Name: Robert Saucedo
Company: Carreras Tours
City, State: Ontario, California
Years in the Industry: 15 years
How did you first get involved in the industry?
My father owned a bus for more than 15 years and always had me help him out washing his bus. At the age of 13, he would let me drive his MCI in a big empty parking lot. I thought it was the most fun thing in the world to drive one.
Who has inspired your career?
My father inspired my career in the industry. Taught me to work on the buses and work on issues to always keep the wheels turning. Also, all the people that I have gotten to know over the years that also own motorcoaches. My father always held me to a higher standard and made me keep that image at the top of everything to be the best in the industry.
What has been the greatest challenge/opportunity in your career?
The very first bus I purchased was a 5-year-old bus and I had to compete with all the big companies with new buses. Most tour operators require 3 years or newer, but I kept that bus shiny every single day and never got complaints on the age of the bus. Trying to convince a tour operator to give you a contract with an older bus was the biggest challenge I faced. But after showing them that safety, customer service and reliability is more important than the age of the bus, I gained their trust.
What advice would you give to others about working in this industry?
Keep your buses in great shape…it’s your best advertising while on the road.
Why is it important for you to belong to Hispanic Motorcoach Council?
Besides learning new things from other operators, I like to help others with things that they have no knowledge of. It took a while for me to learn things in the industry because no one opens up to give advice when they are your competition.