Lydon Transportation | Application Preview
Lydon Transportation is seeking government grants to fund the purchase and outfitting of vehicles, aiming to expand its services for student transportation, especially for special needs students. The funds would potentially allow for the acquisition of 1-2 minivans initially, with plans to acquire larger vans as the business grows.
The business intends to serve more students across several districts, including Hanover, Hingham, Scituate, and Cohasset, while also introducing wheelchair transportation within the first few years. The founder's passion for this sector stems from personal experience as a parent of a special needs child, which drives empathy and a deep understanding of the transportation challenges faced by families and school staff. With 12 years in the industry, starting as a van driver and progressing to Assistant Transportation Director, the founder has acquired extensive knowledge and experience in the field.
In terms of competition, Lydon Transportation identifies three main competitors: Van Pool Transportation, which has received mixed reviews since acquiring a smaller company; North River Collaborative, a non-profit that prioritizes its own districts; and Fox Transportation, a smaller player in the market. The unique advantage of Lydon Transportation lies in the founder's firsthand experience at these competing organizations, allowing for a strategic approach focused on areas lacking in safe and affordable transportation solutions. The emphasis on personal connections with families and a commitment to quality service contribute to Lydon Transportation's competitive edge. The founder's pride in the business is highlighted by the family name displayed on the vehicles, symbolizing safe and reliable transportation for students.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 92-1926192
Location: Duxbury, MA, United States
Length of Operation: 1-5
Number of Employees: 1-10 Employees
Annual Gross Income: $100k to $250k
Annual Gross Expense: Less than $100k
Open to Loans: YES
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Funding Usage
The money would be used to purchase vehicles and outfit them. Depending on how much money I am able to secure, I may purchase 1 - 2 minivans. As the business grows, I may purchase larger Ford Transit type vans that hold 8 passengers.
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Business Plan
I would like to offer services to more students and more districts, such as Hanover, Hingham, Scituate and Cohasset. I will also be offering wheelchair transportation in the first 2-3 years. I am passionate about student transportation, specifically special needs students. As a parent of a special needs student myself, I can empathize with the unique challenges faced by students, parents and staff on the van. I recognize how big of an impact the ride to school can have on the rest of the school day. I am building Lydon Transportation from 12 years of industry knowledge of what works, and what doesn't work. In 2011 I was a newly licensed van driver learning the trade. Through hard work and determination I was promoted to Fleet Manager. I took that opportunity to learn everything I could about the vehicles and local industry. I began a supervisory role and truly felt connected with the 100+ drivers and monitors I supervised. Most recently I held the role of Assistant Transportation Director for a local school collaborative. Throughout this growth, I dreamed of opening my own business. Learning the industry from the bottom up, as I have, has allowed me a wealth of knowledge. I am a self-made success story!
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Self Identified Competition
1. Van Pool Transportation - In 2017 Van Pool bought Judco Transportation, a small, family owned business that had served the districts of Duxbury, Pembroke, Silver Lake and Plymouth for many years with no issue. Since the acquisition, all four districts are not satisfied with Van Pools level of service, among other complaints. Van Pool is based in Wilbraham, MA. They do have satellite offices in or near the areas they service. They are a very large company with over 1600 (+/-) drivers. 2. North River Collaborative - NRC is a student transportation service within their own school system, that serves 11 school districts. They do provide transportation to non-member districts, only after the needs of their districts are satisfied. NRC is a non-profit organization. 3. Fox Transportation - located in Bridgewater, MA. I am listing Fox because you requested 3 competitors but I don't view Fox as a true competitor. They are quite small. I worked for, and ultimately built my career, at both of my competitors. I am aware of the strengths and struggles of both. I plan to focus my business in areas that I know are having trouble getting safe, affordable student transportation. As a parent who had a van picking up my child at one time, I feel I can connect with parents, student and school staff better than any other student transportation company. I put my family’s last name on the side of a van because I am proud of Lydon Transportation. I know that van is being operated safely and there is a student onboard that van that had a safe, affordable ride to school that day!
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