by Hub Staff

Anything that requires a passenger vehicle, Adam McKeachnie seems prepared to provide.

The idea for his new DriverSeat business came from his work as a Registered Practical Nurse, where he could see some real needs for medical assisted transport were not being met. Either the cost was too high, wait times too long or the service provided wheels, but not supports. His service will allow for advance booking and trained assistants to accompany individuals to appointments and wait to see that they have follow-up appointments and clear home instructions.

But DriverSeat, a Canadian business that began in Kitchener in 2012 and now serves more than 400 communities in North America. goes well beyond the serious business of medical assisted transport.

Adam wants the service to be your chauffeur, your designated driver, airport shuttle or employee transportation. With mini-vans and shuttles available, you'll be able to pre-book for bachelorette parties, company functions, or that wedding in the country.

Owen Sound is Adam's home town, and although they met in Barrie, his wife also went to high school here in town. When it came to thinking about where to raise their family – now three little boys – “There was no question. We love this place,” Adam said. His family has long been involved in lacrosse, and Adam is now a coach.

Owen Sound has always been the hub for people who live in the country and small towns around it, and transportation has always been a challenge, Adam said. “Our own wedding was in Desboro and most guests were staying in Owen Sound. Not everyone wants to stop partying at the same time!”

Sometimes people have their own vehicle but are temporarily unable to drive themselves. Think cataract surgery or a broken ankle or a long visit to the beer tent.

Speaking of which, the City has been in conversations with Adam about using his service in the tourism area – for tours of our local breweries and wineries perhaps, or for the Festival of Northern Lights or salmon run tours.

Technology is obviously going to make this easy for those who choose it. Maybe you live in Orangeville, but you would like your dad to be able to get to his meeting at the Legion every Wednesday night. The DriverSeat app will let you book and track that.

The app helps on the business side too, with booking and scheduling, and allows Adam to track his vehicles and the driving behaviour of his staff.

DriversSeat is hiring and preparing to train its first ten employees. Looking at the potential as the business and then the fleet grows, Adam can see DriverSeat as a solid local employer for people with a variety of skills. “We can meet the needs of someone who wants to live in a rural community, with a flexible schedule and real work/life balance.” If that sounds like you and you have a clean driving abstract and criminal record check, look them up here.