Like Father, Like Son

There's a new owner of Revier Transportation, but one thing he won't have to do is pay for decals for a name change for his fleet of school buses.

After 23 years, Larry Revier of Plains decided to retire and sell his school bus business to his son, Chad Revier, who officially took over in January. The elder Revier won't be totally retired. He's agreed to stay part-time to help his son with the business.

"I've enjoyed it. I didn't want to be so old that I couldn't do anything when I retired," said the 58-year-old Larry, whose wife, Sandy, retired from her teaching position at Plains High School last year. The business transfer officially took place at the start of the year, but Chad has been training for the position for about a year and a half after moving his family of four from Wasilla, Alaska, to Plains. He already had a CDL (commercial driver's license) but to be a substitute driver for the company, he had to upgrade it to carry passengers and had to get a school bus endorsement certificate.

Even though he was working as a mechanical engineer in Alaska, is mechanically inclined, and has management experience, he said he's glad his father is staying on. Larry said there's a lot more to the business than finding a bus driver and handing over the keys. He already had experience working on engines when he purchased the company in 1994. He received a mechanics diesel technology diploma from Northern Montana College in 1979, and worked as a diesel mechanic in Missoula for some 15 years.

All five of his initial buses were gas operated, but in time he made the conversion to diesel, eventually growing his fleet to six route buses, three charter buses, two backups, and three that he uses just for parts. His fleet ranges from a 14-seat bus to a 78-seater and he has 10 drivers on staff. He added a sixth route to his contract two years ago. Larry was the president of the Montana Association for Pupil Transportation and named Transportation Person of the Year in 2002.

Larry said bus technology has changed a lot over the years and his son's fleet today is comprised of some of the latest state-of-the-art equipment, including computerized technology, security cameras, inside and outside, and safer high back seats. Most recently they installed crossing arms on the front of the buses, which makes children who need to cross the road to be several feet in front of the bus, eliminating a common blind spot for the driver.

Drivers are a big part of the success of the school bus business, he said. "They can't be just good drivers. They have to be patient and liking kids is important," said Larry, who said he's had some of the best bus drivers in the state on his staff. "I have to be a good fit for them and they have to be a good fit for me," he added.

Larry was happy to keep the business in the family. The business will physically remain on Larry's property, where they have a 3,100-square foot shop and office. As Larry has done over the years, Chad too will have to keep up with government regulations, insurance changes, route changes, driver certifications, and will have to work with the school board, as well as having to learn all the mechanics specific to his buses. Chad, a 2002 Plains High School graduate, said he was spending a lot of time traveling for his job in Alaska and decided to move back home to have more time with his wife and two daughters.

"You're your own boss here. And if you're ahead of the game, you can take time off and I have most of the summer off," said 34-year-old Chad. "I'm glad he's going to be here," he said of his father. "I wouldn't have been able to understand the contract or some other things without him. And to understand the mechanical knowledge without him would have been difficult."

Larry isn't sure how long he'll stay on as a part-time employee – possibly three years – but he believes he's leaving his business in good hands. "I know Chad will do well because he has a good sense for what needs to happen and takes safety seriously."