What does it mean to redefine luxury travel and make a lasting impact?
For EmpireCLS, it is about growth, sustainability and community. Over the past year, we have expanded into new locations while making significant strides in enhancing the sustainability of our fleet. But progress is not just about expansion—it is about making a difference. From supporting local communities to earning industry accolades, we are committed to shaping the future of travel. This Spring issue marks the launch of E.T.A., our quarterly newsletter, bringing you the latest updates, insights, and behind-the-scenes looks at our journey.
With over 40 years of servicing Hollywood’s most luminous red-carpet events, 2025 was one of our biggest yet. This season we proudly delivered premier chauffeured services for some of the world’s most prestigious award shows, including the Grammy Awards, Golden Globes, the Oscars and SAG Awards. Our high-profile event services didn’t stop there with Super Bowl, Austin’s SXSW and others turning to our expert M&E logistics team, ensuring that VIPs arrived in unmatched comfort and style.
As part of our corporate-owned expansion in 2024, EmpireCLS proudly opened new offices in Las Vegas and Austin. Las Vegas, which includes a fleet of 81 luxury SUVs, strengthens our presence in the entertainment capital. Meanwhile, the Austin location positions us to grow in a rapidly expanding market, further supporting our commitment to delivering exceptional service wherever our clients need us.
In 2023, we revolutionized our fleet by introducing electric vehicles. Today, nearly 100% of the gasoline-powered sedans in our Los Angeles fleet have been upgraded to EVs, underscoring our unwavering commitment to a greener future. We are proud to announce that in just two years, this shift has eliminated 1,440 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
Maintaining the largest EV fleet in the chauffeured industry, our lineup currently includes cutting-edge models such as the Cadillac LYRIQ, Lucid Air, and Genesis G80—each offering over 300 miles of luxury travel on a single charge.
Earlier this year amid the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, EmpireCLS was driven by a profound duty to act. We contributed to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and provided support to over 500 firefighters and first responders with water bottles and meals. Our LA team’s efforts during this crisis highlight the strength of unity in times of need. EmpireCLS remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting the recovery and rebuilding of our city.
At luxury travel network Virtuoso’s U.S. Forum, we proudly accepted the 2025 award for “Highest Annual Growth by a Specialty Partner”, earning the prestigious honor for the second consecutive year. In 2024, we earned recognition as a Forbes Travel Guide Preferred Luxury Chauffeur Provider, the only chauffeured service to receive this honor. We were especially honored with the 2024 Angel Award for our dedicated support of cancer patients through compassionate transportation.
These accomplishments strengthen our commitment to setting the standard for luxury travel while making a lasting impact.
EmpireCLS Worldwide Chauffeured Services has built a reputation for reliability, the largest late-model fleet, and outstanding customer service in the luxury transportation industry. Over the years, we have expanded into exciting new locations, including glamorous Las Vegas, dynamic Chicago, and the up-and-coming Austin. This strategic growth strengthens our presence in key markets and ensures we maintain consistency and the highest level of service nationwide.
New York, the city that never sleeps, is home to the EmpireCLS headquarters, where our journey began. For decades, we have been the trusted choice for discerning clients seeking dependable and luxurious chauffeured transportation. Our deep understanding of the city’s dynamic landscape ensures seamless journeys, whether navigating the bustling streets of Manhattan or providing timely airport transfers.
On the sunny West Coast, Los Angeles—a city synonymous with luxury and entertainment—has been an integral part of the EmpireCLS legacy since 2001. Embracing LA’s innovative spirit, we have made sustainability a priority by ensuring that all SUVs in our fleet are fully electric. Amidst the city’s energy, glamour, and high-profile events, every journey with EmpireCLS is designed to be as stylish and unforgettable as the city itself.
In both locations, our partnerships with esteemed five-diamond hotels such as the Beverly Hills Hotel, Four Seasons New York, the SLS Hotel, and Hotel Bel-Air have made our services the top choice for celebrities, executives, and discerning travelers.
Chicago, renowned for its iconic skyline, jazz music, and vibrant arts scene, is a cultural and architectural beacon in the Midwest. From the historic architecture of the Loop to the lively streets of Pilsen and world-class museums, Chicago pulses with creativity and character.
Inspired by the city’s potential and demand for premium transportation, we opened our corporate-owned office in 2021 to offer residents and visitors seamless luxury chauffeured services. Whether it’s a smooth ride from O’Hare International Airport, a scenic tour along the Magnificent Mile, or attending a performance at the Chicago Theatre, our professional chauffeurs navigate the city’s diverse neighborhoods and busy streets with expertise, ensuring timely arrivals and departures.
Las Vegas, with its dazzling lights, world-class entertainment, and renowned casinos, epitomizes excitement and luxury. As a destination attracting millions annually for business conventions and leisure, the demand for premium chauffeured transportation is paramount.
Last year, we launched a corporate-owned office, EmpireLV, to enhance the Las Vegas experience with top-tier chauffeured services that match the city’s opulence. Whether attending high-profile events, exploring the Strip, or requiring reliable airport transfers, our fleet of meticulously maintained late-model vehicles, professional employee chauffeurs, and dedicated Meetings & Events Team ensures an unparalleled service experience.
For over 40 years, we have dedicated ourselves to setting the standard in luxury chauffeured transportation, continuously improving our services to deliver unparalleled experiences. Being consistently recognized and awarded for our commitment is both an honor and a testament to the high standards we uphold. Yet, our mission goes beyond just setting the bar in luxury chauffeured travel—it is about using our success to give back to the communities that have supported us, making a positive and lasting impact.
Throughout the years, we have proudly supported numerous charitable initiatives, from contributing to the Corporate Angel Network and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to partnering with organizations such as The Humane Society, ECPAT-USA, Art for Life, and Any Soldier. Whether through financial contributions, in-kind services, or active participation in fundraising efforts, we remain dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.
One of the most rewarding aspects of our philanthropic efforts has been our partnership with the Corporate Angel Network (CAN), an organization that helps cancer patients access life-saving treatments. Our contribution lies in providing safe and comfortable chauffeured ground transportation to and from airports, ensuring that patients have a seamless journey as they travel to these essential, often remote, treatment facilities.
Recognizing the impact of its partners, CAN presents its Angel Award each year to organizations that play a pivotal role in furthering its mission of arranging complimentary flights on corporate aircraft for patients in need. We are truly honored to have received this award, which acknowledges our role in supporting such an important cause. It is especially meaningful to us, as it highlights our unwavering commitment to assisting cancer patients in their fight for recovery and motivates us to continue making a positive, lasting impact in their lives.
One of our most distinguished achievements last year was being named the Forbes Travel Guide Preferred Luxury Chauffeured Provider for 2024. As the only chauffeured transportation provider to receive this prestigious recognition, we take immense pride in setting the standard for excellence in our industry.
At the heart of our success is an exceptional team of highly trained employee chauffeurs, who undergo rigorous training modeled after the hospitality standards of five-star hotels. Their dedication ensures that every journey is a seamless luxury experience defined by professionalism, attention to detail, and personalized service.
As we continue to innovate and elevate our offerings, we remain dedicated to exceeding expectations and ensuring that every journey with EmpireCLS is nothing short of extraordinary.
At luxury travel network Virtuoso’s U.S. Forum, we proudly accepted the 2025 award for “Highest Annual Growth by a Specialty Partner,” marking our second consecutive year receiving this prestigious honor.
Serving the Virtuoso network is a privilege, and we are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of Virtuoso’s agencies and travel advisors, whose collaboration and trust have been instrumental in achieving this milestone.
We sincerely appreciate this invaluable partnership, which extends across the globe, connecting us with Virtuoso’s esteemed network of agencies and advisors dedicated to delivering exceptional travel experiences.
The award was graciously accepted by Gary Stevens, EmpireCLS Vice President of Sales, at the Virtuoso Forum in Orlando.
Our hearts go out to the Los Angeles community currently facing unimaginable challenges from the devastating wildfires. The magnitude of this tragedy has deeply impacted us all and we hold in light everyone affected. As a company deeply rooted in the LA community, EmpireCLS is committed to supporting those on the front lines. To aid in the relief efforts, we have made a donation to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation. The courage and dedication of these brave firefighters are truly an inspiration, and we’re honored to play even a small role in ensuring they have the resources needed.
Last week our LA based team worked together to deliver thousands of bottles of water to various shelters accepting donations. We also worked with our local food vendor to prepare and deliver hundreds of freshly made burritos to firefighters in Altadena. This week, we are providing meals for over 500 firefighters stationed at Will Rogers State Beach.
As Los Angeles rebuilds, EmpireCLS remains steadfast in our commitment to support and strengthen our community. Through ongoing partnerships with local organizations and charities, we stand ready to serve and assist in the recovery efforts. Our dedication to the city we proudly call home extends far beyond transportation – it’s about being there for our neighbors when they need us most.
Standing in solidarity with our Los Angeles family.
We would like to inform you about an important change affecting travel in Manhattan and how EmpireCLS is adapting to serve you better.
Starting January 5, 2025, New York City will implement a new congestion pricing policy.
A toll will be charged for vehicles entering the Congestion Relief Zone in Manhattan (local streets and avenues at or below 60th Street). This initiative aims to reduce traffic by an estimated 80,000 vehicles daily, improving mobility in one of the nation’s most congested areas.
To align with this new policy, EmpireCLS will implement the following change:
Our Commitment to You
At EmpireCLS, we remain dedicated to providing you with exceptional luxury chauffeured services.
We appreciate your understanding and continued trust in EmpireCLS. Our team is available to address any questions or concerns you may have regarding this update.
If you have any questions, please contact customer@empirecls.com.
Thank you for choosing EmpireCLS. We look forward to serving you with the same level of excellence you’ve come to expect from us.
EmpireCLS Worldwide Chauffeured Services Chairman & CEO David Seelinger still remembers the sage, if not fortuitous advice his father offered to him as a younger man: Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you, be open to their advice, and you’ll be successful.
“I believe I have done that, and that’s why we are where we are,” says Seelinger about his team, many of whom have been with the company for more than a decade—some upwards of 25 years.
That includes company President Ed Martinez, COO Joey Phelps, CFO Nat Buonfiglio, Executive Vice President of Sales Marissa Criaris, National Director of Fleet Operations Rich Doherty, and Director of IT Services Jaime Major, all of whom have been with EmpireCLS for a dozen years or more.
“The success of the company is largely due to the people who work here, not me. The tenure among all departments is amazing—the chauffeurs, the call center team, management, everyone—and my team is the most important thing to me. I love my customers, and I’m very service-focused, but at the end of the day I’m not the one delivering the service, they are. As simple as it sounds, if I don’t treat staff like I want to be treated, then it won’t work,” he adds.
Steering one of the largest chauffeured transportation operations, with many hundreds of employees and vehicles, certainly requires a common goal throughout the organization, and Seelinger and his team have faced many headwinds—and tailwinds—over the course of its four-decade history. However, it was during the unprecedented challenges of 2020 where Seelinger’s father’s advice was most prophetic. By trusting his staff and culling the best ideas that came from all corners of the company, he says that EmpireCLS has been booming in the past 18-plus months due in part to the changes and service enhancements they’ve made.
“We had two choices: sitting around feeling sorry for ourselves or trying to make the company better during the downtime, and we chose the latter,” he says. “So, we found that all the sales and marketing we did during the pandemic paid off because we had many new clients once travel started again. Our revenues are up dramatically over 2019. I always wondered if we could get to that next level, and it turns out that the efforts we made during that time put us in a much better place than we’ve ever been.”
Among those changes was a major sales effort toward the entertainment industry as well as an emphasis on partnerships with exclusive travel agencies like Virtuoso and Signature Travel Network. While the corporate travel sector is not quite back to previous levels, Seelinger says they are continuing to run lean and make thoughtful long-term decisions.
“We did some great work internally during the pandemic like adopting new technology and doing a lot of hiring. To me, running EmpireCLS was akin to a flying 747 where there’s never enough time to land so we can service it and make the necessary upgrades we want. This downtime gave us an opportunity to step back and look at the pieces that didn’t work as well in 2019 and troubleshoot how to improve them moving forward. I felt the work we put into making ourselves better was abundantly clear to our clients when they started traveling again, both operationally and by our commitment to protecting their health and safety,” he says.
In late 2022, 30 brand-new, hot-off-the-line Cadillac LYRIQs landed in the fleet of EmpireCLS, destined for both its North Jersey headquarters and office in Southern California. The sleek car barely needed the glossy marketing video campaign and announcements that accompanied the rollout because the vehicle immediately attracted attention for its high-quality amenities and eye-catching looks.
EmpireCLS wasn’t the first to debut an electric vehicle—Teslas and hybrids have been kicking around the fleets of companies along the coasts for years—but it was the first large organization and major network to debut EVs on such a grand scale, not to mention the first in the country to secure the highly anticipated LYRIQ. Earlier in the year, the addition of two Lucid Air sedans to their high-end LA fleet was met with similar adulation.
“Our customers absolutely love the LYRIQ. They are raving about it. It’s an electric car, but it doesn’t feel like one and it doesn’t drive like one. It’s all Cadillac: It’s very comfortable, is luxurious with all of the creature comforts that our customers desire, and is just a fabulous car,” says Seelinger. “We’re very grateful to Cadillac that we got some of the first off the line. Right now, It’s a bright spot in the EV world for our industry, and I certainly hope that operators moving forward will consider adopting it.”
Ambitiously, he hopes that the LYRIQ will replace his entire sedan fleet in LA by the end of the year, noting that California is the right place to start this transition due to the state’s large-scale commitment to installing publicly available charging stations. EmpireCLS invested heavily (nearly $250,000) in its charging infrastructure that includes both regular chargers for overnight top-offs and superchargers that juice up to 80 percent in about an hour. In between runs, many of the hotel properties they work with have them as well and allow EmpireCLS to use them. The New York/New Jersey area has been a bit slower to build that charging network, but their East Coast clients are equally impressed with the LYRIQ.
Beyond EVs and the 75 2022 Cadillac Escalades they bought to upgrade their older models—with 60 more coming in 2023—the company also purchased 100 new Volvo S90 sedans. Seelinger says that a big selling point of the S90 was the accident avoidance system and Volvo’s track record of producing safe vehicles, coupled with an attractive price point in terms of value.
The Empire is growing, but their fleet was just one of many recent changes they made. The company opened a third office in Chicago about a year ago—which is already surpassing expectations. It’s gone from a handful of cars and chauffeurs, guided by Vice President of Midwest Operations Vince Saisi, to 30 vehicles, two Sprinters, and an office staff of six. “Opening offices in other cities isn’t our goal. We have great partnerships in all these cities across the globe as 50 percent of our revenue is affiliate work, so it’s a big part of what we do,” says Seelinger. “Chicago was an opportunity and we grabbed it, and as far as I’m concerned, we struck gold because we’re doing really well there. Hotels are generating a lot of revenue, and we’re in the process of leasing a new building.”
Seelinger also has another passion project: technology. He has always been a vocal proponent of bigger, bolder, and more ambitious thinking when it comes to technology, not only as a tool to unite companies within our industry by reducing human error and achieving greater efficiency for everyone, but also to connect us to the larger travel and hospitality ecosphere. It’s certainly worked well for competitive airlines, hotel chains, and other app-based services. He patiently understands the resistance, but he also wonders: if not now, when?
To stay on the cutting edge of technology within his own organization, he employs in-house software developers who have built innovative dispatch software to meet the unique needs of his company that can’t be satisfied by an off-the-shelf product alone. “Technological advances continue to make businesses in every sector stronger, faster, and more profitable while meeting the evolving and ever-changing needs of clients. It allows companies to be competitive and client-driven, as well as intuit what customers will need tomorrow and next year. In our industry, both global operators and software providers have done an amazing job connecting affiliates to each other, especially through reservations, so we’re ready to take that next step and fully integrate—from booking to real-time dispatch to final trip closeout—so that the client experience is seamless, accurate, and instant,” he says.
Despite his insistence at stepping away from the spotlight, Seelinger is among the most recognized pioneers in chauffeured transportation. This year, he celebrates 40 years in the industry, working his way from chauffeur to CEO, from a regional transportation service to global transportation juggernaut with hundreds of millions in revenue. He’s offered his advice as a mentor at industry shows and even has his own cred on movie and entertainment site IMDB.
“Because of my team, I have the freedom to do the thing that I love the most, which is spending time with employees and clients. I don’t have to worry about being caught up in the daily operations because I know they do it well,” he says about his busy travel schedule rotating between the three office locations. “I’ve always thought that if you can’t fully embrace each employee as a person, then you don’t belong in management. The things happening to them in their personal lives is so much more important than just work. You have to focus on both. Maybe that’s not the way companies run today, but that’s the way I am.”
But the self-professed control freak didn’t always heed his father’s advice, and he had to learn the hard way how to trust the people around him.
“If you’re a business that wants to grow, you can’t unless you empower your team. One person can only do so much. I was a control freak like that until I realized that not only was I nearly destroying my life, but I was missing out on learning new things from other people. I find the majority of the time that people are so creative and figure things out long before I have to tell them. With that level of empowerment, people treat the business as if it’s their own. I love watching that,” Seelinger says.
Story by: Chauffeur Driven
Chauffeured transportation supplier EmpireCLS is introducing a new set of safety and sanitary protocols developed by working with International SOS.
Among the requirements for EmpireCLS and its affiliates are that chauffeurs must wear N95 masks—so named because they filter at least 95 percent of airborne particles—or the equivalent KN95 mask. The company has KN95 masks on order given the current short supply of N95 masks, chairman and CEO David Seelinger said. Passengers, too, will be asked to wear their own facial coverings, and vehicles will be stocked with individually wrapped masks for those who do not have their own.
Read the Full Article here: Business Travel News
Dear Clients and Partners,
As news regarding the coronavirus continues to develop, we want to stress that we are doing everything we can to ensure the safety and security of you, our customer, and our employees.
EmpireCLS’s health and safety practices go above and beyond the industry standard. As we continue to navigate through this period together, I would like to share this short video on how EmpireCLS is taking extra steps for your comfort and peace of mind.
We hope you find this video useful and encourage you to share this information. I am committed to sharing any new developments regarding our practices as they occur.
Thank you for your continued loyalty and positive support.
Safe Travels,
David Seelinger
Chairman & CEO
Vehicle Cleaning
All EmpireCLS vehicles are maintained in accordance with an established program aimed at providing a clean and comfortable riding environment. Each vehicle is tidied between trips and subsequently undergoes a comprehensive program every night that includes cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting each vehicle in our fleet. All chauffeur’s body temperatures are being monitored daily. These procedures meet or exceed recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO)
Personal Safety Recommendations:
We recommend the CDC’s website as a resource for ways that Customers can best protect themselves from becoming ill. Additionally, customers are encouraged to wash their hands frequently and use hand sanitizer and/or anti-bacterial wipes when traveling.
We encourage you to visit the following links for a thorough explanation of the virus, its symptoms and how it can best be treated.
Please reach out to your account executive team (sales@empirecls.com) if you have questions or need assistance with your travel plans.
EmpireCLS is honored to be a 2018 Concierge Choice Awards finalist in the Transportation Service category! Big thanks to Chauffeured Driven for covering our exciting news!The team at EmpireCLS is thrilled to announce that we have been named a 2018 Concierge Choice Awards (CCA) finalist in the Transportation Service category!
The CCA honors elite companies, organizations and individuals in the restaurant, retail, theater, attraction, service and transportation industries who create exceptional experiences for visitors to New York City. Accepting nothing less than stringent standards for our fleet and chauffeurs, EmpireCLS was selected for our commitment to providing visitors with the same professional hospitality service as the world’s best airlines.
“At EmpireCLS, we all feel so proud to be recognized as a leading chauffeured transportation services provider by the New York City concierge community,” said EmpireCLS Chairman and CEO David Seelinger. “We’re fortunate to work with some of New York City’s finest hotels and attractions. For them to name our services as one of the best transportation experiences in the city is a true honor.”
Under the stewardship of the New York City hotel concierges, the CCAs strive to uphold the highest standards of impartiality and objectivity through an independent polling of the concierge community. Awards are given every year in 14 categories. In addition to Transportation Service, award categories include Entertainment Service, Healthy & Beauty, Nightlife Experience, Specialty Retailer, and more.
EmpireCLS was also the 2015 CCA winner for Best Limousine Service. Additionally, we were nominated for Best Limousine Service by the CCA in 2012 and 2014.
As well as New York City, EmpireCLS’ award-winning chauffeured transportation services extend across 700 cities worldwide. Powered by a diverse fleet of late-model luxury vehicles and professional chauffeurs, EmpireCLS delivers personalized and exceptional transportation experiences, no matter how intricate the trip or how far the destination.
This year, the 12th annual CCA gala will be held on October 1st at the Tribeca Rooftop. We look forward to joining the Big Apple’s best concierge professionals at this prestigious event!
