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Tell us a little bit about Midwest Transit:
Midwest Transit Equipment, Inc (MTE) was founded in 1976, and today we are the largest bus dealer in the United States. We’re based in the Chicago area, with 9 locations across 5 states, and over 400 employees. Our business is probably 65-75% school bus sales and maintenance, but we also cater to the livery industry and other customers with commercial bus and van applications. There are several different service offshoots that live under the Midwest Transit umbrella, but all of them are rooted in providing (and maintaining) the perfect vehicle for whatever our customer needs.
Our team really prides ourselves on being valuable resources for our customers. We’re a team of professionals operating at the top of our game with full skillsets and scopes of knowledge in each of our corresponding industries. Whether you’re seeking us out in a sales or a service capacity, we’ll never steer you wrong, and ideally we’ll be able to offer insights and advice that will leave you with even more than you were expecting.
How did you, personally, end up in the transportation industry?
My background is in automotive seating design, which then expanding into custom interior manufacturing for Sprinters and other luxury vehicles when I opened Battisti Customs with Carl Hazzard in 2009. We also started Anne Marie Limousine in 2010, which we eventually sold to Epic Limousine. I joined Metro Transit in 2019 after we sold Battisti Customs to Forest River. The transition from ownership to a sales-focused role has been great — this was always my strength anyway.
What has been your experience as an ILLBA member?
Midwest Transit has been an ILLBA member for as long as I can remember, and I’m sure much farther back than that. I’m currently on the Board of Directors, and my Midwest counterpart Chris Norlin served prior to me.
My opinion is that anyone who isn’t part of the association is missing out, especially if they’re an operator. I’m constantly blown away by the extremely timely and relevant information and education they’re making available, not to mention the caliber of guest speakers they bring in for the various events. They also give operators and vendors the time and space to promote their products, showcase what they’re offering, and speak to the community, which isn’t always the case with trade associations.
Any predictions, hopes, or ambitions for the future of our industry?
The ripple effects of the pandemic on the supply chain are still very present. My biggest advice to everyone as we head into the new year is to expect — and plan for — huge lead times. Use us, and all your other vendors, as a resource — start the conversation, talk about availability and timelines. If you think you’ll need vehicles, parts, and equipment in the future, start working on that now. Keep spare parts stocked on your own shelves ahead of when you actually need them. With some realistic awareness and planning, you can keep your fleet running even as we are still waiting for things to become more streamlined again.
You can reach Bill at bill.battisti@midwesttransit.com, +1 815 592 3338, or on LinkedIn
Read Bill’s full interview on our website.
Calling all members and vendors / suppliers! Want to be featured in an upcoming Spotlight Series? Contact Paula at the ILLBA office.
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