Local Business Spotlight Hire a Designated Driver, LLC

This Patch article is sponsored by Hire a Designated Driver, LLC.

Local businesses are the heart of our communities. Patch had a chance to talk with Bob Ragazzo, Founder, of Hire a Designated Driver, LLC.

Patch: Tell us a bit about your business or organization:
Bob Ragazzo: We provide drivers who are highly-trained in defensive driving. We drive your vehicle. Our mission is to reduce impaired driving crashes associated with high-risk events such as: concerts, ballgames, golf outings and weddings

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town?
Bob Ragazzo: I have been training drivers of all ages in the mental aspects of driving for more than 15 years. Hire a Designated Driver was founded in 2024

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?
Bob Ragazzo: Back in 2005, we were on a family vacation at the Grand Canyon. I was ticketed for speeding by an Arizona State Trooper who urged me not to pay the fine, but rather take a Defensive Driving class when I got back to New Jersey. I went to my 1st DD class and within the hour realized that despite having a license for over 30 years - I had no clue about what I was doing behind the wheel. My 2 sons were 13 and 9 at the time, and I became a Defensive Driving Instructor in order to teach them all the things they do not teach in Driver's Ed.

Patch: What's the most common piece of advice you give to customers?
Bob Ragazzo: Download a reaction time app and test yourself when you are sober. The next time you say 'I'm OK to drive' after having even 1 adult beverage, check your reaction time. If you are as little as 2 seconds slower, you are not OK to drive and you are risking a crash or a DUI. There are 34 alcohol-related crash fatalities each and every day in the U.S.

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?
Bob Ragazzo: Delivering clients home safely after an event or celebration

Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?
Bob Ragazzo: 1.Our defensive driver training and 2. our unique business model. Uber and Lyft do not train their drivers. Limo companies generally do little to no training. Our drivers must successfully complete a world-class advanced-driver-training course before they can drive for us. Less than 20% make the cut. Our business model of providing the driver only, affords our clients the comfort and convenience of traveling in their own vehicle, and the peace of mind to celebrate without worry. Tailgating? Bring your gear in you own vehicle. Golfing? Secure all the clubs in 1 vehicle as we pick up each rider at their front door. Wedding? Arrive in style in your own vehicle.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?
Bob Ragazzo: Download our app to your phone using this line app.hireadesignateddriver.com. Check us out online at www.hireadesignateddriver.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hireadesignateddriver/