The Bus Stop

• The Business of the Bus: Investing in the Future of School Transportation

  This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes first-time guest Lee Edwards, Vice President and Territory Manager for Wells Fargo Equipment Finance, Co-Chair of NSTA’s Manufacturers, Suppliers and Technology (MST) Committee. Lee and Wells Fargo Equipment Finance won the 2025 NSTA Vendor Partner of the Year at the NSTA Annual Meeting & Convention in Boston this past July. The duo start the conversation by tracing Lee's path from an early sales background to his current role in supporting the school transportation industry with Wells Fargo. Lee gives Curt an inside look at Wells Fargo Equipment Finance and the role of the Commercial Vehicle Group, while he and Curt discuss evolving trends, post-COVID market dynamics, and key developments shaping student transportation today. The pair highlight the NSTA MST Committee, and it's priorities as they head into the new year. The duo shift gears by talking all things SEC football, and cover everything from coaching rumors, to the outlook for UT, and the growing rivalry feel in the Volunteer State between Tennessee and Vanderbilt. The episode closes as Lee shares how listeners can stay connected with Wells Fargo Equipment Finance. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop- NSTA Vendor Partners can take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that will help you reach your target audience - private school bus operators!Support the show

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• From Tradition to Tomorrow: Inside a Family-Owned Transportation Company

  This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop -Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes back returning guest Jenna Fromm, CEO of Palmer Bus Service in Minnesota for a wide-ranging conversation that explores her journey from earning her school bus license in high school to leading a family-owned company serving communities across the state. Jenna reflects on the dynamics of multigenerational leadership, the qualities she considers most essential in her CEO role, and the trends and challenges shaping the current school year. She and Curt discuss Palmer’s approach to growth, district partnerships, and community engagement. The duo gets into the holiday spirit as they highlight Palmer’s holiday initiatives like “Stuff a Bus” in support of Toys for Tots. Curt and Jenna discuss their favorite Christmas movies and cherished family traditions. Finally,  Curt and Jenna share their favorite moments from 2025 and look ahead to the upcoming new year of 2026. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop- NSTA Vendor Partners can take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that will help you reach your target audience - private school bus operators!Support the show

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• NSTA: The Bus Stop Thanksgiving Special!

  Carve up the turkey, pass the mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy, for this week's episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes Frank Girardot, Senior Communications Director for BYD| RIDE, for a their traditional Thanksgiving podcast. First, Frank shares some updates on BYD | RIDE’s work, including insights from the company’s Pasadena headquarters, his role guiding communications, and highlights from their recent NAPT conversation about the Type A Bus - the Achiever. Plus, Frank gives Curt and listeners a preview of what to expect from RIDE as we turn the calendar to 2026. The conversation then moves into the Thanksgiving spirit, as Curt and Frank compare favorite holiday dishes, and continue their annual tradition of discussing movies for family viewing during the Thanksgiving season. This year the conversation starts by taking a look at "It’s a Wonderful Life" and actor Jimmy Stewart’s remarkable career in Hollywood. The duo reflect on Thanksgiving classics like Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, and take a moment to honor the careers of Gene Hackman, Robert Redford, and Diane Keaton. Tune in for a festive blend of industry insight, Thanksgiving traditions, and engaging storytelling that you are sure to enjoy as you travel this week. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals!Support the show

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• Balancing the Books: Insights from Pennsylvania’s Auditor General

  This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes a special returning guest Tim DeFoor, Auditor General of Pennsylvania and 2023 AMC Speaker, back to NSTA: The Bus Stop. Curt and Tim discuss his personal and political backgrounds, as well as his path to becoming Pennsylvania’s Auditor General. The duo provide updates on Pennsylvania's financial literacy initiatives, including the continued expansion of the activity book competition. The pair also discuss recent changes in how his office approaches school audits and offers a high-level overview of the Commonwealth’s budget impasse, noting how its effects differ from the disruptions of federal government shutdowns. Curt and Tim then shift to what Tim has been up to outside of work, and the duo discusses how Tim's newest “hobby” has become following his stepson, standout Rutgers recruit Elias Coke, through his senior year in high school. Wrapping up the episode, Curt and Tim reflect on a memorable restaurant Tim has enjoyed while traveling across Pennsylvania, and Curt gives a culinary recommendation for anyone traveling to Austin for the Safety Competition. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop- NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals!Support the show

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• Fueling Purpose: Driving Community and Connection

  This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop -Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes NSTA Board Member Chloe Williams, President of B.R. Williams, and returning guest to NSTA: The Bus Stop. The duo discuss the rich history of her family-owned company and Chloe’s unique journey back to the student transportation industry. Together, they explore B.R. Williams’ guiding philosophy that “drivers are this industry, simply put,” and the company’s strong commitment to community service and charitable initiatives. Chloe and Curt also reflect on her leadership experience as past NJSBCA President and current Chair of the NSTA Membership Committee, offering insights on building strong membership communities and the importance of association involvement in today’s competitive environment. As a proud Penn State alumna, Chloe shares her passion for college football and how she finds balance beyond the workplace, rounding out an inspiring conversation about leadership, service, and the continued impact of B.R. Williams in student transportation. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop- NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to take advantage of our comprehensive advertising package that reaches your target audience - student transportation professionals!Support the show

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