Brandon Twp.- A party doesn’t seem too difficult to find at this time of year, but two local entrepreneurs are offering a fun and safe twist on celebrations.
Dylan Dean and John Maniaci started their business, Double D’s Designated Driver Service, in September with the goal of keeping the community safe.
‘We had friends who were getting DUI’s and we lost a friend in a drunk driving accident,? said Dean, a 2003 BHS graduate and Army vet who served in Iraq, returning a year ago.
‘We need something to help the community and keep people safe,? adds Maniaci, who recently graduated from St. Joseph’s College in Indiana with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. ‘It’s cheaper to go with us than get a (ticket) for driving under the influence or to lose your life or a friend.?
The business partners note that taxis aren’t found in this area, and they aren’t an expensive limo service, either.
Instead, they have a bus.
Dean and Maniaci bought a school bus, painted it blue, tinted the windows, and offer advertising on the bus. They renovated the inside, installed a nice sound system and lighting and added limo seating, leaving space in the middle of the bus for a dance floor. They have more than 4,000 songs on an iPod with music genres including classical, pop, rap, rock, classic rock, country and even Christmas music.
They can fit up to 14 people in the bus and are available for sporting events, casino runs, bachelor and bachelorette parties, weddings, concerts, proms, birthday and holiday parties, pub crawls and more.
‘Why ride in a limo when you can rock in the bus?? asks Maniaci.
‘Don’t show up to the party, show up with the party,? adds Dean.
Both Dean and Maniaci have chauffeur’s licenses and clean driving records, as do their back-up drivers. The bus can be booked ahead for any day or time and is available not only for parties, but for whomever needs a ride. They welcome calls at any time of night if someone has had too much to drink, and can also pick up clients? vehicles and drive them home. Prices vary depending on destinations.
‘We want to start a fleet,? says Maniaci. ‘Our niche is vintage vehicles. It’s cheaper than a limo service. It’s not for everyone, but the people who ride in it have a great time.?