In 2020, Joe Reinhardt, CEO of Carolina Limousine and Coach (CLC Worldwide), faced a major challenge. His transportation company, which had just taken delivery of two new motorcoaches, saw its business disappear overnight when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the travel industry.
“We were hit hard,” Reinhardt recalled. “Everything stopped, and we had to figure out how to survive.”
But instead of retreating, Reinhardt and his team used the downtime to examine their approach.
“We knew that in order to come out stronger, we had to rethink everything,” Reinhardt said. “It wasn’t just about weathering the storm, it was about laying the foundation for future growth.”
Fast forward to 2024, and Carolina Limousine and Coach, based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has not only survived but is thriving. The company was recently ranked No. 882 on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. CLC Worldwide achieved a staggering 569% growth over the past three years, a turnaround that Reinhardt attributes to a combination of grit, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to customer service.
Anticipating change
Before the pandemic, CLC Worldwide specialized in special event transportation, including weddings and corporate functions. But as restrictions took hold, those services vanished. Reinhardt quickly shifted focus to long-term contracts, particularly in college transportation.
“We started looking at where the demand would be, not just where it was pre-pandemic,” he explained.
This pivot proved crucial. By securing contracts with colleges and sports teams in Myrtle Beach and Charleston, CLC continued to operate when others struggled.
“That’s how we kept going while the industry was on pause,” Reinhardt said.
Since then, CLC has expanded aggressively. In 2021, the company added 21 new vehicles, bringing its total fleet to 50, which includes motorcoaches, luxury sedans, and sprinter vans. Revenues surged from $1.4 million in 2019 to over $6.4 million by 2023, with expectations to surpass $10 million in 2024.
A major milestone for CLC came in April 2024 when the company opened a 20,000-square-foot facility in Myrtle Beach. This state-of-the-art hub houses vehicle maintenance, administrative offices, and a customer service center.
“This facility represents the future of CLC Worldwide,” Reinhardt said. “It’s where we maintain our fleet, train our chauffeurs, and ensure that every vehicle is road-ready. We’re proud to have one of the newest fleets in the Southeast, and this facility ensures we stay on top.”
Reinhardt views this expansion as essential to CLC’s continued success and plans to extend the company’s footprint further.
“We’re growing our presence in Charleston and beyond,” he said. “Demand for long-distance and group travel is increasing, and we’re ready to meet that need.”
Standing out
Throughout its growth, CLC has emphasized safety and customer service, which Reinhardt considers key differentiators in the motorcoach industry.
“Our chauffeurs aren’t just drivers—they’re ambassadors for our company,” he said. “They go through extensive training, background checks, and drug testing to ensure safety.”
To ensure the highest level of service, CLC treats its chauffeurs as full-time, salaried professionals.
“They’re not part-time employees,” Reinhardt emphasized. “They’re highly trained professionals who represent our company, and we back them with constant support and the newest vehicles.”
With a focus on reliability, CLC offers 24/7 customer service.
“You don’t know who you’re really doing business with until a problem arises,” Reinhardt explained. “Whether it’s a flat tire or something bigger, the real test is how we respond at two o’clock on a Saturday. That’s what separates us.”
Reinhardt is building his fleet strategically. He primarily buys motorcoaches from MCI, Temsa, and Van Hool. All three brands use the Cummins X12 engine, a factor that simplifies maintenance and ensures reliability.
“It makes fleet management more efficient and ensures we’re getting the best performance across the board,” Reinhardt says.
While CLC has flourished in recent years, Reinhardt acknowledges the challenges that come with running a motorcoach business, particularly the rising cost of insurance.
“Insurance is a massive expense in this industry, and it’s only getting worse,” he said.
To mitigate costs, Reinhardt has explored various solutions, including “captives,” group insurance programs where companies pool resources to lower premiums. However, he remains cautious.
“The problem with captives is that you don’t always know where the numbers are coming from,” Reinhardt said. “I’d prefer to be more self-insured, taking responsibility for the first $25,000 of any claim.”
He advises operators to shop for insurance quotes at least 60 days in advance to get the best deals.
“It gives you time to find the right coverage and avoid surprises,” he said.
Switching gears
Reinhardt’s success stems from a career shaped by overcoming obstacles. A former day trader who lost 90% of his investments in the late 1990s, Reinhardt moved to Myrtle Beach in 2001 to sell medical devices, but his company collapsed after the 9/11 attacks.
“I found myself in Myrtle Beach without a job, without any real options,” he recalled.
Turning to transportation, Reinhardt started a limousine service in 2007, but he soon realized that the motorcoach industry offered more long-term potential.
“Limousines are a luxury – a want, not a need,” Reinhardt said. “Motorcoaches, on the other hand, are essential. They move sports teams, students, and people during emergencies. That’s when I saw the future.”
He says CLC now dominates the college transportation market in Myrtle Beach and Charleston with contracts with the College of Charleston and The Citadel.
Reinhardt, who has been a member of the United Motorcoach Association (UMA) for seven years, says his transition from a limousine service wasn’t easy. He recalls attending motorcoach industry events where other operators avoided him because his company still had “limo” in its name.
“There can be animosity between the limo and motorcoach industries,” Reinhardt said. “I joke that ‘limo’ is a four-letter word in the motorcoach world. But we’ve proven ourselves.”
Looking for improvements
Reinhardt says his experience navigating various industries has shaped his approach to business, making him adept at adapting in the face of adversity.
“We’re always looking for ways to improve,” he said. “Whether it’s through better training for our chauffeurs or investing in new vehicles, we’re committed to being the best in the business.”
As the motorcoach industry evolves, Reinhardt sees significant technological changes on the horizon as another opportunity to adapt and grow.
“This industry is set for a radical upgrade,” he said. “Technology is going to reshape how we operate, and those who don’t adapt will fall behind.”
Overall, Reinhardt is optimistic about the motorcoach industry’s future and believes CLC Worldwide is well-positioned to be a leader.
“We’re not just in the transportation business,” he said. “We’re part of something essential, and that’s why this industry will always have a future.”
