Are You Running a Business — Or Just Driving a Van?
Written by Rachel Scholler
Founder, NEMT Growth Consultants
www.nemtgc.com
If you’re still behind the wheel, answering phones between pickups, and closing out trip logs at night — you’re not alone. Almost every NEMT business starts this way. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: driving a van and running a business are two very different things — and knowing the difference can make or break your future.
This isn’t a knock on hard work. It’s a call to level up. Because if your company depends on you doing everything, you don’t own a business — you own a job. And that job will eventually burn you out.
The Technician Trap
Many NEMT owners fall into what I call the “technician trap.” You start out as a driver or dispatcher because it’s what you know, and it keeps costs low. But then it snowballs:
– You’re the one scheduling trips.
– You’re fixing software issues.
– You’re handling complaints.
– You’re training drivers on the fly — if at all.
It might work in the short term. But over time, it becomes the reason your business can’t grow — and why your stress never goes away.
“If your business can’t run for a day without you, you don’t own a business — you own a bottleneck.”
The Difference Between Owning a Van and Owning a Company
Let’s break it down:
**Van Driver Mindset vs. Business Owner Mindset**
– Takes every trip personally ➤ Builds systems to delegate rides
– Works more to make more ➤ Designs operations to scale revenue
– Handles issues reactively ➤ Anticipates problems proactively
– Operates from hustle ➤ Operates from intention
How to Start the Shift (Even If You’re Still Driving)
You don’t have to quit driving tomorrow — but you do need to start building a foundation to step out of the driver’s seat eventually.
🛠 **Four Moves That Changed Everything for Me:**
- Block one day a week (or one hour per day) to work *on* the business — not in it.
- Document every task you repeat — from how you confirm a ride to how you assign shifts.
- Hire part-time help *before* you feel ready.
- Track your time. Are you doing $15/hour tasks — or making $100/hour decisions?
Real Story: When I Realized I Had a Job — Not a Business
In my second year running Lakeshore, I was dispatching from my kitchen table, covering for a sick driver, and chasing late broker payments — all in the same day. I thought that’s just what “ownership” looked like.
But I wasn’t leading. I was surviving. Once I created my first onboarding guide, delegated scheduling, and committed to weekly team meetings — the pressure eased, and my profit margins grew.
What True Ownership Looks Like
– You don’t answer every call — because your staff is trained.
– Drivers know what’s expected — because you documented it.
– The business makes money when you take a day off.
– Your stress drops because your systems carry the load.
Self-Check: Do You Own a Job or a Business?
– Can you step away for one day without panic?
– Are you still the only one who knows how to schedule?
– Do you train new hires from scratch — or with a guide?
– Are you constantly reacting — or planning ahead?
– Does your business support you — or drain you?
Final Thought
There’s nothing wrong with driving a van. But don’t stop there. Build something that works without you — something you can scale, step away from, or even sell someday. That’s when the real freedom, growth, and profit begin.
Ready to make the leap from operator to owner?
Visit www.nemtgc.com/products/sop-starter-kit to grab the SOP Starter Kit or book a 1:1 consult at www.nemtgc.com/contact.