Author: Gerrard

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Outstanding Chauffeur Service

Defining outstanding chauffeur service It's not hard to grasp the factors that separate luxury sedan service and a ride in a taxi. The difference is in the appearance of the car, the guarantee of quality and timeliness and the fact that chauffeurs are highly-trained, customer service professionals. Often, the difference is in the details and training. Chauffeur service encompasses more than just operating a vehicle, and outstanding ground transportation companies will provide seminars on confidentiality and communication.

Is there a difference between exceptional chauffeur service and mediocre? What are the factors that define the very best and ensure an experience that doesn't fail to meet the needs of discerning clients? While many factors can ultimately come into play, an essential part of great service is communication. Can the driver utilize smart phones and other technology to keep in touch with dispatchers and clients? Are they able to take even the subtlest non-verbal cues as an indication of how they can improve their approach? We've curated a list of some of the qualities which can define outstanding chauffeur service:

1. Use of Technology

Cutting-edge software and the integration of smart tools can define an exceptional luxury transportation company. Across all industries, the best are always looking to define the standard for quality by adopting the latest tools. Chauffeurs should display a high level of comfort in using every available resource to provide the best experience. They may utilize up to several software's and websites before each trip to check for traffic patterns, any accidents, road closures or other factors that could affect the route. Having a smart phone on hand can be the defining factor in being able to provide an answer to their client's question or request.

2. Knowledge of Location

Even the most proficient driver can't always provide a high level of service if they're not completely familiar with the surrounding area. Not only does a knowledge of streets lend itself to planning routes and finding parking, it allows Chauffeurs to double as a tour guide or local expert. If their clients are looking for some insight on regional history or the best amenities, a local expert can provide insight that's more personalized and helpful than any Google search.

3. Personalized Approach

The best chauffeur service isn't just luxurious and seamless. It's completely personalized to the client's needs, personality and requests. While a chauffeur often has to rely on non-verbal communication cues and requests to meet their passengers' needs, an expert will take note of the little details to improve each journey.

4. Communication Skills

There are few occupations with room at the top for poor communicators, but the best chauffeur service is often driven by an exceptional ability to take cues from their passengers. Would their passenger prefer dimmed lights and a few moments of quiet? Are they in the mood to chat at length about destinations? Chauffeurs should be seasoned experts at adjusting their own communication style to meet the needs of their passengers.

5. Desire to Exceed Expectations

Any limo company can proclaim their desire to be the best. Is their commitment to customer service and exceeding expectations just a marketing ploy, or is it really part of their company culture? If this expectation of excellence starts at the top, hiring candidates who have a desire to exceed expectations and a proven track record of outstanding customer service becomes a priority for the luxury transportation company.

Highland Executive Chauffeur provides confidential, luxury ground transportation in The Bow Valley Corridor and Calgary. Our team of experts are available to plan outstanding sedan service and logistics support to fit your corporate travel itinerary over the coming months. Please contact us for up-to-date insight on reservations and availability.

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2012 Picnic Menu created by the amazing team @ The TroUgh Dinning Co.

Trough Meat & Cheese Platter

Prosciutto, AAA Alberta beef Carpaccio, salami, blue stilton, French brie & aged cheddar, olive tapenade and mushroom duxelle, fresh fruit bowl, selection of crackers

Sandwiches ~ choice of per guest:

AAA Alberta Beef ~ sliced and cooked medium rare, horseradish sauce, crisp romaine hearts, organic tomatoes, cucumber

Roasted Chicken Salad ~ roasted organic chicken breast, cranberry compote, crisp romaine hearts, organic tomatoes, cucumber

The Trough BLT ~ Valbella double smoked bacon, roasted onion relish, crisp romaine hearts, organic tomatoes, cucumber

Egg and aged cheddar ~ free range egg with truffle Meyer lemon mayonnaise, grated aged cheddar, crisp romaine hearts, organic tomatoes, cucumber

~ All our sandwiches are served on 100% whole meal or multigrain bread ~

Salad ~ choice of per guest:

Asian pear ~ gluhwein poached organic pear, blue stilton, candied pecans, house made crystallised ginger, greens with honey lime dressing

Greek ~ crumbled feta cheese, selection of olives, organic tomatoes, cucumber, sliced red onion, julienne of green pepper

Roasted beet & goat cheese ~ slow roasted red and golden beets, Fairwinds Farm Chevre, salad greens with a honey lime dressing

Fresh Black Tiger Prawns ~ roasted red pepper aioli & extra virgin olive oil, salad greens with house made dressing

We're extremely thrilled to be working with The TroUgh Dinning Co. Duo Cheryl and Richard are passionate proprietors who strive for excellence in Standards and fantastic Ambiance in their restaurants, We @ Highland Executive Chauffeur endeavor to bring ThroUgh experience to our amazing picnic in the stunning mountains of the Canadian Rockies.

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Making your Valentine feel extra Special

Valentines day is just around the corner, here at Highland we have put our heads together to come up with the most romantic ideas we can think of to celebrate. HINT HINT! Being on a Tuesday work makes it even better as you can celebrate on the weekend before and after, or just do both. Here are our top five list of favorite ideas for giving your valentine an extra special treat:

If you would like more information or wish to arrange a special event for your special Valentine, call 1-800-991-6571, and we would be happy to help your unique and personal event.

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What is the difference between a Driver and a Chauffeur?

There are some commonalities between drivers and chauffeurs, and in many cases the two terms are incorrectly interchanged. In our opinion there are some very clear distinctions that set chauffeurs apart from drivers.

Similarities between drivers and chauffeurs

Both provide transportation services, to safely getting their passengers from one location to another. A driver’s main responsibilities are to ensure your journey is safe, comfortable, and you arrive on time, at your destination.

Highland chauffeur’s offer much more than ensuring their passengers arrive safely at their destination.

History

The term "chauffeur" comes from the French term for “stoker” because the earliest automobiles, like their railroad and sea vessel counterparts, were steam-powered and required the driver to stoke the engine. This historical link helps to define what it means to be a chauffeur. In the days of early motor vehicles only the rich could afford to buy a car and generally employed a chauffeur to drive. Man servants and household staff were common, and it was usual for the chauffeur to take on these roles whilst traveling with their employer.

The traditional chauffeur would drive for their employer, ensure their safety, provide complete discretion, be prepared for emergencies, ensure comfort of their passengers, and generally take on any tasks a personal servant would be expected to carry out.

What it means to be a Highland Chauffeur

The Highland Chauffeurs follow these principles, by combining the traditional high levels of personal service and applying them to the modern day needs. As a driver, body guard, confidant, personal servant and more your chauffeur can be relied upon to take care of you during your journey.

Highland Chauffeurs are smartly dressed in full livery, which includes a suit, gloves, dress shoes and chauffeurs hat once fully qualified. They are fully trained in advanced driving techniques, prepared for all driving conditions and personal protection. Your chauffeur can be fully trusted to operate with complete discretion at all times. There are occasions when privacy is required and a chauffeur is trained to recognize and honour these requirements.

Your chauffeur is polite, responsive, willing to serve, yet unobtrusive, humble in nature, and ready to protect if necessary. Your chauffeur will always attend to luggage, guide you to the vehicle and politely offer assistance in entering and exiting the vehicle. Considerate of their guests comfort, they will be prepared with various travel essentials during the journey. From supplying a handkerchief for emotional moments, adjusting the bridegrooms tie before photographs to offering an arm to help you to your door, you can be assured your chauffeur is a dependable presence there to assist.

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Professional Driver/Tour Guide Wanted

Highland Executive Chauffeur is an exciting new company that will celebrate our one year anniversary, May 1st. We are an exclusive chauffeur service provider and we apply our services to the following markets: corporate, private, tourism and special occasions. There is never a dull moment at Highland Executive Chauffeur. We are looking to expand into these areas more efficiently as our fleet grows. Our company brand stands for safety, professional excellence, fine details and passion for service.

We are looking for a Professional Driver/Tour Guide to join our high-end chauffeuring company.

Requirements:

Previous experience and knowledge of the Bow valley area is essential. Must be willing to train as a chauffeur. Must be flexible regarding their work schedule, this job requires you to be on call. Must have a suit and be able to maintain impeccable hygiene and oral standard. The ability to multitask, prioritize, being informative, polite and be passionate about the service.

Our responsibility to our clients is to provide safe transportation at all hours. A chauffeur always goes above and beyond for their client.

Interviews are being held May 9th - 11th.

Please submit your resume if you fit the criteria.

Only qualified candidates will be considered.

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Sneak Peek of Our New Limousine Coming Late June 2011

Hard Wood Floors, Elegant Interior, Capacity(Little Secret), IPod Hook Ups, 4x Tv Screens, in true Highland Executive Chauffeur Fashion we are pushing the boundaries of clientele comfort and elegance in our vehicles. We will be offering clients a complete chauffeur service from Late June 2011 and onwards!!!

Start Booking 2011-2012 spaces are already booking up pretty fast. Thank you so much to our wonderful friends, family and businesses in the Bow Valley and Calgary that support Highland and our vision of a Higher Standards in Chauffeuring and transportation.

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Connie Grace of Elegant Banff Weddings Winning Award!

We're extremely proud to announce that our wedding planner, Connie Grace are the winners of the Wedding Wire Brides Choices Awards for 2011. Congratulations Connie and to your team, I know you did a fantastic job for our wedding in November, follow this link to see the article, Wedding Wire Awards

Congratulations Connie!!!

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The Bliss Wedding Fair Extraordinaire January 31st In Calgary

Highland’s first wedding show!! It all started with a phone call from Deanna Stroud from mommylicious, saying she had been passed our details from Angie from GMiB (thanks Angie) Deanna discussed the opportunity available for Highland as a sponsor for the Bliss Wedding Fair 31st Jan 2011 @ the Carriage House Inn in Calgary, I must admit we were a little hesitant at doing something this big as it would be our first time in this role. But Deanna can be very supportive and sold the event to us (so grateful you did Deanna thank you) to be honest we’re Chauffeur’s and have zero experience with participating in events. At the same time Lynn Fletcher of multi award winning Lynn Fletcher Weddings invited me to a ISES meeting which was simply such an eye opening experience thank you for the opportunity to witness Andrea Michaels speaking to the Calgary Chapter. And when I told Lynn about being in the wedding fair, she instantly told me not to worry about a thing, and her team would be happy to help this is the same week that Lynn would be in Phoenix winning the @ TSE 2011 Gala Award’s! The team members were Julie Pelley and her (Mum) Mrs Pelley and Afton, who turned up on a freezing cold Sunday @ 06:00 in the morning to set up our showcase booth! Leo Nugteren from Willow Haven flowers @ 5 mins notice on a Friday evening gave us beautiful and expensive flowers for the Bentley (Dorothy) to be decorated at the show! John and Belinda Spear from Le Chocolatier gave us a huge Chocolate truffle basket worth $100 for our Ballot Winner, and 3 hole boxes of truffles that all the vendors got a chance to taste. So as the say the Show was on! To top things off we were on the Radio and were videoed @ the show in an interview how awesome! I was honoured to meet little Mattea Lynn’s daughter who chats away with the best of them so sweet! Lynn was down to check out the event and it was such an honour to see her after such a busy week for her company! Awesome! We would like to thank everyone that made it to the event in a cold Sunday to see our services and all the services available!

Deanna and Hali, pulled off an intimate experience for the bride and groom’s to be for Calgary and surrounding area’s great show! Zen Media is pretty awesome for all the website work and hard work on the day! I honestly feel that having time to share our personal chauffeuring style with Calgary Clients and Vendors was such an amazing opportunity for Highland Executive Chauffeur! It was so amazing meeting other passionate vendor’s great day for networking, fantastic to meet you all. The food @ the end of the show was such a thoughtful touch by Deanna & Hali for the vendors and workers on the day I loved that. I would like to Thank Everyone involved that helped Highland Achieve our First Wedding Show ever: Deanna and Hali of Mommylicious, Lynn, Julie and her mum and Afton from Lynn Fletcher Weddings, Jesse from Free Style Designs, Dave and Murray from Airdrie Trailers, Leo and family and team from Willow Haven Flowers, John and Belinda from Le Chocolatier. Thank you and we couldn’t have made this happen without any of you! Thank you for believing in Highland Executive Chauffeur!!!

Thanks Julie for coming back to help with the break down I owe you one.

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The TroUgh Dining Co, Where People Eat.

Absolutely Amazing, this is where I start on this blog, so much positivity about the dining experience at the TroUgh, I can't stop raving about it!!! Owner driven restaurant, which means you can be no doubt served by one of the owners Richard or Cheryl, who feel passionate about their food and most of all their clients’ experience.  I'm all about the personal experience and this is the first restaurant in a long time that seems to achieve just that.  Did I mention that Chef Oscar George Bayne is Head Chef with amazing influx of East Indian dishes, hearty Steak and Ribs and also fish dishes, absolutely delicious dinning, real fantastic service and attention to detail.  The TroUgh source their food locally and organically raising the standard in my humble opinion.  Voted one of Canada’s top 10 restaurants, we love it so much that Highland will be offering on Friday and Saturday’s evenings a chauffeur service dedicated to the Trough and their clients. Highland highly recommends this restaurant as our favorite in the Bow Valley, Visit The TroUgh The TroUgh Dining Co. 725 Walk of Champions Way (9th St.) Canmore, AB., T1W 2V7  www.thetrough.ca

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Kirstie Tweed of Orange Girl Photographs

We're SO SO happy to use our first blog to describe the services and super kind hearted and amazingly talented people at Orange Girl Photographs, most definitely our biggest supporter here at Highland Executive Chauffeur Inc.  But more importantly and on a personal level, Kirstie and Kevin work together seamlessly as an husband and wife team, for the last year Highland has been privileged to work alongside Orange Girl on many occasions and also have the photo's of our website and most recently our very own wedding on November the 6th 2010, how would I describe Kirsite's service ok here goes, Outstanding, Personable, Fine details, a true master at capturing emotion, easy going, kind hearted, make you laugh, gentle, incredibly dedicated, worth every penny!  These are just a few things that we can say about Kirstie and Kevin just incredible people to know and we are certainly honoured to know and work with them, let’s bring on the New Year we look forward to our next engagement! Visit Kirstie at www.orangegirlphotographs.com