Erica Bugbee, the operations manager at Execustar World Class Transportation and president of the Colorado Limo Association, leads with a commitment to excellence. Managing an eight-vehicle fleet, Erica is constantly exploring ways to enhance safety and operational efficiency. For Execustar, Raven has become a crucial tool in achieving these goals, thanks to its unique features and contract-free flexibility—a key advantage that resonated deeply with Erica and her team.

Embracing a Flexible Solution

Execustar’s journey with Raven began out of necessity. Erica recalls the limitations they faced with previous, budget-friendly telematics tools, which weren’t suited for the demands of a professional fleet. “We used to use basic GPS trackers and dongles, but they lacked the capability we needed to keep up with our QA standards and client expectations.”

Erica’s interest was piqued after hearing positive recommendations from industry peers about Raven’s comprehensive solution, which had no binding contracts—an important feature in an industry heavily impacted by COVID-19. “So many operators got stuck in lengthy contracts they couldn’t cancel. Seeing that happen to others made flexibility a priority for us,” she explains. “Raven’s month-to-month model showed they value our choice to stay based on service quality alone.”

Transforming Fleet Safety with Cameras

One of the biggest shifts for Erica and Execustar was moving from GPS-only tracking to Raven’s integrated video solution. “At first, I was hesitant about having cameras in the vehicles. I worried clients might react negatively or feel it was invasive,” Erica admits. However, the response was far different than she expected. “Our clients haven’t even mentioned the cameras; it’s a non-issue. And having them has been invaluable.”

The cameras have proved essential in critical situations, especially in accident reviews where Execustar’s drivers were wrongfully blamed. “We’ve had a few incidents where, without footage, we would have been held liable. Raven’s cameras provided the proof needed to show we weren’t at fault,” Erica says. This added layer of accountability has not only enhanced safety but also strengthened trust between Execustar and its clients.

Leveraging Data for Quality Assurance

In addition to the safety benefits, Raven’s telematics reporting tools have become a cornerstone of Execustar’s quality assurance initiatives. Erica’s team regularly pulls detailed reports on driving behaviors, like speeding and harsh braking, to maintain high performance standards. “Our QA initiatives happen a couple of times a month, and the insights Raven provides have streamlined the process. The data is precise and easy to access, which makes it much easier for us to coach our drivers and maintain safety standards.”

Empowering On-the-Go Management with Mobile Access

For Erica, Raven’s mobile app has also proven invaluable. “I’m constantly on the go, and so is my team. Raven’s app makes it easy to monitor vehicle status from anywhere, which has been a huge advantage,” she explains. This level of access means Erica and her team can stay informed and make quick decisions without being tied to a desk, allowing for more agile fleet management.

Enhancing Preventative Maintenance with Event Review

Execustar has even leveraged Raven’s event review capabilities for preventative maintenance. “We were experiencing motor mount issues on one of our vehicles sooner than expected. Using Raven’s reports, we pinpointed certain drivers and saw an opportunity for coaching,” Erica shares. “This type of insight has been incredibly valuable, allowing us to reduce wear and tear on our fleet by addressing driving habits directly.”

A Smooth Onboarding Process

Erica’s experience with Raven’s onboarding was equally positive. “I handled the software side while our fleet manager installed the units in each vehicle. It was simple, and we were up and running faster than I expected. It’s been a few years since we implemented it, but I remember it being seamless and efficient.”

Looking to the Future

With Raven, Execustar has found a telematics solution that aligns with their values and operational needs. From no-contract flexibility to real-time insights and data-driven coaching, Raven has transformed the way Execustar manages and protects their fleet. Erica’s experience underscores the impact of tailored telematics solutions on operational success, paving the way for Execustar to continue delivering exceptional service to their clients and setting a new standard in fleet management.