In its signature fall “500/5000” issue, Inc. Magazine named NW Florida based Sunshine Shuttle & Limousine as “One of America’s Fastest Growing Private Companies.”
Located in South Walton County, the company has grown its menu of services to include privately funded public transportation along Scenic Highway 30A, Panama City Beach during Spring Break, Seaside employee rideshare, and shuttle service covering the 2,400-acre Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort.
“This is award validates our company, but more importantly, it validates the entire community,” said Sunshine Shuttle & Limousine Owner John Finch. “Everyone who contributed to these programs and believed in the company deserves credit. Like us, they realize changing the culture means changing the way people get around.”
Lori Leath Smith, director. of public relations and marketing for the community of Seaside, Fla., added, “It’s been encouraging to watch the company grow and to include our services as part of its expansion.”
Celebrating its 10-Year Anniversary, Finch started Sunshine to provide reliable airport transportation from South Walton to the former Panama City Beach Airport. A higher level of customer service to all airports was needed, so he continued growing the company to its current fleet of over 75 vehicles. Sunshine is the largest ground transportation provider in NW Florida, and the only full fleet operator west of Tallahassee. Its “Transvertising” concept, which converts private funding into free public transit via marketing and advertising budgets, is unique to the industry.
Walton Area Chamber President Kellie Jo Kilberg stated, “John’s vision and passion for transportation gives him the ability to spot an opportunity and imagine something where others haven’t.”
Added Paul Wohlford, vice president of business development, Resort Collection of Panama City Beach, “Having spent the last decade working in NW Florida and watching Sunshine Shuttle strategically grow, this honor is a tribute to the dedication of a great staff that provides first class hospitality and an unmatched dedication to excellence. Their passion for attention to detail is exemplary in their field.”
