A Force to Be Reckoned With
5 women leaders in the motorcoach industry share their secrets to success
Be authentic and be fearless, and you belong in the motorcoach industry. That’s the advice, woman-to-woman, from daughters who are propelling their family businesses forward.
Leading with kindness and compassion “can take us all far, for both women and men,” advises Alison Klein Sherman, president of Klein Transportation. “Be kind, strong, and courageous and surround yourself with a team that believes in you, your values, and your company values, and you will be a force to be reckoned with.”
Michelle Petelicki caught “the bus bug” after working for her father, Joseph Zak, who started Panorama Tours in 1995. Today, she serves as president and partner. The father daughter duo are shown here in 2011 and 2024.
Ryhan Cornell, senior account manager at ABC Companies (right), and her cousin Ashley Cornell, vice president strategic accounts at ABC Companies, encourage women new to the motorcoach industry to get involved in networking groups like ABA’s Women in Buses Council.
As president of Klein Transportation, Alison Klein Sherman is the fourth generation to be at the helm of the family-owned company. She is shown here with her father, Wayne Klein, past president and current owner.
This picture of the Klein family was taken circa 1980 with their 1964 GM 4106, which was one of the company’s first two motorcoaches and was purchased from Capital Trailways in 1979. On the left are Adele Klein (Alison’s mom and retired sales manager of Klein), Mary Klein (former owner and Alison’s grandmother, now deceased), and Andrew Klein (Alison’s brother). On the right are William J. Klein (former owner and Alison’s grandfather, now deceased), and Alison Klein Sherman.
Be fearless and “find your tribe,” counsels Tracy Salinger, owner of Unique Chauffeured Services. Soak up different perspectives by finding mentors from a diverse array of businesses and backgrounds and “have friends who are smarter than you.” In addition, women hoping to achieve ownership of the family business should make it known and be willing to put in the work needed to get there. “There are times when women get lost in the businesses, and they lose their identities,” she says. “You are worth more. Just go out and do it.”
Women have an advantage in bringing fresh perspectives to an evolving industry, “but to get there, you have to not be afraid, and you have to come in and take risks,” says Ryhan Cornell, senior account manager at ABC Companies.
The industry is still male-dominated, and councils such as ABA’s Women in Buses offer tools for networking and learning to become comfortable asking questions, says Ashley Cornell, vice president strategic accounts at ABC Companies. “When women enter the industry, they should plug into these networking groups and councils. Reach out and get a mentor.”
Michelle Petelicki, president and partner at Panorama Tours, recommends motorcoaches as a career. “Some days are easier than others,” she says. “Figuring yourself out is never a straight road. Find and embrace your authentic self as you cultivate your leadership style.”
There will always be a place for motorcoaches, Petelicki adds. They move people where planes and trains can’t go, from lifesaving evacuations to the fun times like weddings and bachelor parties. “I met my husband on a Panorama bus,” says Petelicki. “My brother met his wife on a Panorama bus. It’s through moments of joy such as these that I think motorcoach transportation goes beyond a commodity to a memorable experience.”
You heard their stories in “Who’s the Boss,” the cover story of the January/February 2025 issue of Destinations magazine; now heed the advice of five female executives in the motorcoach, travel, and tourism industry who share their words of wisdom to other aspiring leaders.
Based in Harrisburg, Pa., Diane McCormick is an award-winning freelance journalist and author of Well-Behaved Taverns Seldom Make History: Pennsylvania Pubs Where Rabble-Rousers and Rum Runners Stirred Up Revolutions.
