Exploring Life & Business with Ryan Durham of DAY Private Shuttle

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Durham.

Hi Ryan , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Since childhood, I have always aspired to be an entrepreneur, even though I wasn’t sure which industry I would pursue. At the age of 15, I became a junior firefighter, a role that carried into adulthood. I went on to serve as a firefighter in Fulton County for seven years, an experience that shaped my discipline, leadership, and commitment to serving others.

Just before the COVID-19 pandemic, I transitioned into real estate and built a successful career as a Realtor over five years. During that time, I identified a growing need for reliable, high-quality transportation services in Middle Georgia. This led me to launch Day Luxury Ride, now known as DAY Private Shuttle.

What started as a one-person black car service providing transportation from Middle Georgia to the Atlanta airport quickly grew. Within three months, the business expanded into a three-person operation. Fast forward three years, and we now employ 10 team members, serving both individual and corporate clients. Our client base includes organizations such as Robins Air Force Base, Emory Hospital, and several universities, as well as a number of well-known public figures.

At DAY Private Shuttle, we are committed to providing safe, clean, and dependable transportation to everyone, regardless of their background.

Outside of business, I am a devoted husband and father. Over the past decade, I’ve been blessed to marry an amazing wife, and together we are raising four children—two boys and two girls. In my free time, I coach my daughter’s softball team and prioritize spending quality time with my family.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey has not been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been finding and retaining the right people. Everyone brings their own mindset, and at times those perspectives don’t always align with the company’s vision and standards.

Operational challenges have also played a significant role. Vehicle maintenance, for example, can create unexpected delays and disrupt daily operations. In addition, human error in scheduling can lead to missed details, which impacts both efficiency and the customer experience.

Another key lesson has been the importance of having the right systems in place. Using the wrong POS or team management system can result in miscommunication and missed opportunities, making it clear that strong infrastructure is essential for growth and consistency.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
DAY Private Shuttle is a premium transportation company based in Middle Georgia, specializing in private, reliable, and luxury ground transportation. We provide black car and shuttle services for both personal and corporate clients, with a strong focus on airport transfers, executive travel, and scheduled transportation services.

What sets us apart is our commitment to professionalism, consistency, and customer experience. We don’t just provide rides we deliver a service that prioritizes punctuality, safety, cleanliness, and discretion. Every client, regardless of their background, receives the same high level of care and attention. That standard has allowed us to build lasting relationships with both individual clients and organizations.

We are proud to serve a diverse client base that includes corporate partners, universities, medical institutions, and high-profile individuals. Our ability to maintain trust, reliability, and a polished experience across all levels of service is what truly defines our brand.

What we are most proud of is how we’ve grown from a one-person operation into a full team without compromising our values. Our brand represents dependability, professionalism, and elevated service. We’ve built DAY Private Shuttle on the belief that transportation should be seamless and stress-free, and that every detail matters.

We want people to know that when they choose DAY Private Shuttle, they’re choosing more than just a ride, they’re choosing a company that is intentional about delivering a consistent, high-quality experience every time.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest advice to anyone just starting out is to be prepared for the journey to be harder and longer than you expect. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and there will be challenges that test your patience, discipline, and mindset.

One thing I wish I understood early on is how important it is to have the right people around you. Your team can either help move your vision forward or slow it down. Take your time when hiring, set clear expectations, and don’t be afraid to make tough decisions if something isn’t aligned.

I also learned that systems and structure are just as important as the service you provide. Early on, I underestimated how much the right scheduling tools, communication systems, and processes matter. The right foundation will save you time, money, and unnecessary stress as you grow.

Another key lesson is to stay consistent and protect your brand. Every interaction matters, especially in a service-based business. How you show up, how you communicate, and how you deliver your service will define your reputation long before your business scales.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to start small. I started with just one vehicle and built from there. Focus on doing things the right way, even when no one is watching. Growth will come, but only if your foundation is solid.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dayluxuryride.com
• Instagram: iam_ryand
• Facebook: Day Luxury Ride