Tell us a little bit about Create-A-Card, Inc:
Create-A-Card, Inc. is a family-owned marketing company specializing in the limousine and ground transportation industry. We’re based in Smithtown, NY with a satellite office in Myrtle Beach, SC run by my parents, Arthur and Kathy. The business started in 1986—meaning we’ll officially celebrate 40 years in 2026.
Arthur originally entered the transportation world learning about chauffeuring, but also dabbled as a photographer. With his creative background, he quickly saw how few companies had professional, industry-specific marketing materials. He began visiting operators, photographing their fleets, and designing their first real brochures and business cards. That’s how Create-A-Card was born.
Today, our team has grown, but our mission hasn’t changed. We’re still the go-to marketing experts for the transportation industry, handling everything from printed collateral and branded merchandise to apparel, signage, e-blasts, digital ads, and trade show displays. We're now offering custom “company stores” that let operators order logoed products with no minimums. One piece or a thousand—it’s all possible.
Transportation will always be our niche, but we’ve expanded through client referrals into adjacent markets like hospitality, events, and travel. In this business, reputation and relationships mean everything, and we’re proud of the long-term partnerships we’ve built over nearly four decades.
What do you wish more people knew about your business?
I wish people realized how deeply specialized our experience is. We’ve lived and breathed this industry for 40 years. We don’t just design—we understand the business models, the audiences, and the day-to-day realities our clients face. Anyone can make a business card, but not everyone knows how to position a transportation company so it connects with specific target communities like affiliates, corporate clients, or brides. We do!
Our job is to help operators look more polished, professional, and confident and help them to build a brand that opens doors. Whether a client comes to us with a full vision or no clue where to start, we meet them where they are and guide them every step of the way.
That’s why our new web store platform has been a game changer. It gives operators the freedom to order custom, high-quality items without committing to bulk quantities or massive budgets. It’s all about flexibility, access, and helping companies of every size compete on a professional level.
How did you, personally, end up in the transportation industry?
My journey wasn’t exactly traditional. I grew up around the business—attending trade shows and helping with mailings—but I actually started my professional career as a 7th-grade math teacher. After a health issue forced me to step away from teaching, I moved home to recover, and my parents brought me back into the company. Eventually, I stepped into a leadership role overseeing our team and production.
Now that my parents are semi-retired, I supervise the day-to-day operations. Working with family definitely has its challenges, but for us it’s second nature. We respect each other’s roles, and at the end of the day, they’re still mom and dad. I’m grateful to have built something meaningful alongside them.
What has been your experience as an ILLBA member?
The ILLBA has been an incredible community for us. I can’t say enough about Paula and her leadership, passion, and drive to lift the entire industry—she is unmatched.
As a vendor, being part of the ILLBA helps us stay connected to operators and understand what’s happening on the ground. This isn’t a passive association; it’s active, engaged, and full of people who genuinely care about each other’s success.
My dad was involved with the ILLBA long before I officially joined the company, so there’s a lot of history there. Like many, we stepped back during COVID, but rejoining felt like coming home. The collaboration and advocacy happening within this association makes a real difference. It gives our industry a unified voice, which is something I truly believe in.
How are you spending your time outside of the business?
Outside of work, I love to travel, see new places, meet new people, and learn how others live and work. I’m also a bit of a builder and creator at heart. I recently bought a new house, and turning it into my version of a home has been a passion project. Right now, I’m focused on transforming the backyard into an outdoor retreat. It’s been a great creative outlet outside of marketing.
Any predictions, hopes, or ambitions for the future of our industry?
I’m really excited about what I call the “2.0 generation”: the next wave of operators and business owners who are stepping into leadership while honoring the legacies built before them.
My biggest hope is that we continue to innovate without losing the personal touch that defines luxury transportation. Technology is incredible—digital booking, online reviews, automation—but relationships are still the foundation of this industry.
I think the sweet spot is blending classic and modern. Maybe that’s a physical business card with a QR code, or a luxury chauffeur service that uses real-time tracking while maintaining white-glove service. If we keep evolving with intention and continue to prioritize connection, professionalism, and service, our industry’s best years are still ahead.
You can reach Drew at [email protected] or +1 631 584 2273, and you can connect with Arthur on LinkedIn.
Learn more about Create-A-Card on their website, by exploring their promo catalog, and by following along on Facebook and Instagram.