Motor Coach Industries (MCI) Pat Ziska, vice president of New Coach Sales, was honored with a Women in Buses Award on January 16 at ABA Marketplace in Cleveland for her unparalleled industry knowledge, pioneering leadership and personal touch.
Ziska, who holds one of the highest positions in North America's bus industry, began her career 40 years ago for Hausman Bus Sales, a pre-owned coach and service center operation, based in Chicago. At the time, Hausman was also the exclusive U.S. distributor of brand-new MCI motor coaches.
Her proficiency in shorthand and dynamic personality got her the job. Her drive, confidence and genuine care for motor coach operators large and small got her to her top role in today's industry.
From the administrative post at Hausman, Ziska put herself through college, earning a B.A. degree, and then began her career in customer service and marketing. When MCI bought Hausman in the 1980s, Ziska's responsibilities and aspirations increased. By 1997, she became the first woman vice president at MCI, adding the title of vice president of customer relations in 2001 and in 2012, vice president of New Coach Sales.
"MCI salutes Pat on receiving this prestigious and well-deserved award," said Patrick Scully, MCI executive vice president of sales and marketing. "We're proud of her accomplishments at MCI and dedication to helping customers at every turn. Pat has always believed customer needs and passenger desires come first."
Other highlights in Ziska's career:
- In 1996, Pat led the launch of MCI's Renaissance coach, complete with a Beach Boys performance bash at the ABA meeting that year in Hawaii. The Renaissance would pave the way for the industry-leading MCI J4500 coach, launched in 2001.
- Seeing that all manufacturers benefit from a strongly marketed coach industry, Pat helped launch the Motorcoach Council in 2007.
- In 2008, Pat established the ABA's Green Spirit Award as a way to recognize operators promoting the environmental benefits of motor coach travel, and MCI's green tool-kit for operates to use to promote their efforts to passengers and clients alike.
What customers say about Ziska
For cost-effectiveness, environmental benefit and group travel flexibility, Ziska has always advocated the benefits of motor coach travel and of doing business with MCI.
"She is magnificent to deal with. She knows what's she's doing and puts our business first. She's focused on what's in front of her and on her job. She's picked up a wealth of knowledge and that's a great asset to us and the industry," said John McCommon, owner of Cline Tours in Mississippi.
"She is the most genuine, dependable person we've dealt with in this industry," said Allen Lamers, president of Green Bay-based Lamers Bus Lines. Lamer has built a 52-year career in the charter and school bus family business he now runs with his brother and children. "[Pat] is a credit to the industry all around. She's no-nonsense. Doesn't miss a beat. She follows through, stays in touch and takes care of things. MCI is fortunate to have her."
What's next for Pat?
Ziska isn't slowing down. Neither is the bus and coach industry.
She is starting her fifth decade in the business where she usually is — in conversation with MCI's customers, new and old. She treats every individual at MCI with respect and dignity and is admired by all women who work at MCI for her esteemed position, open-door approachability and exceptional judgment in business and in life.
Did we mention that Ziska has successfully raised her own four kids throughout her busy and diverse career? Her three sons are out on their own, starting families and pursuing careers in business. Her youngest, Kaitlyn, is a freshman at the Iowa State University majoring in engineering.
Her friends at MCI and many more throughout the bus and motor coach industry couldn't be happier for her.
The Women in Buses award recognizes the role of women in the motor coach industry who work collaboratively on issues and concerns of women business leaders as well as industry specific trends.
