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Kirk Bagger | CEO & Corporate Travel Manager | Captains Car Service
Tell us a little bit about Captains Car Service:
Captains Car Service is a veteran-owned, Cleveland-based luxury transportation
company proudly serving Northeast Ohio and beyond. We officially launched in 2008,
and we currently operate with a small but highly capable core team and a reliable
network of experienced independent chauffeurs. From day one, the focus has been
simple: deliver unmatched professionalism, build lasting client relationships, and make
every ride feel effortless, polished, and reliable.
While I’ve downsized the owned fleet over the years, we're still fully equipped to handle
our clients’ needs with professionalism and ease. Our current focus is primarily on
sedans and SUVs, which allows us to stay flexible without sacrificing quality. Even with
the industry shifts brought on by the pandemic, we’ve continued to grow and
adapt—now serving a mix of roughly 60% corporate and 40% leisure clients.
As for the name, despite what some might assume, “Captains Car Service” isn’t military-
themed. While I am a Navy veteran, the name was more of a fun play on “Captain Kirk”
from Star Trek than a reference to my service. I also wanted to avoid the overused
“limousine” label and create something memorable, approachable, and a little different.
Turns out, it worked—people remember the name, and they remember the service.
How did you, personally, end up in the transportation industry?
I served in the Navy from 1988 to 1992, working in military intelligence where I decoded
top-secret Morse code communications. Just before I was discharged, I earned my
CDL—not realizing at the time how pivotal that would be for my future. After my service,
I explored various sales roles—lawn care, beer, wine, even Hostess snack cakes—and
started driving professionally in 1994 as a side hustle while building that career. While
sales wasn’t my long-term path, it taught me valuable lessons about customer service,
communication, and the importance of detail.
Eventually, through a connection, I was introduced to the owner of a limousine
company. I drove part-time for him, gained experience, and worked my way up to
General Manager. Along the way, I built a relationship with a corporate client who
completely shifted my mindset. They helped me understand the difference between
basic transportation and true executive service. That moment lit the fire that became
Captains Car Service.
What has been your experience as an ILLBA member?
It’s been a great journey. I’ve been involved in the industry for quite a while, so when
ILLBA reached out, joining felt like a natural fit. I already knew Paula through Bill
Faeth, and I’ve attended both years of the Great Lakes Transportation Show. The
networking and exchange of ideas have been incredibly valuable.
I’m also a long-standing, proud member of the National Limousine Association (NLA),
and currently serve as Secretary of the Ohio Chauffeured Transportation Association
(OCTA), which I helped found about two years ago. These organizations are about
more than just industry updates—they’re about relationships. Between these and other
industry events, I’ve been able to grow a vast affiliate network that allows me to extend
the top-tier service I take pride in—not just locally, but nationwide. I truly believe in
building up the community we work in, sharing knowledge, and raising the standard of
service together.
Any predictions, hopes, or ambitions for the future of our industry?
I’m really intrigued by how automation and AI are shaping the future of our industry. I
don’t believe they’ll ever replace the human touch—that personal connection is too
important—but I do think they’ll make us better and more efficient. We’re already using
tools like dynamic pricing, automated booking, integrated CRM systems, and even
follow-up calls and videos to streamline operations and elevate the client experience.
It’s all about making things smoother and more personal. In my view, the companies
that lean into smart tech without losing their service mindset are the ones that will truly
thrive.
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