Heartland Trailways is on track for another good growth year of growth in 2011

In review of total sales bookings made from January 1st through April 15th for the calendar year, 2011 has exceeded the reservations of 2010 for the same booking time period. This achievement is extended by noting that 2011 did not share the $300,000+ influx of late winter revenue produced by the Winter Olympics in 2010, in which Heartland Trailways provided 10 coaches. Heartland Trailways is pleased with this early 2011 reservations performance, but as with most companies is still watching the fuel prices, economic recovery and governmental actions very closely. “the rocky road of recovery is by no means over. It will continue to take determination and a focused strategy and vision to carry on down this positive path”, says John Nichols, President of Heartland Trailways.

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Heartland Trailways ends year with good growth over 2009

Heartland Trailways was pleased to see an 11% growth in sales revenues in 2010, over 2009. Many things attributed to this increase including a bettering global economy, the Winter Olympics, the BP oil spill cleanup, changes made in pricing structures, sales methodologies and a continued corporate focus on providing excellence in service and a high quality client experience.

Looking forward into 2011, John Nichols, President of Heartland, foresees a continuation of the growth that was seen in 2010. “With new systems being implemented in the areas of marketing and sales, visibility to potential clients will increase infinitely. Technology is allowing us to do a greater job, for less money, in reaching our target markets with timely and useful information, allowing the client to make a better and more knowledgeable decision when choosing a charter company.” Additionally, late in 2010 the company increased its sales staff with the addition of another inside sales associate, aimed at being able to speak directly with more clients on a much more frequent basis, in efforts to close more sales.

In 2010, the company began an internal Advisory Council, consisting of members of management, chauffeurs, detailers, and mechanics, in efforts to find new ways to better serve the company’s clients and set themselves apart from the competition. The Council does not follow the hierarchy of the company, but that of the groups own deciding. Keith Mathews, a chauffeur, was selected by the group to be its Chairman. The group meets quarterly and includes a guest client at each meeting to get viewpoints from the outside to better guide the group on the needs and desires of the company’s clientele.

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John Nichols returns to lead Heartland Trailways

After a two year leave, John Nichols has accepted an offer by the Bucyrus Investment Group, owners of Heartland Motor Coach, Inc, dba Heartland Trailways, to return to the company as President. The change of management will take place on September 1, 2010.

John left Heartland Trailways in August 2008 and began working as the Director of Security and Business Development for Trailways corporate offices in Washington D.C. Due to a desire to remain in the Midwest, near family and friends, he declined to move to headquarters in the winter of 2010.

In February of 2010, John launched J.A. Nichols & Company, a transportation consulting firm. The company focuses on safety, security, sales, marketing and general business management. Heartland Trailways was one of the firms’ first clients, signing a six-month contract in March for management services.

Mike Ulm will be staying on with the company, taking the revenue production helm as Vice President of Sales. Mike’s experience in sales and sales management will be invaluable to the growth and strength of the company going forward.

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