One Bunch that Hooks People Up
January 26, 2010
Sherman Bunch
Story excerpted from “In Good Company” – the official newsletter of The Louisiana Construction and Industry Association’s December 2009 edition, Vol. 1, Issue 1
SHERMAN BUNCH WAS TIRED. Tired of just waiting around for something to happen. That’s how he described his nights working for a local taxicab company. “I’d wait out at the airport, or on the street outside of hotels, sometimes from three in the morning to four in the afternoon, just waiting for a fare.”
During the day, Sherman drove for that same cab company and was starting to build up a healthy clientele of senior citizens. This was right around the time the New Orleans Council on Aging lost federal funding for a transportation effort aimed at helping seniors get to their medical appointments. Soon after, Sherman noticed that about 70% of his fares were senior citizens, “I was somebody they wanted to ride with. Somebody they could trust. They appreciate the fact that we’re looking out for them.”
Sherman’s early passengers were people like Kristi Borges who found it extremely difficult to find a ride because her fare was only $6. Injured on the job, Kristi’s workers’ comp insurer paid the fare, but because the fare was so low, no one would take the call. That’s where Sherman came in. “I care about the people I drive, and my business is growing because of the good things I do.” Kristi appreciated the job Sherman did for her and let everyone know about it, including that workers’ comp provider who ended up making OneBunchHookUp, LLC its authorized transportation company in the New Orleans area.
Following the sterling example of Sherman, the company’s drivers assist passengers daily to board the vehicles safely. What’s more, it’s a company policy to take special care to ensure that riders are buckled in and comfortable for the ride ahead.
The professional and conscientious drivers of OneBunchHookUp serve the entire West Bank of New Orleans, Metairie and New Orleans proper. Operating out of a single West Bank office since Hurricane Katrina damaged the St. Bernard Avenue location, the local transportation company continues to defy the odds and expand under Sherman’s leadership. Mr. Bunch is quick to point out, “When I started the company, I asked myself where I was going to be in 3 to 5 years.I thought 5 vehicles would be pretty good. Once I got my permits, we grew to four vehicles—in just under a year.”
Sherman plans to expand service to the whole of New Orleans East in the coming year, “We’re up to a staff of six, with three drivers now and we’re adding a fourth driver soon.” Sherman adds, “I’d like to get to the point where we’re working 5 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. Right now, we’re on until 2 pm, depending upon driver availability.” Considering the company’s future plans, Sherman smiles, “I had to come up with another goal, so now it’s to take over New Orleans.”
Born and raised in New Orleans, Sherman Bunch has been married to his wife Simone for 12 years. Sherman and Simone are the proud parents of Sherman Jr. and Josiah. Napoleon Bunch is the family’s much-spoiled Toy Pomeranian.
