Leonard Bus Sales is chosen for the School Bus Fleet "Dealer Spotlight"

Leonard Bus Sales has come a long way in its 43 years. When Gerald and Helen Leonard founded the company in Hancock, N.Y., in 1965, they began serving 13 counties in the eastern part of the state.

The IC Bus dealer, now based in nearby Deposit, has since grown to cover 54 counties. And in addition to the Deposit headquarters, Leonard Bus Sales has full-service facilities in Mechanicville, Rome and Bergen, N.Y.

The company, which employs about 130 personnel statewide, is also an authorized distributor for Girardin Minibus, Elkhart Coach and Federal Coach.

Mike Leonard, son of Gerald and Helen, starting working full time for the family business in 1973. Mike started in the shop and soon began making sales calls. He now serves as president of the company.

High-profile praise

In March, Leonard Bus Sales was presented with the Tom Cellitti IC Bus 2007 North American Dealer of the Year Award at the OEM’s annual dealer meeting in Birmingham, Ala.

Among the accomplishments that helped Leonard Bus Sales earn the award is the facilitation of a statewide customer advisory panel. The project was launched to gather end-user feedback and maintain open communication with customers.

Ed Joyce, vice president of operations for Leonard Bus Sales, says that another company highlight is its customer training program, which provided hands-on service instruction for more than 400 technicians last year. The dealership also supports the New York Association for Pupil Transportation and other transportation groups in the state.

Joyce also notes that Leonard Bus Sales has the leading school bus market share in New York state. He says that this is due in large part to the company’s “superior customer service,” which includes comprehensive parts distribution and mobile service capabilities. The company operates four parts delivery trucks and six mobile maintenance vehicles to assist customers across its territory.

Customer satisfaction

School bus buyers’ top priorities are familiar themes, according to Joyce: safety, reliability, cost of operation and support services after delivery.

Recently, there has been increasing interest in new technologies among Leonard Bus Sales’ customers. The International AWARE Vehicle Intelligence system, which provides global positioning and performance monitoring, is a popular option.

Also drawing increased attention is hybrid-electric technology. IC Bus and hybrid drivetrain maker Enova Systems launched the nation’s first plug-in hybrid school bus in 2006.

Joyce notes that the technical complexity of school buses continues to grow rapidly, particularly with the advent of computer diagnostics and sophisticated emissions controls. “As such, we have focused on continuous product improvements, outstanding support services and comprehensive customer training to ensure that operators and maintainers are well equipped and prepared to perform their daily functions,” he says.

Regarding customers’ attraction to IC Bus, Joyce says that they recognize the safety and operational innovations and the depth and breadth of resources that accompany a purchase of the OEM’s buses. He says that these resources begin with engineering and product development and continue through specification development and ordering services, the manufacturing process, pre-delivery preparation and inspection, delivery, and one-stop technical services throughout the life of the vehicle.

“Collectively, we have an unparalleled support system that ultimately results in improved driver and vehicle performance, streamlined maintenance and, most importantly, maximum passenger protection,” Joyce says.