Whether it is a ride to the airport, an anniversary dinner, a holiday light tour, or a weekend wine tasting trip with friends, there is something special about arriving in style.
That philosophy has guided Star Transportation since 1997, when Tim Fliehr decided to turn an idea into a family business. After driving past a limousine one day while picking up his father at the airport, he became intrigued by the industry. Although his father passed away shortly afterward, the dream of building something of his own remained. Tim and his mother purchased their first 1988 stretch limousine, and after meeting his wife, Tina, the business continued to expand one vehicle at a time.
Nearly three decades later, that small beginning has grown into one of Minnesota's best-known transportation companies, serving the Twin Cities and Rochester with a fleet designed for everything from executive travel to celebrations.
A Family Business Offering 5-Star Service
Today, the next generation is helping guide the business forward.
"I am the oldest of Tim and Tina's three children," says Paige Krueger, office manager for the Eagan location. "Katie handles our marketing, Owen is our go-to mechanic and takes care of vehicle maintenance, and I'm involved in everything from fleet maintenance and hiring chauffeurs to managing the office staff. I'm part of all the day-to-day details."
Evolution to Stay Ahead of the Times
For Paige, watching the company evolve has been exciting.
"A lot has changed," she says. "Private car service used to be viewed as something very sophisticated with white gloves. It was mostly executives traveling to the airport or people going out on weekends. Now we're operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week."
While airport transportation remains a large part of the business, today's clients are looking for experiences just as much as destinations.
Groups book day trips and overnight excursions. Couples reserve rides for dinner shows at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. Friends spend winter afternoons visiting local wineries. During the holidays, festive light tours have become one of Star Transportation's most popular traditions. "We're always looking for the best holiday displays throughout the Twin Cities," Paige says. "It's something families and groups really look forward to every year."
A Stylish Fleet
Even as transportation needs have changed, one thing has stayed the same. "We still lean toward the more luxurious side of things," she says.
That commitment is reflected throughout the fleet, particularly in one vehicle that Paige admits has become her favorite.
"Our BMW i7 is probably the most unique vehicle we have," she says. "It's fully electric. The rear seats recline and have massage functions. A television folds down from the ceiling, and passengers can control almost everything from the back seat. They don't even have to ask the driver."
That combination of technology and comfort is just one example of how luxury travel has changed. Today, passengers want modern features just as much as classic service.
Competitive Pricing and Stellar Transportation
Of course, people sometimes hesitate when comparing transportation options.
"There is always the price question," Paige says. "But we ask people if they really want to worry about parking at the airport, riding a shuttle from a remote lot, or wondering if they'll arrive on time. We take care of all of that."
Behind every reservation is a team working around the clock.
"Our maintenance department deserves a lot of credit," she says. "If someone notices something, even something very small, it gets taken care of right away. We have reliable vehicles, wonderful chauffeurs, and a dispatch team that's always monitoring everything."
That attention to detail has helped build long-term relationships with clients who return for business travel, family celebrations, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and vacations.
Looking to the Future
Looking ahead, the Fliehr family plans to continue investing in newer vehicles and fresh ideas while holding onto the values that started the company nearly 30 years ago.
"We always want to have the latest and greatest," Paige says. "People want something modern, stylish, and fun. Today, we're the most stylish we've ever been."
For a company built around moving people from one place to another, Star Transportation has become about much more than transportation. It is about creating an experience where every mile feels like part of the celebration. And according to Paige, those fundamental beliefs are not going anywhere.
"We have a passion for moving people and providing the best service we possibly can," she says. "And it always will be in style."