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From Local Startup to Statewide Success: The Story of Texas Shuttle’s CEO

Written by Texas Shuttle | Apr 14, 2025 12:21:52 PM
From Local Startup to Statewide Success: The Story of Texas Shuttle’s CEO When most people think of airport transportation, they imagine long waits, unreliable timing, and uncomfortable rides. That’s the experience Texas Shuttle set out to change. Behind the comfort and reliability thousands of Texas travelers experience every year is a visionary entrepreneur who transformed a local transportation idea into a leading regional airport shuttle brand. In this behind-the-scenes article, you'll meet the founder and CEO of Texas Shuttle and discover the inspiring journey from humble beginnings to statewide acclaim. Learn how one business leader's passion for problem-solving and customer service reshaped travel for people across Texas, and why the company continues to thrive in an increasingly competitive transportation landscape. Meet Miguel R., CEO and Founder of Texas Shuttle It started with a missed flight. Miguel R., a Texas native and former hospitality executive, found himself scrambling for transportation to Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) after his Uber canceled minutes before pickup. Frustrated and determined not to let others face the same unreliability, he launched Texas Shuttle in 2013 with a single van and a big idea—airport rides should be predictable, affordable, and pleasant. Humble Beginnings in Central Texas Initially operating out of a modest home office in Round Rock, Miguel focused on airport transfers between Austin and Dallas. He personally answered phones, drove passengers, managed bookings through a now-obsolete app, and handed out business cards at travel expos and hotels. What made the difference early on? Miguel shares: “I asked customers two things after every ride: what did we do right, and what can we improve? Implementing changes weekly helped us fine-tune a system that customers began to trust.” Growth Fueled by Service, Not Just Marketing By late 2015, Texas Shuttle expanded services to include Houston Bush Intercontinental (IAH), Dallas Love Field (DAL), San Antonio International (SAT), and George Bush Airport. The fleet also grew—from one van to over 20 shuttle vehicles covering five major corridors. The strategy was simple but powerful: deliver outstanding service and let word-of-mouth drive expansion. - Drivers received hospitality training, not just licensing. - Vehicles were upgraded thanks to direct customer input on seat comfort and ride quality. - Flights were tracked in real time to adjust pickups without customer intervention. Just as importantly, Miguel pushed a strong company culture rooted in values: dependability, courtesy, and consistency. His leadership style emphasized employee empowerment and community ties, leading to impressive retention and a loyal customer base. Adapting in the Face of Crisis Like many small businesses, Texas Shuttle’s operations were heavily affected during the COVID-19 outbreak. Travel stopped. Cancellations rolled in. Revenue plummeted. Yet, under Miguel’s steady leadership, the company not only survived but repositioned itself for post-pandemic strength. “We didn’t sit still. We focused on what we could control—sanitation, safety, and offering contactless bookings. We also partnered with local healthcare facilities to offer transportation for nurses and doctors,” Miguel reflects. This dual approach earned Texas Shuttle community accolades and a spike in positive online reviews. And as travel picked up again, customers returned in record numbers. Where Texas Shuttle Stands Today Fast forward to 2024, and Texas Shuttle is recognized as one of the most dependable transportation brands in the state. Thousands of customers book rides monthly to and from: - Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) - Dallas Love Field (DAL) - Houston George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) - William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) - Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) The company now employs over 60 drivers, 10 dispatchers, and a tech development team focused on improving the customer experience across web and mobile platforms. What Sets Texas Shuttle Apart Today: - Transparent Flat-Rate Pricing - Flight Tracking with Automatic Pickup Adjustments - Eco-Friendly Shared Ride Options - ADA-Compliant Vehicle Availability - 24/7 Support with Real Employees (No Bots) A Vision Toward the Future Miguel continues to think big. With expansion underway into underserved areas like College Station, Galveston, and Waco, the brand promises to deliver flexible booking options including: - Pay-later shuttle seat reservations - Private executive transfers - Student bundle discount plans - Advanced passenger feedback integrations His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? “Start small but obsess over the details. Talk to every customer. Focus on your niche until you dominate it—and never underestimate the power of consistent service.” This belief system, tested again and again, is precisely why Texas Shuttle has grown in both size and reputation across The Lone Star State. Want to experience the shuttle service everyone’s talking about? See why thousands of Texans place their trust in the vision and values that power Texas Shuttle. Book your next airport ride today and support a homegrown business committed to your comfort and peace of mind. Our seats fill up fast—reserve now to guarantee your trip! From late-night drives and startup struggles to a statewide transportation success story, Texas Shuttle’s CEO has shown what’s possible when you build a business with heart, hustle, and an obsession with service. His leadership continues to drive innovation and customer loyalty. Whether you're a business traveler or college student, family on vacation or solo adventurer, your journey begins with a smooth, professional ride from Texas Shuttle. Want to learn more about our services? Explore our other helpful posts: - 9 Things to Know Before Flying Out of DFW - How Texas Shuttle Serves UT Austin Students All Year - Top 10 Perks Only Our Customers Enjoy