Worcester Business Journal

42 Worcester Business Journal | August 19, 2019 | wbjournal.com C ongratulations to all past and present "40 Under Forty" award recipients. By being selected for this honor, you are recognized not only for your success in business, but also because you are exceptional leaders and philanthropists. After the Worcester Business Journal named me one of the 2006 "40 Under Forty" recipients, I reflected a great deal on how I arrived at this place. I remember thinking about those who provided me opportunities, advice and mentoring. It became apparent to me that veteran business owners like to see younger, hardworking entrepreneurs succeed. At that time I didn't fully understand this concept; however, today I can relate, as I thoroughly enjoy helping, mentoring and watching creative, industrious individuals become successful. When I founded AA Transportation Company in 1996, I knew that to be successful in the long term I had to build a team and develop a process by which we could give back to this team. Our employees are our most valuable asset and the reason for our success; that is why we treat them like family and refer to them as our internal customers. Today our family consists of more than 500 people who provide home-to- school service for over 35,000 students across 17 central Massachusetts school districts. AA Transportation has also been named one of the top 30 school bus contractors in the country. While taking care of our people is still a high priority, I recognize and am thankful for the opportunity and ability to help support the districts and community programs with whom we do business. Looking back to 2006 when I was named to the "40 Under Forty" list at the age of 35, I remember how excited I was to be recognized with this honor. For me, the award was especially meaningful because, in spite of many challenges, my business was flourishing in a market that was extremely difficult to penetrate and controlled by national companies; 2006 marked the 10th year in business for what began as a tiny startup. Today, one of the most exciting happenings on the horizon at AA Transportation is the addition of my daughter Monika Ernenwein to our team. Monika joins us after completing a business management degree from Roger Williams University. Her heritage includes a long line of school transportation providers; in 1921 her great-great grandfather Stephen Weagle founded the Weagle Bus Company to serve the students of Shrewsbury. I am eager to watch and mentor her as she brings new ideas and technology to the company, while reinforcing our core values. n Recognizing Young Entrepreneurs: Business Success, Leadership and Philanthropy Create the Perfect Recipe RON ERNENWEIN Alumni Year: 2006 Title: President Company: AA Transportation Co., Inc. PO Box 639MO, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 508-791-9100 | Fax 508-845-7215 20th ANNIVERSARY 2 0 Y E A R S Alumni Thought Leader "It became apparent to me that veteran business owners like to see younger, hardworking entrepreneurs succeed."

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