Bobby Green still remembers the day he started at Hotard Coaches – April 1, 1984. He’s since logged thousands of miles behind the wheel, serving groups from schoolchildren to corporate travelers.
Forty years later, he’s not only the New Orleans company’s longest-serving employee but a symbol of the culture that has carried the company into its 90th year.
Hotard Coaches this year is celebrating nine decades of continuous service in the passenger transportation industry. Founded in 1935, the Louisiana-based company has grown from a small local operation to a regional leader in motorcoach travel.
Now part of All Aboard America Holdings, owned by the Kelsian Group, Hotard operates a modern fleet of motorcoaches equipped with amenities such as Wi-Fi, leather seating, USB charging ports, and onboard restrooms. But company leaders say the commitment to people, employees, passengers and communities has been the real engine behind its longevity.
‘Driver-focused’
“So much has changed in my 18 years here, but some things have stayed exactly the same,” said Julie Hotard Chalmers, the company’s general manager. “We’ve always been an employee-centric and driver-focused organization.”
Chalmers said she still follows the advice shared by former President Callen Hotard when she first joined: “If we take care of the drivers, the drivers will take care of the customers, and the bottom line will take care of itself.”
The company focuses on continuous training and development for its drivers, who are expected to prioritize safety while delivering a high level of service.
“Our drivers don’t just transport passengers; they create experiences,” Chalmers said. “That’s why hospitality is a key part of our training.”
Staying current
From its early days, Hotard has embraced technological innovation to meet customer expectations and regulatory standards. Its coaches feature electronic fleet logs, onboard cameras, and real-time vehicle monitoring systems that improve safety and operational efficiency.
However, despite its growth and modernization, company leaders say the core of the business hasn’t changed.
“Ninety years ago, this was a relationship business—and it still is,” Chalmers said. “Our sales teams build strong client partnerships, and our drivers often become part of the groups they serve, whether it’s for a five-hour charter or a five-day tour.”
As the company sets its sights on its 100th anniversary, the focus remains on talent development, community partnerships, and delivering safe, high-quality transportation services.
“I hope that in 10 years, we still see the faces of our post-COVID hiring class, growing with us, advancing in their careers,” Chalmers said. “Because at the end of the day, what matters most is staying true to who we are: putting people first, delivering great service, and strengthening the relationships that define our success.”
Related: How Hotard Coaches delivered Super Bowl LIX transportation in New Orleans
