LAUNCH entrepreneur Brian Allen will officially open Royal Transportation for business on Thursday with a kick-off event. The event, which will include other local Chattanooga entrepreneurs who will talk about their businesses, will take place starting at 6:30 p.m. at The Edney Building. There will be light hors d'oeuvres and soft music. Admission is free, but attendees must RSVP, as space is limited.
Based in Chattanooga, Royal Transportation offers transportation services between Chattanooga, Atlanta, Nashville and other surrounding areas.
"Some of the features that are offered on board include free Wi-Fi, relaxing massage cushions and much more, all for an affordable price," officials said. "A few years ago, Brian was frequently traveling back and forth from Chattanooga to Nashville. He used a local company that provided shuttle service with a 15-passenger van from city to city. He would hear complaints from customers wanting better service with more amenities. Although it would take some time to work out the details, it was at that moment Royal Transportation was born. While at The Bethlehem Center in 2014, Brian was introduced to LAUNCH and the Business Entrepreneurship Academy and thought it was the perfect time to start taking action on bringing Royal Transportation to life.
"A native of Chattanooga, Brian was raised in Alton Park and is the youngest of 11 children, all of whom were raised by a single mother. Brian’s drive to succeed was something that was instilled in him at a young age. Brian attended Calvin Donaldson and Howard School of Academics and Technology and is also a graduate of Interdenominational Theological Center located in Atlanta.
"He has also been involved in ministry for over 15 years, and is senior pastor of New Season Christian Ministries and the director of youth and family at The Bethlehem Center. Brian serves on the Board of The Chattanooga Area Chamber’s Southside Council as VP of Diversity & Inclusion, Lakeside Youth Association (treasurer), and Youth for Christ Chattanooga.
During the launch event, additional small business owners will be on hand to promote their services as well. Mr. Allen says, “I really want to see more small local businesses become successful and profitable, so I’m happy to give them time to spread the word about what they do as well.”