Today we’d like to introduce you to Suzana Alves, Noel and Debra Ciminello.
Noel, Debra, and Suzana, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Yes! We Van began on Nov 17, 2008 when we formed the only multi-van vanpool operating in the nation. We focused on the commuter, taking pride in nurturing, growing and maintaining a timely, cost efficient method of traveling from New Bedford, MA to Boston, MA for our local South Coast work force.
In 2013, Yes! We Van applied those same principals providing professionals and vacationers reliable transportation to New Bedford, MA so they could travel on the Fast Ferry to Martha’s Vineyard.
In 2017, we are expanding again providing transportation for after-school programs in the Greater New Bedford area.
Has it been a smooth road?
Much like the commute to Boston the road to success was not always easy. With many challenges (personalities, scheduling, etc) we were able to put together a “pool of vans” which met the needs of 50 – 60 commuters while keeping the costs affordable. Our biggest challenge with the van pool was to encourage the commuter to change their riding habit.
As we branched in to the livery business, the challenges were similar but were easier to overcome given the need for the service in the Southeastern Mass area. With the livery we were addressing the needs of one family at a time rather than the needs of 50 – 60 commuters.
We were also able to apply the lessons learned and successes of the van pool to better enhance the customer experience. The coordination and collaboration within the vanpool has allowed us an opportunity to give ALL our customers a unique transportation experience.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Yes! We Van story. Tell us more about the business.
Yes! We Van is a transportation company specializing in meeting the transportation needs for those living in the Southeast Mass area and commuting to work in the Greater Boston Area, as well as connecting local and visiting travelers to airports, trains, ferries, events, etc.
We are known for our friendly, dependable, and affordable service. In addition, a key ingredient to our success and what makes us most proud has been “communication”. We take pride in providing exceptional customer service through our communication, our commitment and our dedication to meeting the needs of each and every customer, whether repeat or new. Our Yelp reviews confirm this.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
There will always be a need to supply transportation to those visiting the area or locals looking for a ride to the airports/sporting events/concerts/etc. Our market share will continue to grow as will our corporate footprint but will, within the next 2 – 3 years, cap. At that point, we will need to expand into other communities bringing our unique brand of transportation.
Contact Info:
- Address: 167 Butler St
New Bedford, MA 02744 - Website: www.yeswevan.org
- Phone: 508.542.0373
- Email: yeswevan.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Yes-We-Van-364981313580507/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
- Yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/yes-we-van-new-bedford
Image Credit:
Pictures all taken by Noel Ciminello. Sports picture by Cara Ciminello.
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