When Wren Nance arrived at the 2025 UMA Motorcoach EXPO in Oklahoma City, he thought he was there for one reason: to compete in the UMA International Driver Competition, an event he won in 2020.
While the NorthEast Charter driver didn’t reclaim the championship title this year, he left with something totally unexpected: a brand-new MCI J4500 motorcoach, complete with his name proudly displayed on the driver’s side.
“Guys, that’s awesome,” Nance said, his voice filled with disbelief as he took in the sleek new vehicle.
‘Awesome’ gesture
Nance’s big surprise came after the Driver Competition on the EXPO’’s second full day. That afternoon, NorthEast Charter owner Scott Riccio invited Nance and his wife to the MCI booth to check out a newly displayed MCI motorcoach that Riccio had recently purchased for the company.
“How do you like this one?” Riccio asked, gesturing toward the pristine vehicle and inviting Nance and others to climb inside.
“It’s beautiful,” Nance responded.
Riccio grinned. “Well, it’s yours. Once it’s finished at MCI in a week or two, this will be your new bus. And there’s a little surprise on the outside.”
Nance and others climbed outside to walk around to the driver’s side to see his name on the bus.
“Awesome. Very cool,” said Nance.
‘One of our best’
As one of NorthEast Charter’s top drivers, Nance has built a reputation for excellence on the road.
How long he’s been with the company, however, remains a lighthearted debate.
“I swear I started in 2014, but my onboarding paperwork says 2015,” he said with a laugh. “I could have sworn I was 28 when I started, but I just turned 40 last week. I don’t know how that works.”
One thing he does know? How to connect with people.
“Don’t take all the complaints to heart,” he said, sharing his secret to excelling at the job. “Trust me. Spend time with the people, get to know them.”
Back in 2020, Nance surprised even himself by winning the UMA International Driver Competition on his first attempt. He had unknowingly studied the wrong material and assumed he had little chance, but by carefully pacing himself on the written test and focusing on enjoying the driving portion, he overcame the odds.
Though he didn’t win the 2025 International Driver Competition, this trip to the EXPO proved to be just as memorable.
“Wren is one of our best,” said Riccio. “He drives for major clients, including the Portland Sea Dogs and high-profile New England charters. He consistently ranks among our top drivers and covers more miles than nearly anyone in the company.”
Photos by Chris Riddell
