facilitate this family opportunity and to get ahead of any circumstances that might arise in the future and challenge the family dynamic. “I was not going to appoint the leader of the company,” John, Sr., told me in early October. “Tey would decide.” Tey — his children and their spouses
who chose to work for the company — de- cided on John, Jr., to lead their family busi- ness, the largest such school bus company in the nation. As chief operating officer, and now also
president, he and Anthony joined broth- ers-in-law John Knoelke, vice president of operations, and Tom O’Sullivan, vice president of contracts and bids, to help steer the company forward. “John has more energy than anyone I
have ever worked with,” observed Knoelke. “He impresses me with not only his energy but also his memory. He does not forget a thing. Even though he is strictly business, he manages to make the work environment very enjoyable.” One of several senior employees with vast
experience in contracted services that Benish and his brothers rely upon is Robert Smith, director of business development, who holds the honorary title “Uncle.” Tere is no blood relation, but Benish and his brothers and sisters have known Smith long enough. It was younger blood that Smith said the
company needed. John, Jr.’s, hands-on, pas- sionate and people-centric leadership style, he added, has improved communication among company managers as well as public relations and outreach to school district clients. John isn’t afraid to roll up his sleeves and help troubleshoot any issue that arises. “John’s top priority is the (company)
brand and quality service, and when that is at risk or compromised, he pulls out all stops to turn a situation around,” said Smith. “He doesn’t have much patience for lack of follow-through, making the same mistakes twice or poor communication with the customer. If those things happen, the people involved may say he is micromanag- ing, but he is actually modeling what should be done when the brand is at risk.” Meanwhile, Benish’s style resonates just
as strongly with those who are newer to the business. Julius Ceaser, not to be mistaken for his ancient Roman namesake, said it’s been “refreshing” in his short time with the company. Benish Jr.’s, hands-on leadership style,
along with his commitment to excellence generates a work atmosphere that is condu- cive to the vision that he has for a successful company,” Ceaser said. “On any day you can find him not in his office but on a bus pick- ing children up and taking them to school. I do not know anyone who’s more deserving of this recognition and I find it gratifying to see that long hours and hard work do get recognized.” It’s this "customer service first" attitude
that STN contributor Peggy A. Burns, Esq., said makes Benish stand out, whether it’s the numerous transportation conferences she has presented alongside him or the company he runs. For example, she said he ensures that the companies of Cook-Illi- nois, which number about two dozen, stay abreast of legal and regulatory developments to ensure their customers and the commu-
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www.ewss.org | 10939B Reed Hartman Hwy. • Cincinnati, OH 45242 50 School Transportation News January 2014
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