United Private Car: Big Company Know-How, Small Company Values

By: Tom Leyden

You just never know how someone might learn about you. That’s the first lesson I learned about Jason Dornhoffer, a Westwood resident and co-owner of United Private Car.

“I was at Westwood Family Chiropractic, waiting my turn, and I looked down at this beautiful cover – it was Westwood Living,” said Jason as we chatted inside Wegmans on University Avenue. “I was flipping through and I thought, ‘That’s interesting,’ so I reached out to see what it was all about. The magazine looked refined, well-done and it reflected the same type of service we provide for our company, oddly enough.”

Shortly after we welcomed United Private Car on-board as a sponsor, I returned the favor, set up an account and booked a trip to Logan Airport when I was headed out on business. What transpired from there is really all you need to know.

I’m an early-bird when it comes to travel. I’m talkin’ 5:30am flights out, which means 3:30am arrival to Logan, which means 3am pickup in Westwood. Typically, I get nervous when I book a ride at that time of day – what will you do if the driver doesn’t show up? Who do you call? Will I have to take my own car and pay an arm and a leg for parking? Trust me, it’s happened! But not on that morning.

“Well, 3am is not abnormal by any means,” Jason chimed in. “People might say it’s really early, but traffic starts at 4:30 in the morning on 128. For us to do early pickups is not out of the ordinary. The benefit of using our service is that you’re paying for having someone there on time and having that piece of mind, knowing you don’t have to worry about getting to Logan on time. We’re open 24/7, we have people answering the phones, answering text messages. The dispatcher is going to answer. We know you because we have your profile in our system. Whatever it may be, we’re there. “

In a world that’s evolved to include rides for hire through apps on your phone, there’s a comfort in familiarity – and that’s what United Private Car offers, in addition to first-class vehicles and friendly drivers who know the area like the backs of their hands.

“I grew up in Dorchester, but we’ve lived in Westwood since 2003,” Jason told me. “When we moved here, it was a real eye-opener for me to see turkeys walking around and foxes – all kinds of different animals. We’ve been here for a long time and we have a daughter going into high school in the fall. A lot of great people here.”

After a career in financial services, Jason started United Private Car almost 20 years ago, with his partner, Terry Murtaugh. In the two decades since, they’ve continued to grow and serve customers not only in the Boston area, but around the world. The team can arrange transportation for you in any city, another characteristic that sets them apart.

“We deal with a lot of competition, which I’ve never been afraid of,” said Jason. “There’s a lot of technology flying around in our industry right now. There’s driverless cars, there are TNC’s, but we don’t compete with those types of companies. They offer similar services, but it’s not quite the same. We have vetted drivers and as you’ve experienced, we have 24/7 service. You can still speak and talk to someone if you need to, and we’re looking to build our business even further by getting more larger vehicles. There’s always a demand for those.”

Business people on the go are the core clients, but families have begun to understand and absorb the value of a reliable, local livery service when planning for a trip.

“We run a Lincoln fleet of sedans,” said Jason. “Our SUVs are primarily Chevrolet Suburbans, as well as Ford Expeditions. We have several Mercedes Benz Sprinters, which are very nice and luxurious – plenty of room for luggage and great for a family or a night out. We’re there when you want us to be there. We’re always early, the vehicle and the chauffer is ready to go. All you have to do is get in, buckle up, sit back and the driver will get you to and from, safely.”

Nearing 20 years in business, there’s a simple mantra that’s kept Jason, Terry and the United Private Car team focused.

“Big company know-how, small company values,” he said. “We’re very involved in our business, Terry and I, working every day, very hands-on. You have that Mom and Pop feel and you don’t feel like you’re getting lost in the shuffle of hundreds of other customers.”