By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter
Photo/Melanie Petrucci
West Boylston – WLimo, located at 219 West Boylston St., West Boylston, has been serving greater Worcester for 40 years. They have survived and thrived in a competitive business environment because of emphasizing two elements: the safety of their clients and treating their employees and their customers like family.
Ken Hogan and his wife Bernadette (company founders) were “pioneers” when the concept of door to door shared rides was brand new in the late 70s. Now almost 80 years of age, Ken still comes into the office daily while Bernadette, 79, continues to manage the finances.
Their daughter, Maureen Raillo, is now the chief operations officer.
“We are celebrating 40 years this year and we are a family business,” she said. “My father started the company in 1978. We love what we do, we enjoy people and we have great employees.”
The Hogans’ son Jim is also part owner and president. He maintains the fleet of 20 vehicles with his wife Nancy while Maureen manages sales and overall functions of the office.
“[Jim] is amazing at what he can do with the vehicles and keeps them fine-tuned and all the maintenance is in-house,” Maureen said.
In this fashion they can assure that their vehicles are in tip top shape and that all protocols are adhered to. The safety of their passengers is their priority.
While primarily known for airport shuttle service in Central Mass, providing private and shared ride shuttle services to Logan International Airport, TF Green in Providence and Worcester Regional Airport, the company can accommodate other requests.
For instance, they can accommodate parties of all sizes, from a single passenger in a private town car to as many as 28 in one of their luxury coaches.
WLimo provides service anywhere throughout New England, New York, Washington, D.C. and points in between, as well as Canada. They’ve built relationships with corporations and local colleges transporting athletic teams.
They especially enjoy working with family gatherings such as weddings because their passengers can sit back and relax and enjoy their events without worrying about drinking and driving. The same holds true for corporate functions, holiday parties and conferences. They also accommodate sporting events, casino excursions and shuttle service for those going on a cruise.
Additionally, they provide point to point service. For example, they will transport someone to a doctor’s appointment, or for a medical procedure. WLimo will ensure a safe journey to and from for their passengers.
“Our drivers are all background checked, are up to date with physicals, and are fully licensed. We are under very strict regulations through the state and the federal governments,” Maureen said.
Their drivers are encouraged to obtain a 7D license which is necessary for transporting students, even though that isn’t what they do. It’s an extra level of security for their customers – safety first!
“We really want to make your experience to be your trip. We are not a cookie cutter service. If you don’t like the times that are given to you, say something,” Maureen said. “We’ll be happy to work with you to see if we can alter it.”
Over the years WLimo has received numerous awards and accolades.
One satisfied customer, Nicole Chagnon, noted, “I have had the opportunity to coordinate transportation with WLimo the last couple of years for clients as well as my own company needs. They are fantastic to work with, professional, efficient, friendly, affordable and above all reliable!
“They have gone above and beyond many times with last minute changes and added pick-ups. I will never consider using anyone else. I highly recommend WLimo. You will love them.”
WLimo is accredited with the Better Business Bureau with A+ rating and is a past recipient of the BBB Torch Award for Market Place Ethics.
For more information, visit wlimo.com, call 800-660-0992 or [email protected].
