In January of 2021, Phaser Marketing was approached by an NDSU Senior who was looking to help curb drunk driving. Xavier Bonner did what all entrepreneurs are taught to do: find a problem and solve it. Sounds easy right? Wrong.
A 2018 USA Today report, showed that North Dakota is the drunkest state in the nation and has seen over 240 deaths from alcohol-related crashes in the past five years. These are daunting numbers to try and tackle but Bonner was determined to make a dent in these statistics. So, he set off with a goal and an idea. Thus, Buzi Bus was born. A safe and entertaining alternative means of transportation.
Xavier Bonner, Briton Thompson, and help from their friends, set to work on creating the vehicle that would soon be known as the official Buzi Bus.
Mission Statement
“On average there are 10,000 deaths annually in the US due to driving under the influence. Sober cab today keeps the doctor’s labs away.
We here at Buzi Bus carry the expectations that no man/woman under the influence of a substance should be allowed to operate a vehicle. We will simply drive for you, how great does that sound?
Our mission is to decrease the number of intoxicated drivers while providing exceptional transportation services and the most lit ride of your life.
Alcohol-related crashes are 100% preventable.”
Since the business launched in August of 2020, Buzi Bus has saved over 6500+ lives to drunk driving. They have over 600 in following on socials and have been featured in 3 awesome news articles.
NDSU Senior Starts Buzi Bus to Help Curb Drunk Driving – INFORUM
NDSU Student Combating Drunk Driving – Valley News Live
Former NDSU Students Give More Than 5,000 Sober Rides
According to the JBCN School Blog, the characteristics of an entrepreneur that nurture success are as follows:
1) Creativity:
Creativity gives birth to something new. For without creativity, there is no innovation possible. Entrepreneurs usually have the knack to pin down a lot of ideas and act on them. Not necessarily every idea might be a hit. But the experience obtained is gold.
2) Professionalism:
Professionalism is a quality which all good entrepreneurs must possess. An entrepreneur’s mannerisms and behavior with their employees and clientele goes a long way in developing the culture of the organization. Along with professionalism comes reliability and discipline. Self-discipline enables an entrepreneur to achieve their targets, be organized and set an example for everyone.
3) Passion:
Your work should be your passion. So, when you work, you enjoy what you’re doing and stay highly motivated. Passion acts as a driving force, with which, you are motivated to strive for better.
4) Social Skills:
A skillset is an arsenal with which an entrepreneur makes his business work. Social Skills are also needed to be a good entrepreneur. Overall, these make up the qualities required for an entrepreneur to function. Social Skills involve the following:
- Relationship Building
- Hiring and Talent Sourcing
- Team Strategy Formulation
5) Open-mindedness towards learning, people, and even failure:
An entrepreneur must be accepting. The true realization of which scenario or event can be a useful opportunity is necessary. To recognize such openings, an open-minded attitude is required. An entrepreneur should be determined. He should face his losses with a positive attitude and his wins, humbly. Any good businessman will know not to frown on a defeat. Try till you succeed is the right mentality. Failure is a step or a way which didn’t work according to the plan. A good entrepreneur takes the experience of this setback and works even hard with the next goal in line.
It is not easy to embody all these characteristics, but Bonner possesses them all.
Of course, there are companies such as Lyft or Uber but none of these ride sharing companies are even close to the Buzi Bus. Riders don’t know their drivers, they may not be able to communicate properly, and the rides are just typically awkward. Not with the Buzi Bus.
Bonner says that “It’s always about having a great time and getting our riders home safely.”
He takes great pride in forming relationships with customers and ensuring they are safe, comfortable, and having a great time.
There are many convenient ride options that can be chosen:
Much more including group pickup, weekend passes, and even event/wedding options. Take a look at their website here!
It’s safe to say that Buzi Bus has something for everyone. So, next time you are in North Dakota come get lit with Xavier and Briton for a safe, affordable sober cab for when you’ve had too much fun!
Let’s Go!!
