2007 ABA Honorees

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Gerald "Jerry" Hausman

For nearly half a century Jerry has been the most recognizable name in the pre-owned coach sector. Still active in an industry he helped shape, Jerry, to those who know him well, established what is today one of the largest new and pre-owned coach sales organizations in the industry. Jerry met up with the motor coach industry one day in 1948 when his father suggested he visit Greyhound and re-establish a scrap account that relinquished following the end of World War II. He started selling scrap parts and quickly moved to pre-owned bus sales. By 1967, Jerry had 35 employees, and earned a reputation as the country's best coach sales figure. Greater strides ensued in the following years as Jerry established a nationwide presence opening sales and service branches in California and New Jersey. In 1972, Jerry attained another milestone. Hausman Bus Sales started selling new coaches. Jerry joined forces with Motor Coach Industries, which controlled just 17 percent of the market share at the time. Hausman Bus Sales now sold both pre-owned coaches and MCI's new motor coaches exclusively. By 1980, Hausman Bus Sales enjoyed 70 percent of the new-and pre-owned coach market. Jerry, who retired from the business in 1989, continues as a consultant.

2007 ABA Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree - Gerald Hausman

Peter L. Picknelly

Peter L. Picknelly was born into the family business, but it was he who transformed it into an empire worthy of legacy. Under his leadership, Peter Pan Bus Lines, Springfield, Mass., grew to 400 buses, employing more than 1,500 individuals. It continues to gross upwards of $100 million annually and is one of the largest private bus companies in the United States. Probably the industry's most prominent motor coach figure, Mr. Picknelly, who died Oct. 4, 2004, contributed his time and energy to benefiting both the industry and the community in which he lived. His generosity is legendary. Among his many accomplishments and innovations, Mr. Picknelly introduced its first billboard bus in 1977, which had most or all of its exterior covered with special paint or graphics. He coined the phrase "The People Professionals," which was later incorporated into a campaign. And he put the first wheelchair-assisted coach into service in 1978. With more than 40 years in the industry, Mr. Picknelly grew Peter Pan into a regional transportation icon, and he diversified the family business and his personal interests, including real estate development.

Probably the industry's most prominent motor coach figure, Mr. Picknelly, who died Oct. 4, 2004, contributed his time and energy to benefiting both the industry and the community in which he lived. His generosity is legendary. Among his many accomplishments and innovations, Mr. Picknelly introduced its first billboard bus in 1977, which had most or all of its exterior covered with special paint or graphics. He coined the phrase "The People Professionals," which was later incorporated into a campaign. And he put the first wheelchair-assisted coach into service in 1978. With more than 40 years in the industry, Mr. Picknelly grew Peter Pan into a regional transportation icon, and he diversified the family business and his personal interests, including real estate development

2007 ABA Lifetime Achivement Award Honoree - Peter L. Picknelly