PRESS ABOUT BRENTWOOD LIMOUSINE

Giving a piece of themselves to their community is nothing new to Mark & Kim Grabow of Macomb Township near Detroit.  That’s why no one was surprised when they opened Brentwood Limousine Inc. in 1995 and began donating services to those in need.  Throughout the years the duo has assisted the Special Olympics, the Macomb County Sheriff’s Department Ex­plorers Program, terminally ill children and Carehouse.  “I have never in my life met a young couple like this that give from the bottom of their hearts and never expect anything in return,â€? driver Rich McPherson said.

McPherson said those qualities are hard to find in the business sphere, and that it’s the Grabows’ “people orientedâ€? backgrounds that make the difference.  Caring for others is reflected in their job choices as well as in their personal lives.  Kim was a paramedic for a private EMS company before becoming an ER nurse seven years ago at St. Joseph’s Hospital  “People always told me I was a caregiver-type of person. So it seemed like the thing to do.  It’s just natural.â€? Said Kim.  The two also are Macomb Township firefighters.  Mark has been involved for eight years and Kim for five.  Mark keeps busy as a supervisor for DuPont.

He credits much of his success in the business realm to his involvement in the Macomb County Sheriff’s Depart­ment Explorers Program, a divisionofthe Boy Scouts of America.  “I graduated per se through the pro­gram that develops young people in the community.   I’m trying to give back to something that I came through. I like giving back what I can,â€? Mark said.

The 31-year-old, soon-to-be father is proud to assist the program and to serve as a role model for those involved.  But the Grabows’ reward is in the smiles.  “Some companies are out there todoit for publicity, we try to stick more to lo­cal people struggling with crisis. It makes a difference. We do whatever we can do to help others out,â€? Kim said.  Brentwood also has a policy of deliberately choosing peo­ple they know will personally benefit from the act.  “They donate [the use of] $100,000 vehi­cles and don’t even think twice about it. I have lifetime experience in the corporate world and it’s refreshing to see a young couple doing what they’re doing,â€? McPherson said.

At 33, Kim is proud of the achievements their company has made so far.  They have gone from one car driven sole­ly by Mark to 10 cars, two buses and 22 drivers.  The Grabows credit their success to quality customer service, and setting high­er standards with their cars and drivers, who are an extension of the owners.  In fact. Mark has incorporated a DuPont-learned safety program in his drivers’ curriculum.

Mark said the drivers are key to their company’s development.  But at least one driver feels it’s the

Grabows who make the difference.  “I’ve worked for greedy business own­ers, but the Grabows give from the heart,â€? McPherson said.  Their generous spirit is reflected in the certificates and thank-you notes that adorn their office.  “It makes you feel proud,â€? Kim said.  “It’s wonderful to see someone get enjoy­ment out of things you provide them,â€? Mark added.