Meet African American Motorcoach Council Member Sharla Edwards Savage
Meet members of ABA’s newest networking Council, the African American Motorcoach Council. If you would like more information about the AAMC or to join, email info@buses.org.
Name: Sharla Edwards Savage
Company: C&S Tours, LLC
City, State: Irmo, SC
Years in the Industry: 8 years
How did you first get involved in the industry?
For years, I was the person everyone called to plan their vacations. I have always enjoyed travel and wanted to establish a travel business which unexpectedly brought me to the bus industry. I always had fond memories of bus trips with my grandmother and our church when I was younger. So, in 2013, my husband and I decided to purchase a motorcoach. In 2015, C&S Tours became an IATAN-certified travel agency, solidifying a dream to create a full-service travel company.
Who has inspired your career?
The bus industry has not been easy but I have found beauty in the camaraderie of fellow bus owners, drivers, and tourism representatives. As we all travel across the USA, we pull together to help each other which is a unique attribute of the motorcoach industry.
What has been the greatest challenge|opportunity in your career?
The greatest challenge of my career is working in the past, present, and the future simultaneously. You must handle recordkeeping from past trips, prepare and execute current trips, and build/quote future trips at the same time. There’s always something to do!
What advice would you give to others about working in this industry?
My advice to others in the motorcoach industry is to keep pressing forward. Things will get tough which is evident as we all continue our struggle through the COVID-19 pandemic. But, perseverance is the key.
