My journey into the bus industry began with an invitation to lunch at the Univ . of Alabama in Tuscaloosa . I was a 17-year-old enrolled at the U of A to study Mineral Engineering . It was there that I met my future husband , Assad Dakkak .
A long story short , in 1978 Assad and I moved “ home ” to Jerusalem , got married , started a family and he joined his family business , Dakkak Tours , a tour and transportation company , which was founded in 1955 .
In 1986 . Assad decided that we would move back to USA and selected Orlando , FL to be our new home . We created Dynamic Tours and Transportation , Inc . on Feb . 21 , 1991 . First we purchased a sedan , then a van , then a limousine , then we bought our first minibus and haven ’ t stopped since . We now have 58 + full size motor coaches in our fleet and have had such a journey .
Throughout our 30 years in business , we have had the pleasure of being involved in very exciting times . We have transported many groups ; ranging from professional / big name entertainers , the U . S . Secret Service , Hurricane Relief , Florida Fires , State of Texas , major conventions in Orlando , Miami , New Orleans and Atlanta , numerous religious groups , transporting Disney World cast members and Special Olympics Groups to name a few .
I would have never dreamt of being in the transportation business , I married into it . 1 am happy to say that busing is now in my blood ! We began from humble beginnings and remain to be humble , keeping our feet firmly on the ground . We remain focused on providing a comfortable ride with safe / confident drivers , solid equipment , and a dynamic team .
My official title is President but I continue to wear many hats , as does Assad . I recall our family sweeping , mopping , cleaning buses on our hands and
knees , dumping lavatories and washing the outsides . Our sons were part of the team effort also . We have the opportunity to work together in an industry we are very passionate about . We both head up our organization in Orlando . I predominately work in office / sales / business development , while my better half heads up acquisitions of equipment and oversees the shop and larger accounts . It is fortunate that we enjoy working together .
Our love for travel and buses has allowed us to both see the world and to visit numerous bus factories . We have toured bus factories in three Continents , even attending Bus World in Kortrijk , Belgium three times .
What other Southern girl can say that while in Paris she was not taking a photo of the Eifel Tower but photographing buses ? Only a “ bus ” girl !
Again , this has been a wonderful career and a dynamic opportunity to be of service to the community , our employees and be a partner in creating memories ! Finally , I want to thank every person that has worked or remains working in our organization for these past 30 years , God willing many more to come . The road has been both eventful and dynamic .
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