Q: How is a luxury car service different from Uber or Lyft?
Eric Callahan, owner of the boutique ride service Minneola Referred Ride, has heard so many stories from disgruntled passengers about their experiences with Uber and Lyft—missed assignments, no-shows, marginal rides, unprofessional drivers. “At first, Uber elevated the taxi industry immensely. The convenience, the cost. They introduced Uber Black as their premium line. And it made me wonder, is there room in the market for something even a little better? Could I create a ride service, a step above Uber Black, that specialized in local, frequent travelers. More important, would such an operation work?”
Turns out, the answer is a resounding Yes!
Today, referrals make up 75% of Minneola Referred Ride’s daily service. Growth is steady, and their fleet of cars, all black 2024 Expeditions, is kept spotless and booked. “We are fully licensed by the state and carry three times the necessary insurance. We’ve taken people as far as Miami, Jacksonville, Gainesville, Ocala, Sarasota, Tampa.”
Always looking for a way to distinguish his company from the rest, Minneola Referred Ride is branching out from the airport trips and attractions to offer all-inclusive, Date Night Packages. Birthdays, anniversaries, and any special occasion are all fair game. Take in a play or concert—yes, tickets are included. Do Universal City Walk or Disney Springs—take up to three hours. And leave the parking and driving to them. See website for details.
Minneola Referred Ride has certainly found their niche: “A customer told me once we’re like catching a ride from a friend. I’d say that describes us perfectly.”
