Best Limosine Service bio box
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2025 Best of Business Awards
Best of Business 2025: Best Employee Services
Photo I Courtesy of Knight's Airport Limousine Service
Knight's Airport Limousine Service credits its customer loyalty to the company's personable, prompt, and safe service.
Best Limousine Service
Winner: Knight’s Airport Limousine*
To say the transportation industry has changed during the 40 years Shrewsbury-based Knight's Airport Limousine has been in business would be an understatement. The rise of rideshare apps, which began popping up in the late 2000s/early 2010s, had customers ditching taxis and limousine services in favor of rides they can access at the click of a button.
But for Knight’s, the rise of the likes of Uber and Lyft have not had an affect on business.
“People wanted to try it out, but we're noticing people are coming back full force. They like the fact that we're a reputable company and they know exactly who's driving them,” said Michelle Neiduski, Knight’s customer service manager. “That's something that's really working to our benefit.”
The secret to that fidelity is Knight’s reputation of safety and reliability. Not only have all Knight’s drivers passed the Criminal Offender Record Information background check required for all rideshare drivers in the state, but they have also completed U.S. Department of Transportation physical examinations and are randomly drug tested. There are cameras on board all vehicles and drivers must complete ride-alongs with seasoned drivers before they can work on their own.
“People still want us. They're very loyal,” said Neiduski.
One way customer habits have affected Knight’s over time, though, is through its clients’ preference for digital booking and communication. As travelling has become more accessible, people are travelling more often and are more independent, said Neiduski.
“They are expecting a little bit more, and of course, we're growing with everybody else. We're listening to their request and trying to expand on that,” she said.
Knight’s makes sure to keep its website updated, adding more options to allow clients to manage their travel on their own, but the company still gives its ever-personal confirmation calls the day before customer rides.
Making these rides comfortable and pleasant are critical for client retention. Knight’s ensures its drivers are able to adapt to the needs of their riders. For example, paying attention to body language to pick up on if the customer wants to talk or not. If the drivers foresee a time restraint or a delay, they will communicate that.
“We want everything to be prompt, we want it to be safe, and we want to keep them coming back,” Neiduski said.
Mica Kanner-Mascolo is a staff writer at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the healthcare and diversity, equity, and inclusion industries.
Best Health Insurance Provider
Winner: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts*, in Worcester
Sarah Iselin, CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Notable runners-up: Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, in Canton; Tufts Health Plan, in Canton; Fallon Health, in Worcester
Blue Cross Blue Shield develops services, benefits, and plans aimed at easing the burden of rising healthcare costs and improving the care for members. More than 80% of Massachusetts doctors and hospitals take part in its Alternative Quality Contract program, which is a global payment model that has served as a blueprint for health plans across the country.
Website: www.bluecrossma.org
Top executive: CEO Sarah Iselin
Founded: 1937
Employees: 4,308 total; 3,302 based in Massachusetts
Best College for Business Education
Winner: Nichols College*, in Dudley
Nichols College
Notable runners-up: Clark University, in Worcester; Worcester State University; Assumption University, in Worcester
Nichols College earned business accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business in 2023, a designation achieved by 6% of institutions worldwide. This certification validates the college’s strengths as a business school and promising future as an institution dedicated to graduating successful students. Within six months of graduating, 95% of graduates were employed or in graduate school.
Website: www.nichols.edu
Top executive: William Pieczynski, president
Founded: 1815
Employees: 370
Best Young Professionals Network
Winner: Young Professional Women's Association*, in Worcester
Notable runners-up: Helping Young Professionals Excel in the Corridor 9/495 Regional Chamber, in Westborough; Worcester Young Businessmen's Association, in Worcester
The Young Professional Women’s Association creates opportunities to engage and empower local women by building a welcoming culture and support system. Events are created with the goal of supporting the community and local entrepreneurs. Women in the YPWA are positioned to contribute to the region’s economy, hold leadership positions in businesses and nonprofits, and influence policy to strengthen society.
Website: www.ypwaworcester.com
Top executive: Katherine Aguilar, president
Founded: 2013
Employees: 0, as all participants are volunteers
Best Employee Benefits Consultant
Winner: Sullivan Benefits*, in Marlborough
Chrystine Heier, president of Sullivan Benefits
Sullivan Benefits offers customized strategies tailored to each client’s needs by simplifying complex employee benefits, from compliance to plan design, with a focus on innovation, cost optimization, and employee engagement. Working as an extension of its client’s team, Sullivan Benefits prioritizes personalized interests and builds strong partnerships to allow organizations to offer effective benefits programs.
Website: www.sullivan-benefits.com
Top executive: Chrystine Heier, president
Founded: 1999
Employees: 10
Best Staffing Agency
Winner: The DAVIS Cos.*, in Marlborough
The DAVIS Cos.
Notable runners-up: Masis Staffing Solutions, in Worcester; KBW Financial Staffing & Recruiting, in Westborough
The DAVIS Cos. is proud of its customer service and employing a team of professionals that care about every client and talent. As a consultative business partner, its team is focused on process improvement and growing market share to position the company for success in the future.
Website: www.daviscos.com
Top executive: Robert Davis, CEO and chairman
Founded: 1985
Employees: 61 total, 42 in Central Massachusetts
Best Fitness Center
Winner: Worcester Fitness*, in Worcester
Photo | Kill the Ball Media, courtesy of Worcester Fitness
Worcester Fitness personal trainer Janine LaPrade
Notable runners-up: Planet Fitness, various locations; The Fitness Asylum, in Shrewsbury; YMCA of Central Massachusetts, in Worcester
After completing a major renovation with new equipment, Worcester Fitness is striving to achieve better balance of strength and functional fitness. The fitness center’s leaders believe the renovation sets it apart from other facilities and positions Worcester Fitness for success in the future, while continuing to build support and creating a welcoming atmosphere for members.
Website: worcesterfitness.com
Top executive: Kat Butterfield, general manager
Founded: 1983
Employees: 60
Best Luxury Automobile Dealership
Winner: Wagner Automotive Group*, in Shrewsbury
Notable runners-up: Lexus of Northborough; Foley Motorsports, in Shrewsbury
Wagner Automotive Group consists of sales, service, and parts teams working toward providing high-quality customer experience. To position itself for future success, Wagner is working to understand the needs of electric vehicle consumers, embrace environmental responsibilities, and leverage data driven insights to provide positive experiences to stand out from other companies in the automotive industry.
Website: Wagnermercedesofshrewsbury.com
Top executive: Mark Wagner, owner
Founded: 1962
Employees: 115
Click here to read all of the 2025 Best of Business winner profiles.
*denotes repeat winner
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