Jason Richardson runs a family business; it was evident at yesterday’s ribbon cutting at J&T Charters, which was well attended by family and friends.
J&T Charters started several years ago in Richardson’s hometown of Lake Providence, Louisiana as J&T Limousines; but with a population barely breaking 5,000, Richardson soon decided to move to Monroe, where the charter service still exists.
“I was the only one with a newer model limo in the area that I was in,” Richardson said.
He soon found himself overbooked and the business’ rapid expansion started then: first with a second limo, then a party bus and now charter buses as well, each one purchased larger than the last.
Pam Wilson, a real estate agent in El Dorado, was the first to realize that there is a market for Richardson’s services here, as well.
“When he first called me and was looking for a place in El Dorado, the Murphy Arts District had not actually opened yet, but they were scheduled to open in October … I told him who all was coming in and he was like ‘wow,’” Wilson said. “I’m so proud of him.”
At J&T Charters, located at 718 E. Hillsboro St., multiple options exist for traveling in style: limos, party buses, charter buses, Suburbans and Mercedes Sprinters are available for chauffeured rides, and several antique cars, like a 1952 Plymouth, are available to rent.
At yesterday’s ribbon cutting, Richardson and other employees deferred to the company’s vice president, Jason Richardson II. He dressed like his father and the other employees, in a driver’s outfit, minus the lapel pins.
“He’s the big boss,” said Frank Stevens, director of safety and training for the company.
Along with family, friends and staff, several members of the public attended the ribbon cutting. Cassandra Kendrix, the finance manager for the company, said she’s thankful the company has found a foothold in El Dorado.
“We offer safe transportation to get you to your destination,” she said. “Safety is our number one goal.”
Currently, Richardson contracts with the El Dorado and Strong School Districts and Southern Arkansas University. He said he also got to transport some of the musicians at MusicFest 32 earlier this year.
To learn more about J&T Charters, visit jtcharters.net, call 870-639-8000, email [email protected], or just stop by!
“We plan to grow with El Dorado,” Richardson said. “Please come up. We can show you any vehicle we have.”
Caitlan Butler can be reached at 870-862-6611 or [email protected].