For the Harrington family behind Teton Stage Lines, helping others isn’t just a philosophy, it’s a way of life.
Whether assisting fellow operators in a bind, lending a hand to a competitor in need, or making sure that every passenger receives the highest level of care, the family-owned company has built its legacy on service.
That commitment was recognized in a profound way when the Eastern Idaho company received the 2025 Vision Award for Small Fleet at the 2025 UMA Motorcoach EXPO held Feb. 20-23 in Oklahoma City.
Founded in 1935 to transport workers to the Palisades Dam construction site, Teton Stage Lines, celebrating its 90th birthday this year, has grown into Idaho’s largest transportation company, operating from four Idaho locations: its home base in Blackfoot along with other locations in Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, and Pocatello.
‘It’s a lifestyle’
For Nate Harrington, general manager and second-generation company leader, the award was more than just a professional accolade. It was a validation of his family’s hard work and commitment to the industry.
“What an honor to get this award,” said Harrington. “To stand here with my father, as a second generation in this business, means everything. My wife always tells me this isn’t just a job, it’s a lifestyle. And she’s right. The bus world has been a part of my life since I was a child.”
The company’s resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, played a major role in earning this distinction.
UMA Director and Trobec’s Bus Service President Bethany Bertram, who presented the award, highlighted how Teton Stage Lines not only survived but thrived by giving the business a fresh look, from its fleet to its website.
“This year’s Vision Award winner has demonstrated remarkable resilience, adaptability, and forward-thinking leadership,” said Bertram. “Following the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic, it seized the opportunity to reinvent itself through rebranding and digital marketing. It successfully connected with a younger audience, reshaping perceptions of motorcoach travel by emphasizing cleanliness, comfort, and value.”
Daring to change
Rebranding was a bold move for a company with such a long and established history, but Harrington knew it was necessary to stay relevant.
“My father questioned it at first,” Harrington recalled. “He said, ‘Why do we want to do that? We’re successful as we are.’ But I told him, ‘Dad, that was our old look.’ Sometimes, when you’ve been consistently successful year after year, people stop noticing. We needed to modernize our fleet, refresh our branding, and draw attention not only to our company but to the industry as a whole.”
Teton Stage Lines introduced a sleek new fleet aesthetic, shifting from its signature three shades of blue with gold trim to a cleaner, more modern white paint scheme with a distinctive mountain-themed design.
Teton Stage Lines operates 12 motorcoaches, a mix of MCIs and smaller Temsas, and over 40 school buses as part of their fleet along with Black Car and SUV’s .
Beyond aesthetics, the company expanded its charter business into the Midwest, increased its digital presence, and invested in environmentally friendly initiatives by integrating new school buses and modern coaches.
“Their ability to anticipate industry shifts and implement sustainable solutions showcases their commitment to both operational efficiency and environmental responsibility,” Bertram said.
“Beyond fleet expansion, this company understands the power of marketing and customer engagement. By integrating social media and building a strong digital presence, they have elevated the image of motorcoach travel.”
People matter
For Harrington, the recognition wasn’t just about the company’s achievements, but also the people behind its success.
“We are only as good as our employees,” he said. “They are our greatest asset. I’m grateful to be surrounded by people who are smarter than me. My father taught me to be compassionate, not only toward our customers but toward our employees as well. That’s something I will always hold onto.”
His father, Donavan Harrington, raised his four children in the business, after taking over the business in 1990, after being the general manager.
“Nathan was just 2 years old when I started,” said Donavan. “I kept extra diapers in my desk just in case he had an accident at the office. He’s always been around the buses. One Saturday, I found him in the shop with a little scoop shovel, trying to help clean up. It was clear early on that this industry was in his blood.”
Now, the Harrington family runs Teton Stage Lines together, with Nate overseeing the motorcoach operations while his oldest brother David manages the school bus division. Their middle brother Greg has ventured into the trucking business, and their sister Dianne works in county government. The family’s deep-rooted connection to transportation is evident in everything they do.
Commitment to industry
“We’re in a unique position, just about 100 miles from Yellowstone and two and a half hours from Jackson Hole, Salt Lake City, and Sun Valley,” said Nate. “That means we see a lot of traffic from operators all over the country bringing groups through our backyard.
“We believe in paying it forward — if a bus from out of state runs into trouble near us, we do everything we can to help. Whether it’s sending a replacement vehicle, coordinating repairs, or just offering advice, we know that what goes around comes around. And when we need a hand out on the road, we trust that others in this industry will do the same for us.”
The company’s commitment to the motorcoach industry goes beyond its business operations. As one of the original 15 founding members of UMA, Teton Stage Lines has played a key role in shaping the industry’s future.
“Teton was there from the beginning,” said Donavan. “To now receive this award from an organization we helped start is truly special. Over the years, I’ve looked up to industry leaders like Garth Kirkhman from Sun Valley Stages, Harry Hardman at Lake Shore Motorcoach, Steve Lewis at Lewis Brother Stages, and others who paved the way. Now, it’s our turn to help bring the next generation along.”
As the company marks its 90th anniversary this year, the Vision Award serves as a milestone in its journey, a recognition of its past and its future.
“We all got into this business to make a positive impact,” Nate said. “Through innovation, social media, and modern branding, we’re helping keep this industry moving forward. I’m so thankful for my team, my family, and the people in this association who have supported us. It’s an incredible honor, and we’re just getting started.”
