Hospitality, affordability features of new ventureby Nathan Arneal Dillon Shaw remembers his first ride in a limousine well. It was back in January of 2025. And he had just bought the limo. And then he had to drive it through Chicago on his way home to Morse Bluff.
He had driven a semi truck before, so he figured driving a limo wouldn’t be that different. But he quickly found out it handles a little differently when the long vehicle doesn’t bend. Picking up his new acquisition on the east side of Chicago meant he had to traverse half the city before he even got to the interstate. “I have never driven anything like this before,” Shaw said. “I wouldn’t even say I’m good at backing up a trailer. I was losing my mind. But it was a great way to learn it, being thrown to the wolves. Now I am very confident, especially around here compared to Chicago, I’m very confident I get people where they need to go safely.” That limo, which Shaw guided safely from Chicago to Morse Bluff, was the start of Black Tie Rides, a chauffeur service Shaw is starting from scratch. Shaw, 22, graduated from North Bend Central in 2021 and has been working since then for a company that puts together and loads trains for various railroads. His workload varies from month to month, so Shaw was looking for a venture to fill up the slow times. He wanted something he would own and run as he saw fit. “I was always told if you want to make money, stick with what you love and know,” Shaw said. “I’ve always had great hospitality towards guests that I entertain, and I know how to drive a car.” He got his entrepreneurial spirit from his parents, Matt and Pam Shaw, who have owned several businesses in North Bend and Morse Bluff through the years, including Bottom Road Bar and until recently, Shawsky’s liquor store. Dillon Shaw took note of the way his parents treated customers in a way that kept them coming back. “People aren’t going to give business to someone they don’t like,” Dillon said. “If you don’t like them, it doesn’t matter. You got to treat them like you’re their best friend because they’re the ones giving you the money.” The young Shaw also took note of the party bus that the Bottom Road owned. His mom sometimes rented it out and it did well, but it didn’t get much attention with all the time she had to spend running two other businesses. “I saw how well it did with her, honestly, not really trying at all,” Shaw said. “If someone put effort and love into that kind of business, it could be great.” That idea led to him buying a limo in Chicago three months ago and Black Tie Rides was born. He accepted a few bookings and drove a few events and then put a halt to things. “At first, I did not know what I was getting into,” he said. He realized to do things right and make a go of it, there were hoops to jump through, permits to apply for and insurance to pay for. “If I’m going to do this, I better get serious right now,” Shaw said. “Because all these permits cost money, and I’m not one to waste money. So if I do it, I’m doing it.” The permits are in place, and he is back to accepting bookings. His fleet has also grown. He bought the Bottom Road party bus from his parents and gave it a makeover. Black paint, new tires, new sound system and more. “It’s the same bus,” he said, “but you wouldn’t recognize it.” He is also in the process of acquiring a luxury SUV. He said that is becoming a popular booking for rides to the airport. Read the full story in the print or e-edition. <<Back to the front page |
Dillon Shaw take a break in the Black Tie Rides limousine. It is one of three vehicles available from his newly launched chauffeur service.