Carolyn Nelson. To many in this industry, all you have to say fondly is "mother" and we would immediately know you are referring to Carolyn Nelson. There is hardly a state association in the country who has not felt the guiding hand, stern voice, but gentleness and love that comes from someone who loved and cherished her role as association liaison for the National Limousine Association. Carolyns responsibilities included acting as a "Mother Confessor", disciplinarian, problem solver, and general fixer-upper. She traveled the by-ways of the nation conducting meetings, educational seminars, and providing words of encouragement to all who would listen. The growth of state associations and the strength exhibited by many are a demonstration of her handiworks. Although an owner of a small company, she is a person with a big heart.

Carolyn was available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for all of her "children". Arguments over voting procedures and disagreements between associations in the same state were the type of problems that Carolyn was called upon to resolve. Carolyns ability to be humble and self-deprecating were part of the tools she successfully used to defuse problems among her associations.

Her work for the NLA as association liaison over the years has brought about tremendous respect among colleagues throughout the country. If you ever need a funny story to be told with a straight face to break the tension in a volatile situation then sit down and listen to Carolyn. She has a way of telling you a story in a matter-of-fact fashion that will have you rolling in the aisles. It is for these reasons that the beloved "mother" is honored with the Person of the Year award.

Pictured: Don Kensey, President Au Premiere Limousine, Bellmawr, NJ and Carolyn Nelson, President, Belaire Limousine, Inc., Bel Air, MD

Nelson Overwhelmed by
Operator of the Year Award 2001
by Tom Mazza

There must be two Carolyn Nelsons. It is the only logical explanation. She is a loving mother (now grandmother), owner of a growing business, active in her local limousine association (A-Limo), strong NLA director and a dedicated association liaison. But as busy as she is, Carolyn Nelson has the remarkable ability to make every person in her life feel like the most important person in the world. She is the ultimate "people person."

She can take a reservation, handle a billing question and help a new South Carolina Limousine Association get started with just a few flicks of her call-waiting button. Nelson, owner of Belaire Limousine in Bel Air, Md., was a popular choice for the 2001 Operator of the Year award in the small fleet category. Her company has seven vehicles and a staff of twelve. Nelson called her daughter Melissa from the stage at the Venetian, and , with her new grandson Christopher Xavier listening, she shared her joy and thanked her dedicated team at Belaire Limousine. She also acknowledged her mentor, the late Harold Berkman, President of Music Express. "A fantastic human being that encouraged me greatly, I owe so much to him and his family," she says.

"The bottom line for me is that I am blessed with my daughter and a team of chauffeurs who really care about our customers and my family " Nelson explains." The treat the vehicles and our clients like gold.

"Belaire Limousine has maintained a better than 20 percent per year growth pattern. The company continues to provide service to some of the countrys largest networks. Nine of the companys dozen chauffeurs are celebrating more than three years of service with the company.

"I guess I break every rule of management," she admits. "I treat my employees like I treat my family. I care about them, and want them to be happy. I never let anyone abuse my staff and they appreciate that."

As NLA association liaison, a position she created, Nelson has traveled tens of thousands of miles in support of local associations. "It is important that local leaders do not feel isolated, and I believe it is extremely important
to travel and help promote these associations.

When Nelson returned from Las Vegas, her office was filled with eight-dozen flowers, balloons and numerous essages from her customers and her peers. "That was the other crowning moment for me, my chauffeurs, my clients , and my fellow operator were genuinely happy for my family and me," she says. "It made it very special."