Member Spotlight: Jeremy Oliver, Owner, Oliver Northwest Services, Inc.
- The Transportation Alliance
- Jul 8
- 4 min read
Professional
How long have you been a member of TTA? Our company has been a member of TTA since around 2006. I’ve been attending the conferences since right around 2010.
Why did you join TTA? I joined TTA to connect with fellow transportation professionals, stay informed on industry trends, and be part of a community that supports innovation and advocacy for our field.
What’s your favorite part of being a member of TTA? My favorite part of being a TTA member? Hands down, it’s the combination of Open Houses and the annual conference “Mobilize”.
Open Houses are small, behind-the-scenes gatherings where peers share honest “hits and misses.” The intimate atmosphere makes it easy to connect, ask questions, and walk away with actionable takeaways. Personally, they’ve been pivotal in helping me see opportunities I never considered before opening the door for real growth.
The annual conference “Mobilize” brings together leaders from across the transportation industry—micro‑transit, taxis, NEMT, paratransit, limousines, shuttles, and more—for high-impact keynotes, hands‑on sessions, and broad networking. I always leave inspired, armed with fresh ideas and new connections from around the country.
Together, these experiences strike the perfect balance: deep, personal insight from Open Houses and wide-scale innovation and collaboration at the conference. They’ve been instrumental in fueling both my professional development and the evolution of my company.
What committee do you currently serve on? I currently serve on the Board of Directors and the NEMTAC Standards Review Committee.
What city are you located in and what is the size of your fleet? I'm based in Coos Bay, Oregon, and oversee a fleet of over 20 vehicles through Oliver Northwest Services and Yellow Cab Taxi.
What type of service does your company provide? Our company delivers a full spectrum of transportation solutions tailored to diverse needs: from everyday taxi services and reliable airport transfers, to specialized Non‑Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) ambulatory services for scheduled healthcare appointments. We also operate golf shuttles, executive sedan services, and elegant limousine rentals for corporate travel and special occasions. Building on our commitment to accessibility, we’ve recently launched a new wheelchair transportation service.
What do you love most about the transportation industry? It’s the people. Whether it’s helping someone get to a medical appointment, work, or a special event, we have the privilege of serving our community in meaningful ways every day.
How do you define success? Success is when your team is thriving, your customers feel genuinely valued, and your work creates a positive ripple beyond the business itself, it’s fostering real connections and contributing meaningfully to your community. It’s not just about growth or profit; it’s about building something that makes people’s lives better, both inside and outside your organization.
Who inspires you? I’m inspired by my father, who instilled in me a strong work ethic and a commitment to showing up every day with purpose. I’m also deeply grateful to my mentor, Richard Leshley, who taught me the importance of creating opportunities for others and leading with integrity. And I continue to be inspired by the many industry leaders I’ve met through TTA; people whose passion, innovation, and camaraderie I admire, and who I’m proud to call not just colleagues, but friends.
If you could choose anyone as a mentor, who would you choose and why? Richard Leshley - I admire his customer-first mindset, his operational experience in ground transportation, integrity and focus on building people up. I would not be where I am at today without his guidance and support.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to enter the transportation industry? Be prepared to work hard, adapt often, and lead with empathy. The transportation industry moves fast—both literally and figuratively—and success comes to those who are dependable, responsive, and people-focused. This business is built on relationships and reliability, so every interaction matters. Listen to your team, stay flexible with your strategies, and always keep the customer experience front and center.
What’s one thing — either industry-related or not — you learned in the last month? I recently learned how to integrate AI tools into our training materials, making safety education more engaging and effective for our drivers.
Personal
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know? I have over 15 tattoos and each one tells a story — some funny, some meaningful.
What’s the last book you read? The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. It is all about leading with integrity, staying focused on what really matters, and building strong relationships. It’s a practical, principle-based guide that’s helped me be more intentional and effective in both work and life.
What is your favorite hobby? Woodworking. There’s something grounding about building something with your hands after a long day or week of running your business.
What’s the first concert you ever attended? Chumbawanba at the Palace in Hollywood, CA that was a wild and unforgettable night!
What’s the next place on your travel bucket list? I’ve always wanted to travel to Ireland. I’m fascinated by leprechauns, drawn to the rich culture, stunning landscapes, and deep history. And of course, there’s the legendary Blarney Stone—said to grant the gift of eloquence to anyone who kisses it. Though I’ve also heard a hilarious (and slightly disturbing) rumor that when tourists aren’t around, locals may have their own… unofficial traditions involving it!
Are you currently binge-watching any shows? The Yellowstone Series. Can’t get enough of it.
If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be? Nachos. Hands down. You can’t beat the multiple ways to create them.
What’s one item you can’t live without? My phone — it keeps me connected to my business, my team, and my family.