I grew my ex's limousine company from $200,000 to $33 million when I sold it. He stayed at home with our 4 kids while I was the CEO.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Kristina Bouweiri, owner of Reston Limousine. It has been edited for length and clarity.
I never planned on being in the limousine industry. I thought I'd follow in my father's footsteps and join the Foreign Service. I was born in Japan and spent 20 years living overseas because of his job. I studied international affairs in college, worked on women's empowerment projects in Somalia, and planned to make an impact in the nonprofit world.
But when I returned to the US, the only job I could find was 100% commission sales. One of my cold calls was to a man named William Bouweiri, who owned a small limousine company in Northern Virginia. That call changed my life.
We started dating, and four months later, he asked me to leave my job and join him in his business. I did, and within a year, we were married.
Reston Limousine was a small operation when I came on board
My husband focused on corporate clients — he had only five cars and made $200,000 in yearly revenue. But I saw potential elsewhere. I pushed for proms, weddings, and eventually government contracts. I cold-called brides from purchased lists, and within a year, we were doing 100 weddings every weekend.
In the '90s, we were in the right place at the right time. We landed government shuttle contracts, and tech companies like AOL became clients. Revenue soared to $5 million. Eventually, we grew to 240 vehicles with contracts across the region.
I struggled with infertility for five years. As hard as it was, it gave me time to work 16-hour days during those early startup years. When my twins were born, I had a business that could support maternity leave and a team to run operations.
He stayed home with the kids while I ran the company
After 9/11, everything stopped. Corporate travel froze, events were canceled, and contracts paused. One of the biggest blows came when our bank dropped us, saying our 50 buses in D.C. were a potential terrorist target. We'd never missed a payment, but we lost financing overnight. It took six months to find a new bank and five years to return to profitability.
During that time, my husband and I decided he'd stay home with our four kids while I ran the business. That's when I fully stepped into the CEO role.
We were tested again during the 2008 recession, and when the pandemic hit. That was the hardest. We laid off 300 of our 450 employees. I refunded $1 million in deposits with no revenue coming in, and I didn't know if we'd survive.
The PPP loan saved us. During that downtime, I brought in consultants, eliminated redundancies, cut unnecessary software, and streamlined operations. Coming out of the pandemic, we were leaner, more profitable, and better prepared.
Despite our growth, I still faced challenges as a woman in a male-dominated industry. I've walked into meetings where no one would look me in the eye or speak directly to me, even though I was the CEO. But it didn't faze me, I knew my worth.
Over the years, I paid for three of my children to attend college and watched my son grow into an exceptional sales director at Reston Limousine. He even landed our Major League Soccer account, leading to a major transportation opportunity in 2024.
I sold my company
And after more than 30 years, I sold Reston Limousine this April for $32.9 million.
I'll stay on for three years to support the transition, but I'm proud to say I paid off the loan I used to buy out my ex-husband and built one of the top limousine companies in the country.
My biggest accomplishment isn't just the size of the company. It's that I had the courage to leave a marriage, buy the company on my own, and run it while raising four kids. I proved women can lead — and succeed — in any industry.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
San Francisco Chronicle
3 days ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Muni is cutting service on five S.F. bus lines. Here's when the changes go live
Beginning Saturday, transportation officials in San Francisco will cut service along five bus lines, consolidating two of them and ending the other three routes at Market Street. Once the changes take effect, the 6-Haight-Parnassus and 21-Hayes buses will combine to form the 6-Hayes-Parnassus. Buses on this new route will loop back at the Market and Hyde Street stop near Civic Center. On weekdays, the 5-Fulton and 9-San Bruno will also turn around at Market, an adjustment Muni made because each of them have parallel lines that are largely redundant. Additionally, Muni will pare back the 31-Balboa route so that it runs from Cabrillo and La Playa streets near Ocean Beach to Fifth and Market streets downtown. These austerity measures will save $7.2 million, a small piece of the transit system's budget deficit that's expected to balloon to $322 million next fiscal year. If the city doesn't find new sources of revenue to patch that hole, Muni's next round of cuts could be crippling, warned SFMTA director of transportation Julie Kirschbaum. 'We are making small changes now to avoid devastating long-term cuts and changes,' Kirschbaum said. She and others are confronting worst-case scenarios in which the city drastically slashes transit service, leaving commuters stranded and causing nightmare traffic jams. Yet, even a relatively cautious reduction to bus service faced pushback in San Francisco. The new turnarounds will force some commuters to make transfers to reach their destinations, an inconvenience that could stymie people with mobility issues. Critics often note that transfers also create a psychological barrier that dissuades people from riding transit. During an April 15 public hearing at which the SFMTA Board of Directors approved the new service plan, transit advocates warned that it sent a grim message to the public. Many people would perceive the cuts as a sign of weakness, and intuit that 'public transit is not in the ascendancy, it is in the decline,' advocate Cyrus Hall said. He urged the board to postpone any claw-backs to service as city and state leaders rally public support for tax measures to bolster Muni and other transit systems. Kirschbaum said her agency is being pragmatic and minimizing pain for riders. For example, Muni will preserve resources by merging the 6-Haight-Parnassus and 21-Hayes routes, as both individual lines have underperformed since the pandemic. Data from SFMTA shows a 21% ridership recovery for the 21 when comparing April this year to the same month in 2019. The 6 recouped 56% of ridership across the same period. Transfers 'are really the only trade-off that customers are making at this point,' Kirschbaum said, noting that the current plan cuts costs while maintaining all bus connections and frequency. 'Making this small 2% change today will help fortify us as we face this larger challenge,' Kirschbaum said. Meanwhile, SFMTA staff are scrounging up money in other ways, such as raising the price of metered parking, pausing some capital projects and ending certain contracts. As budget officials trim around the edges, politicians aim to put multiple transit tax measures on the ballot next year, imploring voters for help.
Business Wire
3 days ago
- Business Wire
Tractor Supply Celebrates Hometown Heroes Anniversary With Its Largest-Ever Volunteer Event and $1 Million Donation
BRENTWOOD, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO), the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, and the Tractor Supply Company Foundation announced today they are donating an additional $1 million in total to charity organizations committed to supporting our nation's military service members, veterans and first responders. The Company and its foundation made an initial $1 million donation in June 2024 to celebrate the launch of its Hometown Heroes initiative, which brings together the Company's efforts to support the selfless men and women who serve America under one banner. Tractor Supply launched the second year of its Hometown Heroes initiative yesterday with a Back-to-School Brigade® event in partnership with Operation Homefront, one of the program's 10 recipient organizations. More than 250 Team Members, as well as soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell and members of 4-H and FFA gathered at the Company's Store Support Center (SSC) to pack 500 backpacks with school supplies for military children—marking the largest volunteer event ever held by Tractor Supply. 'At Tractor Supply, support for our military service members, veterans, military families and first responders is entrenched in our culture and values,' said Colin Yankee, chief supply chain officer at Tractor Supply and former U.S. Army Captain. 'Many of our Team Members and customers have served our country or communities, and we're proud to stand with them. From charitable giving to hands-on volunteerism, we're committed to showing appreciation for our Hometown Heroes in meaningful ways.' Tractor Supply and the Tractor Supply Company Foundation have selected 10 nonprofit organizations to receive $100,000 each as part of this year's $1 million donation. They are: 9/11 Day: Inspires millions of Americans to volunteer, donate to charities and perform other good deeds and acts of kindness on September 11 to honor the memory of those killed or injured on 9/11. In addition to the $100,000 donation, Tractor Supply Team Members, including members of the Veterans Team Member Engagement Group, will gather on September 11, 2025, for a day of service. In 2024, more than 100 Team Members joined Tractor Supply President and CEO Hal Lawton to pack thousands of meals for Americans in need. Bob Woodruff Foundation: Invests in programs that help our service members, veterans, their families and caregivers thrive. Hometown Heroes funding supports the organization's grant-making, research, community-building and public education initiatives to ensure these individuals have stable and successful futures. Farmer Veteran Coalition: Provides micro grants to veterans who are in their beginning years of farming or ranching. Tractor Supply has partnered with FVC for the last seven years to assist farmer veterans from all branches of service. Through the joint initiative, the Company has provided more than 400 farmer veterans with Tractor Supply gift cards to access supplies, equipment and training to successfully launch their farm businesses. Folds of Honor: Provides educational scholarships to the families of fallen and disabled service members and first responders. K9s For Warriors: Fights veteran suicide by providing trained service dogs (many that are rescue animals) to military veterans suffering from PTSD and other traumas. Through this donation, Tractor Supply will sponsor three dogs—Scarlett on behalf of Tractor Supply, named after former Tractor Supply CEO Joe Scarlett; Murphy on behalf of Petsense by Tractor Supply, named after a heroic military veteran; and Rex (Rx) on behalf of Allivet by Tractor Supply. National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Foundation (NLEOMF): Honors fallen law enforcement officers, tells the story of American law enforcement and makes it safer for those who serve. In addition to supporting NLEOMF's work in remembering those who have lost their lives protecting our communities and providing best practices to help keep officers safe, Yankee represented Tractor Supply at the 2025 National Law Enforcement Memorial Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C., paying tribute to fallen officers from across the country by reading their names aloud. National Police Dog Foundation: Raises funds for the purchase, training and veterinary care of law enforcement K-9s. Every October 28, National First Responders Day, Tractor Supply stores across the country host police dogs and their handlers for a celebratory demonstration. National Volunteer Firefighters Council: Provides critical resources, programs, education and advocacy for volunteer fire, EMS and rescue services across the nation. With the ability to balance volunteer firefighting with their work commitment, thousands of Tractor Supply Team Members serve as passionate and dedicated volunteer firefighters within their communities. Operation Homefront: Provides relief and recurring family support programs and services to help military families overcome short-term difficulties. Operation Homefront is one of Tractor Supply's newly selected Hometown Heroes donation recipients. Team Rubicon: Serves global communities before, during and after disasters and crises. Tractor Supply first supported the veteran-led humanitarian organization in its recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene in 2024. The Hometown Heroes initiative also includes: A Spotlight Series that recognizes Team Members who embody the spirit of being Hometown Heroes with a $5,000 donation made to a Hometown Hero charity of their choice. The Neighbor's Club Hometown Heroes benefit, which includes automatic top-tier Preferred Plus Neighbor status, where veterans, service members and first responders are eligible to enroll. This Hometown Heroes benefit is one of the few recognition programs that provide everyday savings with no limit on total savings and no brand exclusions. To learn more, visit About Tractor Supply Company For more than 85 years, Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO) has been passionate about serving the needs of recreational farmers, ranchers, homeowners, gardeners, pet enthusiasts and all those who enjoy living Life Out Here. Tractor Supply is the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the U.S., ranking 296 on the Fortune 500. The Company's more than 52,000 Team Members are known for delivering legendary service and helping customers pursue their passions, whether that means being closer to the land, taking care of animals or living a hands-on, DIY lifestyle. In store and online, Tractor Supply provides what customers need – anytime, anywhere, any way they choose at the low prices they deserve. As part of the Company's commitment to caring for animals of all kinds, Tractor Supply is proud to include Petsense by Tractor Supply, a pet specialty retailer, and Allivet, a leading online pet pharmacy, in its family of brands. Together, Tractor Supply is able to provide comprehensive solutions for pet care, livestock wellness and rural living, ensuring customers and their animals thrive. From its stores to the customer's doorstep, Tractor Supply is here to serve and support Life Out Here. As of March 29, 2025, the Company operated 2,311 Tractor Supply stores in 49 states and 206 Petsense by Tractor Supply stores in 23 states. For more information, visit and
Chicago Tribune
5 days ago
- Chicago Tribune
Richard Kosmacher, co-owned Joy of Ireland and helped launch car-sharing operation, dies
Richard Kosmacher ran Irish import stores, most notably a shop on North Michigan Avenue for many years, before playing a role in the development of Chicago's car-sharing industry. 'Richard was just incredible at finding all these parking spaces and convincing these very reluctant parking operators who had no interest whatsoever in car sharing or what we were about, and he would somehow win them over,' said Sharon Feigon, former CEO of the now-defunct I-GO car-sharing service. Kosmacher, 66, died May 31 at Carle Foundation Hospital in downstate Urbana of complications from a fall that he suffered while in Urbana for his son's college graduation, said his wife, Melissa Sterne. He was a resident of the Albany Park neighborhood. Born in New York City's Queens borough, Kosmacher received a bachelor's degree in political science in 1981 from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. He then worked at a friend's shoe store in Milwaukee before embarking on entrepreneurial ventures. He and a partner, Michael Joy, opened retail concepts in different parts of the U.S. before settling on importing and selling items from Ireland, including ceramics and pottery. In 1991, Kosmacher moved to Chicago and opened Joy of Ireland in the newly constructed Chicago Place building at 700 N. Michigan Ave. The store struggled at first but eventually became successful, and in 1999 Kosmacher expanded into the empty space next door, opening a tea room that seated about 20. 'When he was at Joy of Ireland, he enjoyed sharing his love of the culture and artisan craftsmanship of people he had gotten to know over the years from traveling every year to Ireland and bringing that back and … spreading that throughout Chicago,' Kosmacher's wife said. Kosmacher stocked his gift store with imported Celtic jewelry, crystal, fine woolens and china. He told the Tribune in 1998 that his customers had demanding tastes. 'They prefer handmade crafts, not mass-produced (goods),' Kosmacher said. Sarah Boardman worked with Kosmacher at a store in Dallas and then moved to Chicago to work for him at Joy of Ireland. 'When you were a customer or if he was training you or if he was teaching you something new, or if he was listening, you were the only person in the room to him,' Boardman said. 'He just was laser-focused, and really good at teaching.' 'He loved it, and the Irish vendors we would go to, they just loved him,' she said. Kosmacher volunteered with The Employment Project, which taught job skills to formerly homeless people. 'You give them moral support and help them deal with their problems,' Kosmacher said in a 1998 Tribune article. 'You're there for them when they need a little extra support. It doesn't take a lot of your energy, but it means so much.' Kosmacher closed Joy of Ireland after business sagged in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. He signed on with I-GO car sharing, a newly launched, not-for-profit program started by Chicago's Center for Neighborhood Technology. I-GO allowed people to rent cars on a pay-as-you-go system, with cars placed adjacent to or near CTA bus and train stops. 'He literally had no particularly relevant experience working at a nonprofit or anything to do with cars or sustainable development, but there was something about Richard — he was so enthusiastic,' Feigon said. 'He just won me over.' Kosmacher was I-GO's sales and marketing manager. 'The philosophy of car sharing is for people to use cars as little as possible,' he told the Tribune in 2006. 'Every time someone gets in a car there's a cost to the environment.' I-GO extended from Evanston on the north to Oak Park to the west to the South Shore neighborhood to the south. Part of Kosmacher's job was identifying parking spaces that I-GO could use, preferably those near public transit. 'He had a really great visual memory, in terms of remembering the neighborhood, the spaces and what was around it and how it all worked,' Feigon said. 'He just did it all with zest.' In 2013, the Center for Neighborhood Technology sold I-GO to Enterprise Holdings, the parent company of Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Kosmacher remained with the company for a time under Enterprise, and he eventually began working for Zipcar, a competing car-sharing service. Kosmacher soon joined a new venture, Mobility Development, aimed at bringing car sharing to communities often overlooked by larger car-sharing services. Mobility Development in particular pioneered car sharing in rural communities. Kosmacher served as Mobility Development's general manager for five years before semi-retiring. Most recently, Kosmacher had spent the past eight months as a substitute teacher in Chicago's public elementary schools. He worked in 30 schools over that time. In addition, Kosmacher was a Streets Are For Everybody (SAFE) ambassador, as part of a team within the Chicago Department of Transportation, working to provide safety education for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists. 'He was really into transportation and logistics, and he loved teaching kids how to ride bikes and help them navigate the city,' Sterne said. Kosmacher is also survived by two sons, Gabriel and Evan; a sister, Karen Lazar; and two brothers, Steven and Jeff. Services were held.
