ability to plan, document and look outside of the box, even though I had no prior experience in this industry. I started with writing a policy and procedures company manual, driver safety and accident reporting procedures. As time passed I helped expand the customer base to over $1.5 million for 2008, to a company growth that included a fleet of 3 motor coaches, 9 mini-buses, 3 sedans and a limousine. I was also responsible for all drivers, hiring and training, and the reservation staff including their training (total staff of 18 people). Monitored expenses and payroll, worked directly with large customers and large multiple day/bus trips. Became familiar with DOT regulations and logging of driving hours, IFTA compliance and Austin regulations. In addition worked with schools and colleges in preparing the annual bids for their transportation needs. Worked closely with a secondary company in regards to vehicle repairs and the scheduled maintenance of vehicles of items that I was not able to handle directly. I left because I had reached my limits on what I was willing to do, I had spent so much time and effort growing the company I forgot it wasnt mine (workign over 80 hrs a week), and when I started to try and slow down (decrease my hours worked), the owner felt I wasnt dedicated anymore, and when I explained I needed to be paid more money to continue the way I was he declined, and I resigned.