Inside the Mind of the CEO: How Airport Shuttle of Phoenix Earned Arizona’s Trust
Every great service begins with a vision. In this exclusive feature, we explore the story and strategy behind the rise of Airport Shuttle of Phoenix through the eyes of its CEO. Discover how one entrepreneur went beyond ordinary transportation and built a trusted, customer-first airport shuttle service serving Phoenix and beyond. If you’ve ever wondered what separates a dependable airport ride from a frustrating one, this is the deep dive that reveals the key differences—and the person who made it happen.
### The Beginning: A Personal Need Turned into a Powerful Idea In 2013, CEO and Phoenix native Josh Keller had a problem. His parents were flying into Sky Harbor from Wisconsin, landing at midnight. No rideshare drivers were nearby, taxi lines were long, and private car services were either too expensive or unreliable.
That trip created the idea that would eventually become Airport Shuttle of Phoenix.
> “I figured... if I can't count on a simple airport pickup for my own family, how many other people struggle with this too?” – Josh Keller, CEO
Josh purchased a single SUV and began offering rides to and from PHX, specifically during peak problem times—late nights, early mornings, and weekend family travel. Within six months, he was fully booked most days of the week and reinvesting his profits into technology and fleet expansion.
### Building a Business on Reliability and Transparency From Day One, Airport Shuttle of Phoenix wasn’t just a transportation service. It was built to be the most customer-first, dependable option.
Here’s what Josh introduced that made the service stand apart:
**1. Flat-Rate Pricing** Rather than using dynamic pricing like rideshare apps, each route cost the same 24/7. This offered peace of mind, especially for long-distance trips to cities like Payson, Prescott, or Sedona.
**2. Real Human Support** A Phoenix-based customer service team was available via phone and text whenever customers needed help booking, modifying, or tracking their rides.
**3. Phoenix-Focused Drivers** All drivers were carefully screened and hired from the local area to ensure knowledge of the region, airport layout, detours, and travel behavior.
> “We don’t just screen for clean driving records. We look for kindness and adaptability—traits you can't teach with software.”
**4. Airport-Centric Operations** While other services juggled multiple rideshare duties, Josh chose to specialize entirely in airport transfers, ensuring true 24/7 availability, easy airport pickup/drop-off logistics, and driver familiarity with PHX, Mesa Gateway, and nearby regional airports.
### Culture that Drives Service: An Inside Look at Company Leadership Instead of scaling quickly and sacrificing quality, Josh emphasized mentorship and consistency. His leadership style included:
- **Weekly Driver Debriefs:** Focused on real rider feedback, safety, and local route insights
- **High Driver Pay and Retention:** Drivers are paid above industry average rates, reducing turnover and creating more human connection with riders
- **Service-Oriented Goals:** Bonuses are tied to customer satisfaction and on-time performance, not mere completed trips
- **Open Feedback Culture:** Everyone, from dispatcher to driver, can suggest improvements ranked by team and implemented as needed
Staff satisfaction is high—many drivers have risen into company roles such as route coordination, training, and fleet management.
### CEO’s Innovation: Listening First, Scaling Later Josh attributes the business’s consistent growth to one principle: always listen to the customer.
When early riders requested:
🚼 Baby and toddler car seats—✔️ Implemented
🐾 Pet-friendly ride options—✔️ Piloted and added with fee-free traveling for small pets
🧳 Oversized luggage for golf clubs & skis—✔️ Adjusted the fleet to include more rear-capacity vehicles
🌄 Long-distance routes to Flagstaff, Sedona, Tucson—✔️ Added strategic stops and private ride options
> “Every time a rider gave feedback, we viewed it as a roadmap. That’s how you build the type of business that stays relevant for years, not flashes out.”
### A Modern Fleet Built for Comfort and Consistency Unlike rideshares that offer whatever vehicle a driver happens to be using, Airport Shuttle of Phoenix ensures a consistent luxury-grade experience with these fleet features:
- Premium SUVs and passenger vans less than 4 years old
- Leather seating, climate control, and silent smooth driving
- Sanitized daily to keep passengers healthy post-COVID
- GPS tracking throughout the entire journey
- Discreet branding—no “airport van” clichés
And most importantly, passengers know their vehicle, driver, and arrival time before pick-up. No guesswork.
### Giving Back to Arizona Under Josh’s leadership, the company has grown—and so has its impact.
Airport Shuttle of Phoenix initiated a partnership with Phoenix-area senior homes and veterans assistance programs to offer discounted or, at times, free rides to medical appointments or airport rides for families separated by long distances.
> “It’s not just about making a profit. It’s about providing access. Being able to bring a senior to see their grandchildren—that’s the full-circle effect of what we do.”
### What Sets This Airport Shuttle CEO Apart | Quality | Josh Keller, CEO |
|----------------------------|------------------------------------|
| Local Roots | Born and raised in Phoenix |
| Ownership Model | Operates with full-time drivers |
| Leadership Style | One-on-one mentorship-based |
| Passion | Solves people’s problems |
| Focus | Dedicated only to Arizona airports |
An often unsung aspect is that riders who use this service once tend to become regulars. Business travelers sync their bookings; families use it for every holiday visit. That customer loyalty comes down to the tone set by leadership.
### Impact by the Numbers - Over 50,000 total rides completed
- 99.1% on-time arrival rate
- Zero surge pricing events—even during major sporting events and holidays
- 2,500+ five-star reviews
- Top-rated across Yelp, Google, and TripAdvisor
### A Word from Long-Time Customers 💬 “We’ve used this service for five years. Every trip has been comfortable and dependable. You can’t put a price on the kind of peace of mind they offer.” – Donna R., Snowflake, AZ
💬 “After 3 rides with no-shows from Lyft in the past, I tried Airport Shuttle of Phoenix. Best decision. It’s more than a ride—it’s a guarantee.” – Jason M., Chandler, AZ
💬 “They drove our entire wedding party from PHX to Sedona. Every shuttle was on time. The vans were spotless. People still talk about the ride experience!” – Tanya & Jeff H.
Don’t leave your trip to chance—book with Arizona’s most trusted and highest-rated airport ground service. Whether you’re heading home, off on vacation, or catching a flight for business, Airport Shuttle of Phoenix offers certainty, safety, and service you can count on.
🚐 Book Your Ride Online Today — Seats Fill Fast During Peak Seasons
Leadership defines the experience. With a founder like Josh Keller at the wheel—someone who listens, adapts, and leads with heart—Airport Shuttle of Phoenix isn’t just a transportation service. It’s a bridge between Arizona communities and stress-free travel. Ready to experience the difference that vision and values create?
→ Learn about our most popular destinations: [Top Arizona Shuttle Routes](/top-arizona-shuttle-routes)
→ First-time flyer? Read: [What to Expect on Your Airport Shuttle Ride](/phoenix-airport-shuttle-guide)