EmpireCLS University: Perfecting the Art of Chauffeuring

There is a distinct moment that sets the tone in every luxury experience. At a five-star hotel, it is the way the doorman greets you at your arrival with a seamless gesture. On a private flight, it is the unspoken rhythm of service, tailored to your preference. At EmpireCLS, that moment happens curbside—when your chauffeur opens the door and, without a word, makes it clear: everything has been thought of.

That moment isn’t left to chance—it’s the product of a thoughtful, disciplined commitment to a philosophy we refer to as the art of chauffeuring.

“Chauffeuring is far more than just driving – it’s an art rooted in precision, discretion, and anticipation. Elevating chauffeur training means instilling a mindset of excellence, where every detail counts and every ride is transformed into a seamless luxury experience. The art of chauffeuring is my passion – and it’s the very DNA of EmpireCLS.”
— David Seelinger, Chairman & CEO, EmpireCLS

Our chauffeurs do not simply provide transportation—they serve as trusted ambassadors, embodying our values in every client interaction. That level of responsibility demands exceptional professionalism. For that reason, each candidate is carefully selected through a process that includes comprehensive background checks, personality assessments, and behavioral screenings.

Training extends well beyond technical instruction. With our proprietary in-house training program, EmpireCLS University, chauffeurs are immersed in a service philosophy modeled after Forbes Travel Guide standards. Here, they develop not only advanced driving skills but also the emotional intelligence and awareness needed to deliver refined, intuitive service. Whether transporting executives, families, entertainers, diplomats, or private aviation guests, chauffeurs are prepared to adapt to the moment with discretion and poise.

EmpireCLS is honored to be the preferred ground transportation provider for some of the world’s most prestigious hotels, including Four Seasons Hotels, The Ritz-Carlton, The Peninsula Hotels, and The Waldorf Astoria. These five-diamond properties do not choose vendors—they select partners who reflect the same exacting standards across every guest touchpoint. Our chauffeurs help shape those experiences, serving as an extension of the five-star standard set by these prestigious hotels.

To uphold this trust, we relaunched our EmpireCLS University training program in 2025 with a focus on raising the bar across every area of service. The updated curriculum places greater emphasis on anticipatory hospitality, elevated etiquette, and safety.

Safety remains a core pillar of our service. All chauffeurs are trained in the Smith System of defensive driving and benefit from DriveCam safety monitoring and enhanced risk mitigation strategies. In addition to classroom instruction, our program now includes two full days of on-the-road immersion. Trainees shadow top-rated senior  chauffeurs at high-pressure destinations such as airports, landmarks, five-star hotels, and key business districts, learning to navigate unpredictable conditions with confidence and professionalism.

The learning does not stop at graduation. Four weeks after program completion, each chauffeur receives a personalized performance review designed to reinforce strengths, address areas of opportunity, and ensure continued growth. This feedback loop reflects a broader truth at EmpireCLS: excellence is not a checkpoint—it is an ongoing pursuit.

Clients do not come to us simply for transportation. What they receive is a seamless, elevated experience—one that feels intentional, polished, and designed around their expectations. That level of service begins with the chauffeur and is defined by consistent excellence. In every moment—opening a door, handling a delay, adjusting to a client’s mood—they meet that expectation with grace, discretion, and intent.

This work requires more than skill behind the wheel. It demands presence, awareness, and a deep understanding of service at its highest level. It is a discipline shaped by repetition and pride—and it defines everything we do at EmpireCLS.

From curbside to destination, the EmpireCLS promise is unwavering excellence. Journey with us and experience the art of chauffeuring at its finest.