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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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Christmas Shopping Banff/Canmore to Calgary

Christmas shopping, driving to Calgary, full parking lots, crowded malls, heavy bags, tired aching feet, long drive home… even the thought brings a shudder to most people, yet it’s a chore that has to be done before you can enjoy the big day.

There is another way…..

Imagine having your own personal chauffeur for the day, taking care of your every need. You and your friends will be picked up by your charming uniformed chauffeur, driven to Calgary in a stylish Cadillac SUV, and be dropped off at the mall entrance. Your personal chauffeur will Read more

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Christmas & New Years Party Limousines Canmore/Banff

It's the most wonderful time of the year and right at the top of the festive wish-list are awesome parties!

Get picked up by your uniformed chauffeur, enjoy a glass of bubbly en-route, crank up the music and arrive in style.

Make this years party the best ever by treating yourselves to an amazing limousine hire package. It's fantastic fun and incredible value (book early for an even lower price!).

Call Us 1-800-991-6571 to obtain a quote or check availability

The phones have been buzzing over the last few weeks with people requesting limousines for their office Christmas parties.

People are telling us that when they count up all of the taxi fares they would be paying (as well as the inconvenience of everyone waiting for ages in the cold trying to actually get a taxi) the cost of hiring a limousine for the journey home makes perfect sense.

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ISES Annual General Meeting - Calgary

Highland attended the ISES AGM in Calgary on September 28th. It was a great evening, Lynn Fletcher President of the ISES Calgary chapter and President of Lynn Fletcher Wedding Inc, was in her usual spectacular form. Introducing new committee members for 2011/2012 year ahead.

ISES Calgary has an exciting two to three years ahead. Their goals for members are:

• to connect with other members
• to be inspired by educational opportunities
• to elevate yourself both personally and professionally

We are so encouraged to be a part of this organization as it is very much aligned with the mission of Highland to elevate the standards of the livery industry in Alberta and Canada. Our strategic plan for 2011/2012 is to open the Canadian Chauffeurs Guild, and to provide professional development of our existing staff and encourage personal and professional development of the industry as a whole.

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Brand New Highland limo for weddings, parties and special occassions

 

We are proud to introduce our newest addition to the fleet, the Lincoln Navigator Stretch Limousine.

 

Since delivery in July 2011, she has been very busy helping celebrate many special occasions in style.

Seating up to 14 passengers the limo is perfect for weddings, parties, transfers and every special occasion. We have escorted bridal parties to and from the church,  taken stag parties for nights out in Banff, accompanied the girls for nights out in Canmore and Banff, and transfers from Banff hotels to Calgary airport.

The limousine interior is finished to the very highest standard you have come to know and expect from Highland. Cream leather seats embossed with a Canadian maple leaf, hard wood flooring and fibre optic lighting that blends and changes colour. The $9000 surround sound system is perfect for parties or romantic intimate special occasions. There is a 26" LCD TV, and also 3 smaller screens so every one gets chance to watch.

To enjoy a drink en-route to your destination we supply Champagne and Bourbon. You will find champagne glasses and goblets, and a wine chiller to keep drinks cool. We like to offer something a little extra special, and you can enjoy our own special edition of Canmore Le Chocolatier's Rundle Rock chocolate flavoured with cranberry and orange.

There's no denying the limo is very special being one of only three in the Canada, yet what really sets your experience with Highland above the rest is the service. You are a VIP when you are with Highland, you will have your own professionally trained chauffeur, to drive and take care of you during your time with us. Warning once you receive this level of service its hard to go back!

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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.