Rob Anhouse knew insulin ”“ its pumps, monitors, the sugar itself ”“ across a decades-long career in medical device sales for industry giants, including Roche, Novo Nordisk and Johnson & Johnson.
But, he said, “The industry was changing. The focus had shifted to short-term gains. If you found yourself at the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong manager, it could spell probation and severance. Then they hire someone younger and cheaper. Personally, it was time for a change. My wife said I was traumatized by the industry.”
The upshot at age 53? “I found myself married, living in Larchmont, New York, with two children and a home. And I had always wanted my own business; I had pined for it.”
Anhouse”™s first solo commitment was not the one that gained traction. He thought first to capitalize on his years in corporate health and he hired a franchise broker. “But in the end I felt it was going to be a long, difficult path to build volume and the margins were too tight.”
In one of those friend-of-a-friend stories upon which life can pivot, a fellow basketball player ”“ Anhouse remains trim at 53 ”“ suggested he help a third party, who was retired and who chauffeured, with a driving service. “I drove other people”™s cars for them and I started to wonder: Hmmm, is this a business idea?”
The formulae that had already been directed toward a health care franchise now accepted driving data of rates, margins and needs both short and long term.
“I discovered the costs and the headaches were less with driving than with health.”
Since his web-based yourdriverishere.com began operations Dec. 31 with two New Year”™s Eve trips for partygoers, his five insured and bonded drivers had logged a total 67 trips as of April 12.
“Families love us for airport runs because they can pack up the night before, use their own car seats and they don”™t have to pay an extra fee for a bigger car to hold their luggage,” Anhouse said. “Partygoers appreciate having a designated driver who provides door-to-door service and who always knows where the keys are.”
Anhouse emphasized his company is strictly a driver service. “I don”™t want to compete with taxis and limos,” he said. “This is for people who want to use their own cars. The trip is completely customized.
“One woman used the service to take her into New York City to pick up her husband”™s surprise party dinner at his three favorite restaurants. Another family had the service pick up relatives who used their house while they went away. We”™ve also taken concert fans to the new Barclays Center in Brooklyn where parking is very limited. It”™s a major challenge to find a parking spot and a complete pain for mass transit, too.”
Eighty percent of business to date has been family trips to the airport. “You”™ve got the SUV,” Anhouse said. “You”™ve already got the car seats in it. We like to say, ”˜Your car fits your family.”™ It”™s all about service, service, service.”
The company provides coverage for its drivers, while customers”™ auto insurance is the primary coverage.
“If people are unsure about this, I ask them to check with their insurance provider directly,” Anhouse said. “I only hire solid people that will make me and my customers feel safe. They”™re the lifeline of my business.”
Anhouse ticked off a number of advantages his business offers, including “a huge one”: packing the vehicle at your convenience and to your liking. In case of return trips, vehicle key arrangements are made for the driver to return to the airport. “A lot of trust is involved,” he said. “My drivers have to be relatable and responsive, with good personalities and interactive skills. I want to make people feel safe.”
