How Our CEO Turned a One-Van Dream Into Arizona’s Most Trusted Airport Shuttle
Behind every great company is a story—one built on passion, perseverance, and purpose. For Airport Shuttle of Phoenix, that story begins with a missed flight and a vision to change how Arizona travels. In this in-depth spotlight, we sit down with our founder and CEO to uncover the roots of his mission, how he built a fleet that services over 40 cities across the state, and why his hands-on leadership approach continues to redefine airport transportation across Arizona. If you’ve ever wondered what separates us from the competition, this is the behind-the-scenes look that answers it all.
### The Journey Begins: From Frustration to Foundation
In 2012, Michael Reyes missed a cross-country flight due to an unreliable rideshare pick-up. That single event sparked an idea—what if there was an airport transportation service that always put reliability first?
With no industry experience and one secondhand van, Michael set off on a mission: to ensure no Arizona traveler ever had to worry about missing their flight again because of poor planning, hidden fees, or unreliable service.
> “People deserve better than the stress of hoping their ride shows up,” Michael said. “I wanted to create a service that actually delivered peace of mind.”
### Early Challenges and Customer Breakthroughs
Like most early entrepreneurs, Michael wore every hat: driver, scheduler, dispatcher, and marketer. Averaging 400 miles a day, he built routes between Phoenix Sky Harbor and cities including Prescott, Sedona, and Apache Junction—places taxi companies and public transit refused to go.
Early challenges included:
- Late-night calls from stranded passengers
- Learning Arizona traffic patterns and airport logistics firsthand
- Competing against lower-cost rideshares by offering exceeding value
His big break came when two frequent business travelers from Tempe began booking him exclusively—and referring coworkers.
This created a ripple effect of loyal customers.
### Scaling with Service: How Reputation Built the Brand
Michael avoided flashy marketing and instead focused on overperforming every day.
Airport Shuttle of Phoenix grew organically through word-of-mouth, consistent 5-star reviews, and repeat bookings.
Customers began to take note of three core differences:
- **Personalized service**: Drivers greeted passengers by name and offered assistance with everything from luggage to gate directions.
- **Upfront flat rates**: No ride-surge math or hidden fees—quote once, pay once.
- **Punctuality guarantee**: The team created a failsafe system for confirming time windows and safely transporting passengers from all over Arizona.
> “We didn’t grow because we were the cheapest,” Michael reflected. “We grew because we were the most dependable.”
### Expanding Operations Statewide
Michael reinvested earnings into hiring experienced and courteous drivers. Soon, he added SUVs, sedans, and larger vehicles to accommodate solo fliers and families alike.
Today, Airport Shuttle of Phoenix covers more than 40 cities and towns, including:
- Marana
- Show Low
- San Tan Valley
- Gold Canyon
- Cottonwood
- Queen Creek
- Surprise
- Globe
Few shuttle services in Arizona travel with this kind of reach.
### Building a People-First Company Culture
Even with growth, Michael insists on personally interviewing and training each driver.
Team values include:
- **Respect**: For every rider, regardless of distance or request.
- **Safety**: All vehicles are rigorously maintained and sanitized.
- **Kindness**: Whether it’s a water bottle or a calming voice, the little things count.
Riders have noticed the difference.
#### Real Feedback from Real Riders:
**Samantha B., Flagstaff**:
*"After my mom passed, I had to fly out of Sky Harbor. The driver didn’t just show up early—he waited with me until I was ready to leave. I’ll never forget that."*
**David E., Scottsdale**:
*"Michael himself helped me rebook when a flight was canceled at the last minute. That level of involvement from a CEO is unheard of."*
### Leadership Beyond the Wheel
Michael has since launched driver recognition programs, increased charitable initiatives, and built alliances with local tourism boards.
He’s also pioneered:
- A no-shareseat policy—passengers never ride with strangers
- 24/7 customer service by real people, no machines
- Integrated flight tracking with every booking to ensure timely arrivals or rebookings
Each innovation reflects his mission to remove stress and unpredictability from travel.
### Giving Back to Arizona
Under Michael’s leadership, Airport Shuttle of Phoenix remains grounded in its roots.
The company sponsors:
- Free round-trips for veterans on Memorial Day
- Student discount shuttles to and from ASU, NAU, and UArizona airports
- Transport donations for cancer patients receiving out-of-town treatments
> “Arizona gave us the opportunity—we give that opportunity back,” says Michael.
### What Sets Us Apart: In the Words of the CEO
When asked what makes Airport Shuttle of Phoenix special, Michael doesn’t point to the size of the fleet or booking technology.
> “We care when others don’t. That’s it. Our drivers don’t think of themselves as Uber substitutes—they see passengers as their responsibility.”
### Why Travelers are Switching to Airport Shuttle of Phoenix
Whether traveling from Prescott to Sky Harbor or catching an early flight out of Mesa Gateway, riders are choosing this service for:
- Consistent flat rates
- Help with bags and personalized pickup instructions
- Trustworthiness beyond app-based rideshare drivers
- Availability in hard-to-reach corners of Arizona where few shuttles operate
- Private rides only—no shared seating with strangers
### Final Thoughts from Michael
> “I didn’t plan on building a company. I just wanted to help people get where they needed to go. That’s still what we do, every day. One ride at a time.”
Booking your airport ride through Airport Shuttle of Phoenix means choosing Arizona’s most trusted name in private travel.
Call (480) 710-3441 or book your ride now through our online booking portal—get your secure, flat-rate quote in seconds. Limited spots available during peak travel weeks—reserve early!
From a chance idea to the most expansive private shuttle network in Arizona, Michael Reyes’ journey reflects what truly matters in transportation: people. His commitment to service, respect, and reliability has built more than just a company—it’s built a community.