2013 TLPA Paratransit & Contracting Operator of the Year

Having spent his entire career in transportation, Bud Williams, Vice President
of Operations and Partner of Wheelchair Transport Services, Inc. (WTS), understands each aspect of successfully being a part 
of both the industry and 
the community.

“There is more to transportation than meets the eye,” says Williams, whose company is based in Clearwater, Florida, and operates throughout the state’s Gulf Coast.

For example, he says, transportation can at times be 
a lifeline. Williams has successfully led his companies into multiple devastating storms to provide any type of assistance needed. From Hurricane Ike in Texas to Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Wilma and Charlie in
Florida, WTS has been able 
to put vehicles on the road
in as quickly as 24 hours 
from the time emergency 
management officials haven
contacted them.

“In helping others in their time of need, we show the tremendous level of commitment that our drivers and employees demonstrate on a daily basis,” said Williams. “That is what makes me the proudest.”

In the earlier days of his career, Williams worked for Ford Motor Company in the emissions testing department. After a few years, he decided to move to Florida and help with his father’s company, which at that time had eight wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Since he began work within the industry, Williams prides himself on doing nearly every job except changing the vehicles’ oil. Now as Vice President of Operations, Williams is able to spend his time differentiating his company from the others.

“Our accounts know they can call WTS for any type of transport, whether it be short or long distance, day or night, with little or no notice,” said Williams. “We take great pride in being able to effectively handle special and sensitive situations.”

Williams adds WTS has a true “family atmosphere.” He continually encourages staff to get to know each passenger and try to build a relationship of trust. Williams feels this is important because it gives the passenger confidence in maintaining their mobility and independence.

Along with getting to know each customer, WTS is truly a family business. Williams’ father founded the company, where now Williams and his brothers serve as partners. His daughter, Claire, also works with him as a medical billing specialist.

Williams credits the outstanding management within the company to his family and team. He strongly feels it is their “family” approach to business that has allowed everyone from the drivers to the reservationist to grow and feel accountable to each client they serve.

“I have been fortunate to help my staff grow into their positions and have the confidence they will continue to sup- port the values that WTS was founded on,” he says.

Bud was involved with the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Association for over 5 years. He said, “Then the opportunity for the NMTA to merge with the TLPA presented itself, giving new life to the NMTA members like myself. I have been involved with the TLPA ever since.”

His take on being named the TLPA 2013 Paratransit Operator of the Year is, “I am humbled and ecstatic at the same time,” Williams says. “To be recognized for your hard work is gratifying. I am so proud that my brothers and I have

been able to continue our father’s legacy and core values. I am ecstatic because it confirms we got it right.”

Williams is also an active member of his community. He serves as a Big Brother for the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Association. Williams also is focused on one of their newest endeavors, “Wheelchairs 4 Kids.” This organization helps supply wheelchairs to low- income families and to Children’s Cancer Research with All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. He has also raised money for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society (Team in Training) while running marathons. He and his brother have participated in an endurance cycling challenge to raise money for the Make a Wish Foundation.

In his spare time, Williams’ greatest love is spending time with his family. He especially loves spoiling his new granddaughter and doing outdoor activities with his son. Endurance biking, running, and golfing are just a few of the activities he and his son enjoy doing together. Williams adds that he and his wife of 35 years are dealing with “empty nest syndrome” and find they cope best through traveling.

In recognition of exceptional dedication to professionalism, customer service and safety, the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association is pleased to honor Bud Williams of Wheelchair Transport Services, Inc. as the 2013 Paratransit and Contracting Operator of the Year.