TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2008

The Driver

Drivers --- only agencies still call them chauffeurs --- are handy for executives, serious shoppers and others on the go in New York, Chicago, San Francisco and other large cities where it can be difficult to find a parking space or a taxi. And it’s a good deal for the driver, who is typically on call and free to do as he wishes when not needed. The driver also keeps your car polished and can occasionally run errands for you.

A full-time driver might not cost as much you think. First of all, you can use your own car, which is probably sitting in a high-priced garage around the corner, getting dinged up.. Some say that professional drivers are paid about $30,000 a year, although Louise Sunshine, a New York real estate development consultant, said she paid “Somewhere between $50,000 and $60,000.”

Agencies can help you find a driver. For instance, Brian Taylor, owner of New York Domestics, says that his applicants have two years of experience “working privately for the same family, full time.” Mr. Taylor, who also represents household staff like estate managers, butlers, cooks, housekeepers and nannies, said he had seen an increase in his business of about 5 percent to 10 percent every year for the last five years.

You can try to find drivers recommended by friends you trust. “It’s all word of mouth,” Ms. Sunshine said. You have your choice: from the young actor or actress to the retired cop to the seasoned professional.

Perhaps you need a driver every now and then. Eileen Pettus, a New York writer, relies on a company called Kinetic Corporate Car, which operates 250 cars in and out of Manhattan from its base in Floral Park, N.Y.

“The cars all different,” said Tony Sharma, who has owned the business for 18 years. “Some want BMWs, some S.U.V.’s, some regular Lincolns--- all kinds of cars.” Ms. Pettus calls Kinetic for short hops around the city ($40 an hour) or a trip to Southampton ($198). “I love those guys,” Ms. Pettus said, adding that she discovered the Kinetic service when she struck up a conversation with a driver several years ago in her Beekman Place neighborhood.

The Miss Universe Organization
A Donald J. Trump and National Broadcasting Company, Inc. Partnership

September 6, 2006
SUBJECT: KINETIC LIMOUSINES

To Whom It May Concern,

Kindly accept this letter of reference for Kinetic Limousines. For the past 2 years, we have greatly appreciated the type of service that company President Tony Sharma and his team have provided.

As a world-renowned pageant company, The Miss Universe Organization entertains guests and associates from all over the world. Our Title Holder’s are busy with appearances, speaking arrangements, and various events. Kinetic Limousines has consistently met or exceeded our expectations for keeping our guests and employees on the go.

It gives me great pleasure to recommend Kinetic Limousines for your business. I trust you will find their services to be efficient, professional and service oriented. Considering the nature of the competitive arena of black car services, Kinetic is a strong winner.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me at 212-373-4999.

Sincerely,
Office Manager
The Miss Universe Organization




October 1 2006
Re: Kinetic Limousine Service

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing this recommendation letter on behalf of Kinetic Limousine. They have been our corporate car service of choice since January 2000. In the time that we’ve known Tony Sharma and his staff we’ve been very pleased with their services.

Peerless Clothing is a men’s clothing manufacturing company. We market labels such as Calvin Klein, Chaps, Perry Ellis, Izod, etc. Our sales volume over exceeds 200 million annually. We are major suppliers to Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Lord and Taylor, Federated, May Company and over 800 specialty stores. Our executives are always on the go, entertaining our buyers or at meetings with prospective new customers.

If you are considering Kinetic Limousine to be your car service provider, I can tell you that you will not be disappointed. They are efficient, timely and professional.

Sincerely,

Rich Wurtzburger
Vice-President