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This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
When Orson Lewis purchased his first car in the early 1900s, it's likely he didn't realize he'd started a business that would still be operating years later. But that's exactly the case with Lewis Stages, celebrating their 100th anniversary this year.
Orson launched Lewis Stages in 1914 at age 16. He'd been working in the mine and had earned enough money to buy a Model T, so he decided to start offering transportation between Bingham Mine and Salt Lake City. He worked hard to establish his new business, evening bringing other family on board, and following World War II, their son joined them. He saw opportunity in the growing charter bus market and began to develop that customer base, which included building a high-quality fleet.
Lewis Stages is Utah's leading for-hire passenger bus transportation company. They serve the motor coach and ski markets in Park City and also have long-term partnerships with the Utah Symphony and Utah Opera, not to mention the U of U Athletics Department and the LDS Church.
Lewis Stages is still known as one of the top transportation companies in the northwest serving the Salt Lake City, Park City and Las Vegas areas with all bus needs. This includes round-trip excursions, day trips, long trips and large group shuttle. They're also taking the lead on safety with seat belts on many of their buses. These are all factors that have made them a leader in the industry, no small feat in a business affected by everything from weather to maintenance to fuel costs.
Orson's grandson, Steve Lewis, is still involved with the Lewis Stages today which now employs around 200 people. Steve says it's critical to support employees and provide plenty of information since they're often the first and last touch for customers. They have the opportunity to launch someone's vacation properly and end it well once the fun is over. Not to mention it takes skilled driving to take a 45-foot bus in and out of places they've never been before.
Steve is still on the board for Lewis Stages. And plans are to continue growing.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
Lewis Stages 549 W. 500 South Salt Lake City, UT 84101 801-359-8677 www.lewisstages.com
