Kushner & Associates was founded in 1969 by Linda Kushner. The company is incorporated as Custom Tours, Inc. DBA Kushner & Associates. Susan Kushner has been the President and CEO since 1986.

We are a full service transportation management company experienced in the total management of programs. We can handle your transportation needs, special events, theme programs, entertainment and tours. We approach all programs as a whole, so the end result is seamless. We are noted for our attention to detail, creativity and flexibility. Our solid reputation for service with style and strong relationships with suppliers knowing their specialties.

Our office is completely automated with state of the art hardware, software, and SMART Phones. This system allows us to go on-site and have full access to all of our inter-office resources including multi-user databases and custom designed shuttle scheduling software. We can adjust schedules, instructions, signs, etc. as necessary to ensure that your program runs at 100% efficiency.

Our philosophy and commitment to success allows us to sell what can be done. We would like to take this opportunity to say that our methods of operation have repeatedly proven to be successful for complex, multi-faceted programs such as yours. More than 75% of our business is repeat business. We earn the respect of our clients and they come back year after year.

Kushner & Associates is very conscientious of the environmental impact of bus transportation and is at the forefront of the “greening” of the charter transportation industry by:

• Designing the most efficient transportation systems possible with the fewest number of motor coaches traveling the least distances possible to meet our client’s transportation needs.
• Utilizing motor coaches equipped with EPA 07 engines that produce 55% less nitrogen oxide (NOx) and 90% less particulate matter (soot and ash) than previous models. The combination of EPA 07 engines and utilization of ultra-low sulfur fuel makes motor coaches part of the energy solution.
• Utilizing motor coaches with 12 speed transmissions that increase fuel mileage by as much as 2 miles per gallon. Utilizing motor coaches with tires that decease vehicle weight and lowers rolling resistance thereby increasing fuel conservation.
• Utilizing motor coaches, where available, that are engineered with vertical exhaust systems that further reduce emissions and increase fuel conservation.
• Training drivers to reduce idling and use of A/C whenever feasible and practical to conserve fuel and reduce emissions.
• Recycling paper, plastic, ink cartridges, etc. in our office as well as using green chemicals to clean our offices.

Encouraging our partner bus companies to recycle their paper, plastic, ink cartridges, wastewater from wash racks, engine oil, etc. Our bus company partners also use green cleaning chemicals in their offices as well as in the motor coaches. Some of our partners go the extra mile and use the recycled engine oil to heat their offices. Using caterers that work with local growers, businesses, etc. to reduce fuel and emissions used to import food. There are also some great new recyclable plates, flatware and cups on the market. Purchasing Carbon Off-Sets to reduce your overall carbon footprint.

Kushner & Associates provides a level of service far above our competitors.  The excellent service level provided by our company is due entirely to the quality and experience of our staff. All staff are cross-trained and our account managers provide full services to clients including shuttle design, budget management and operations. Here is a list of the key staff:

Susan Kushner, President
Susan Kushner oversees all aspects of program planning and development. After graduating from the University of California at Berkeley, Susan began working full time with Kushner & Associates in 1986. Susan is recognized as a transportation management expert, having designed and implemented special events and transportation systems for groups of all sizes and profiles.

Erika Hinzman, Senior Account Executive
Erika joined the team at Kushner & Associates in 1996 as a graduate from the University of Southern California.  Her extensive experience includes sales, operations and logistical planning for incentive, corporate and association groups of all sizes.

Jonathon deKarr, Director of Operations and Procurement
Jon began working for Kushner & Associates in 1997 as an independent contractor and moved in-house in 1998.  He is an expert at planning and managing transportation systems, tour programs and special events.  In addition, he handles key negotiations with suppliers.

Leanne Anell, Director, Client Services and Logistics
Leanne came to Kushner & Associates in 1995 after graduating from Pepperdine University.  She has extensive experience with incentive, corporate and association groups of all sizes. Leanne also assists with business operations and staff plans for the company.

Jae Hoffmann, Account Manager
Jae arrived at Kushner & Associates in 2001 as a seasoned manager from Enterprise Rent-a-Car.  She quickly adapted to the meetings industry and was
promoted to account manager handling all aspects of sales and logistical planning for association clients.

Val Hamann, Program Manager
Val has been part of the Kushner & Associates on-site management team since 2000. He began full time in the office in September 2005 and is providing logistical planning and on-site management for transportation systems and special events.  

Additional staff include:  Administrative support, IT Manager, Accounting Department staff as well as on-site shuttle supervisors, managers and assistants.