January 20, 2017

Meet Trey Humphreys of The Fur Bus in Atlanta

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Trey Humphreys.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
The Fur Bus business began as an accident. It was never supposed to be a business. In 1997 or 1998 I was living in a house with three other guys. We were all right out of college. A real eclectic bunch with real dumb ideas. We also liked to throw parties and wear costumes. Two of us were Mascots in college, one a pro soccer player and one a DJ.
One day, we decided to buy a limo. Why? Why not. So we gathered up $1000 and bought a 1982 Cadillac Brougham stretch. This beast had cloth seats and all three rows faced forward (think limo in funerals). We got home, glued fake fur all over the inside, hung gawdy Christmas lights inside and then painted the outside pink. It was a rolling disaster. That same year we decided to drive the beast to Las Vegas for New Year’s Eve. Surprisingly, the car made it all they way to Vegas. All we packed were costumes. Literally. We were also pulled over 12 times yet never got a ticket.

Well, that car eventually died and we needed a way to get back to Vegas for New Year’s Eve the next year. So, we decided to buy a small school bus. Again, we added couches, fur, lights and tons of glue to every inch of the inside and packed up for Vegas. Note to the reader – never drive a school bus to Vegas. Miserable.

Once we got back to Atlanta, the bus became popular among our friends. We started taking side money to drive them around for a birthday or other special occasion. Eventuality the bus go so popular we decided to start a business. Ergo, the Fur Bus was born.

We have built 15 buses over the past 16 years. We currently operate 5 Fur Buses and offer other vehicles for hire as well. We also try to stay away from Vegas as much as possible!

Has it been a smooth road?
Smooth road? Absolutely not! We never had any money to buy nice buses in the beginning. Maintenance on the buses was always crazy expensive. Not of us had any idea how to run a business. I was a zoology major. We had to learn the whole industry from scratch including all the vehicle and driver regulations. We also had to learn how to deal with people on the buses. Man, we have some stories!

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Fur Bus story. Tell us more about the business.
We are the most unique party bus company in the world. Our buses are like no other! However, The environment we have created on the inside of these vehicles is amazing. It really creates a positive environment for people to be happy. However, I am most proud of our customer service. We have always been a small company with that mom and pop feel. We really take care of our customers, Our drivers are first class and we try to go above and beyond for all our guests. I think our passion for the business radiates into each trip!

What sets us apart? That is obvious! Take a look at the buses!

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The chauffeured transportation industry is an interesting study. I think it is changing (Uber) and we are in store for some radical changes in the future. I read an article the other day that they are developing self-driving buses in China as we speak. That would really shake up our industry. I also think the vehicles will become a million times better for the customers. Our buses have always had the best sound systems and interior designs and I foresee technology creating some really cool stuff in the future!

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