Put Me In, Coach—Let’s Turn This Season Around

Brian Dickson
"Oh, put me in, Coach—I'm ready to play today."  — John Fogerty, Centerfield

That lyric hit different when you’re running a transportation business and facing down labor shortages, rising costs, compliance headaches, or teams that just aren’t performing like they should.


You’re in the game. You're hustling every day. But you're also tired of feeling like you're stuck in a losing streak with no time to fix the fundamentals.


That’s where I come in.


At Bus Business Consultants, I partner with operators who are deep in the day-to-day but know they need to take action. Whether you're managing a small fleet or a major transit operation, I help you make meaningful progress fast—without the fluff.


Here’s what we can tackle together:

  • Cut costs without cutting corners
  • Strengthen safety and compliance systems that keep you on the road and out of trouble
  • Improve fleet performance and driver accountability through proven tools and coaching
  • Get operations back on track—and margins back where they belong


I’ve led high-pressure turnarounds at Disney Transportation, Coach America, and All Aboard America Holdings—in roles where millions of dollars, hundreds of drivers, and national reputations were on the line. Now, I bring that same experience and execution to help operators like you solve real problems with real-world solutions.


I’m available now for:


  • Project-based consulting to fix what’s broken or build what’s next


  • Operational overhauls that restore performance and profitability


  • Interim or fractional leadership when you need a steady hand right now


If you're ready to shift gears, I'm ready to get in the game.


Let’s win some ball games.


Schedule a no-obligation consultation at busbusinessconsultants.com

By Brian Dickson June 12, 2025
"The essence of being as good as you can be is you got to figure out who you are.” — Pete Carroll Whether you’re building a championship football team or running a transportation company, this truth holds firm: success starts with identity. In business, just like in coaching, the best teams aren’t always the biggest, flashiest, or most well-funded. They’re the ones who know who they are—and operate with clarity, alignment, and discipline every day. At Bus Business Consultants , I help ground transportation companies get clear on the fundamentals that matter most by asking three critical questions: 1. Who are we as a company? Are we clear on our mission, our culture, and what we stand for? 2. What does success look like for us? Do we know our operational targets, financial goals, and customer expectations? 3. How do we operate in a way that reflects both? Are our actions, systems, and leadership aligned with our identity and ambitions? Without clear answers to these questions, even the most talented teams can veer off course. That’s when inefficiencies creep in, costs spiral, and cultures erode. I work side by side with operators and their teams to bring clarity to chaos and profit to the bottom line—through strategies like: Cost control and margin recovery Performance dashboards that keep teams accountable Leadership development rooted in mission and values Scalable operating processes that align with growth Whether you're a transportation company looking to get sharper or a private equity firm trying to stabilize or scale an acquisition, I bring decades of experience—and results—to the table. Let’s make your business as good as it can be—starting with who you are. Schedule a consultation at busbusinessconsultants.com
By Brian Dickson May 20, 2025
Prioritizing Pedestrian Safety: It’s Not Just a Roadway Issue When we talk about pedestrian safety in the transportation industry, we often think about crosswalks, city streets, and traffic signals. But the risk of pedestrian injury or fatality doesn’t end once a passenger steps off the bus—it continues within our own facilities. A recent white paper from Metro Magazine sheds light on the rise in pedestrian fatalities and offers insights into contributing factors and strategies for improvement. While much of the conversation focuses on public roads, the lessons are equally relevant for transportation facilities, where pedestrian and vehicle traffic frequently intersect. Read the full article from Metro Magazine Facility Risk is Real Within maintenance yards, terminals, and parking areas, pedestrian safety is often overlooked. These environments are dynamic, high-traffic zones where employees, drivers, mechanics, and support staff are constantly moving—often around large vehicles with limited visibility. A single distraction or lack of awareness can result in serious injury. Key Strategies for Safer Facilities Here are a few practical ways ground transportation operators can enhance pedestrian safety in their facilities: 1. Enforce Cell Phone Policies Distraction is one of the most preventable causes of accidents. Walking with phones in hand or heads down puts pedestrians at risk. A “heads up, phones down” policy—reinforced through training and signage—can make a big difference. 2. Clearly Define Pedestrian Walkways All facilities should have marked pedestrian walkways, with defined crossing points at any location where foot traffic intersects with vehicle lanes. Visibility, signage, and paint are your friends here. 3. Require High-Visibility Gear Anyone in proximity to moving vehicles should wear high-vis safety vests. This includes drivers assisting with roadside breakdowns and mechanics responding to service calls—especially if their standard uniform doesn’t offer reflective visibility. 4. Promote a Defensive Walking Mindset Just like defensive driving, defensive walking is a key habit to instill. Pedestrians should never assume drivers can see them—especially near buses or large vehicles with blind spots. Encourage eye contact with drivers before crossing and waiting when visibility is limited. Leading by Example Building a strong safety culture starts with leadership. Transportation companies that make safety a visible, consistent priority are the ones that reduce risk and foster accountability throughout their teams. At Bus Business Consultants , we help companies assess and improve their safety programs—both on the road and in the yard. Whether it’s policy development, frontline supervisor training, or process design, we partner with transportation leaders to create safer, more effective operations. Ready to improve your facility’s safety culture? Contact us today.
By Brian Dickson May 9, 2025
One of my favorite motivational speakers is Zig Ziglar. He was a renowned author, salesman, and speaker known for his inspiring messages. One of his famous quotes emphasizes the importance of setting goals: “If you aim at nothing, you'll hit it every time.” His point is that you need a plan to make progress, and that plan begins with establishing clear goals. Once you set your goals, it’s crucial to work towards them consistently. We are nearly a third of the way through 2025. Can you believe it? Does your company have this year's strategic, performance, or financial goals established and documented? If so, how are you tracking your progress toward those goals? Now is an excellent time to review your progress, identify obstacles, and make necessary adjustments to stay on track or advance. Whether you’re looking to accelerate results, adjust your strategy, or gain a fresh perspective, I am here to help. Take the first step towards achieving your goals by clicking the button above to schedule your complimentary consultation today!
By Brian Dickson April 10, 2025
Hiring me as your consultant is more than just a decision; it's an opportunity to unlock the full potential of your operations and elevate your transportation business to new heights. Here's why I am the right choice: 1. Expertise in Operational Excellence: With nearly thirty years of experience in management and operations, I can identify inefficiencies and develop strategies that enhance productivity and significantly boost profitability. My analytical skills will streamline your processes, leading to measurable results. 2. Proven Results-Driven Approach: My track record speaks for itself. I have consistently delivered considerable financial improvements, including increased revenue and reduced operating costs. My impact has been transformative, from the complexities of large-scale Fortune 50 operations like Walt Disney World to the nuances of smaller ground transportation companies. Imagine achieving similar success for your business. 3. Commitment to Safety and Exceptional Customer Experience: I understand that lasting success is built on a foundation of safety and customer satisfaction. My strong commitment to these principles ensures operational success and fosters long-term loyalty from your clients. We can create an environment where customers feel valued and safe, driving repeat business and referrals. 4. Strategic Planning for Long-Term Success: I excel at crafting and executing strategic initiatives that align with your organizational goals. Whether you aim to introduce new services or refine existing processes, my strategic mindset will ensure that your business anticipates market changes rather than merely reacting to them. 5. Customized Solutions for Your Needs: Every organization faces unique challenges. That's why I take the time to understand your needs and tailor my consulting services accordingly. The goal is to ensure sustainable and impactful outcomes that resonate with your vision and objectives. By collaborating with me, you are not just hiring a consultant; you are gaining a dedicated partner who prioritizes your operational goals and enhances your overall organizational performance. Together, we can chart a course for success that benefits your business now and in the future. Let's make it happen!
By Brian Dickson March 21, 2025
Unlock Your Potential: Shift from Being a Business Operator to a Visionary Leader!
By Brian Dickson February 3, 2025
Recently, I have been asked, "What does a business assessment from Bus Business Consultants involve?" I want to provide a clear and comprehensive explanation. A business assessment is a thorough evaluation of your organization to identify opportunities for improvement and growth. My approach is holistic, carefully analyzing various aspects of the business to pinpoint areas that need support and to develop strategic solutions that promote sustainable development, enhance customer satisfaction, and improve operational efficiency. This evaluation covers several critical components of a company, helping us identify its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats—commonly known as a SWOT analysis. The assessment process typically includes a detailed examination of financial performance, operational effectiveness, employee productivity, market positioning, and compliance with regulatory standards. The primary goal of a business assessment is to provide valuable insights that empower business leaders to make informed decisions. Businesses can thrive in a competitive landscape by improving processes and practices, enhancing profitability, and ensuring alignment with strategic goals. The assessment can cover various vital areas, including accounting practices, human resources policies, maintenance protocols, safety procedures, and sales strategies. Ultimately, this comprehensive evaluation results in actionable recommendations that facilitate meaningful improvements and long-term success. Conducting a business assessment requires immersing myself in your operation for several days. This allows me to experience it as a customer and an employee, observe the facilities and fleet, and meet key team members. Larger or multi-site operations will require additional time. Feel free to reach out if you'd like additional information or to schedule a consultation.
By Brian Dickson January 29, 2025
A Substack community dedicated to the ground passenger transportation industry. 
By Brian Dickson January 6, 2025
Have you ever seen Tony D'Amato's (played by Al Pacino) famous Inches speech in the pro football epic Any Given Sunday? If you haven't, it is available on YouTube and is worth a few minutes, as it might be one of the greatest motivational speeches. While the entire speech was inspiring, these words resonated with me: "Life's a game of inches. The inches we need are everywhere around us. They're in every break of the game, every minute, every second. We fight for that inch. We tear ourselves and everyone around us to pieces for that inch. We claw with our fingernails for that inch. Because we know when we add up all those inches thats gonna make the difference between winning and losing." - Tony D'Amato Coach's words have constantly reminded me of what it takes to be profitable in the ground transportation industry—so much so that I've used this speech but asked my teams to replace the word inch with dollars. Think about that for a moment. The ground transportation industry is a game of dollars. The dollars we need are everywhere around us. They're in every break of our operations, every minute, every second...While I'm not encouraging anyone to tear themselves and everyone else around them to pieces for those dollars, I am encouraging you to pursue profitability relentlessly in your decision-making. If you are unsure how to do that or where to start, I can help.  Whether it's fostering growth or expansion, identifying and implementing organizational priorities, evaluating and improving your customer experience, enhancing your labor efficiency, assessing your workplace culture, developing and implementing your pricing strategy, or aligning your organizational structure, roles, and responsibilities, I can help you identify and harvest those inches (dollars) that are all around you, because we know when we add up all those inches (dollars), that's gonna make the difference between winning and losing money this year. Schedule a no-obligation consultation today using the button above to get started finding those dollars.
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