George Jacobs is very serious about attracting the business of those in the LGBT community for his start-up company, Windy City Limousines, based in suburban Bensenville. He donated, for instance, more than $25,000 worth of limo rides this summer for Gay Games VII.
Jacobs also is taking a comical approach to the LGBT community. For instance, he's run an ad featuring a pink limo, and actually has received calls from customers wanting the pink ride, though it doesn't truly exit. He also has another ad that states, 'We come out every day.'
'We would like to reach the gay community because we think it is perfect for our business,' said Jacobs, 58, the company president. 'The people in the gay community have more disposable income; they often go to black-tie events, as well as the theater. They also are very aware of drinking-and-driving laws.
'I wanted to reach out heavily to the gay community and I want to show them that we're here to stay.'
Limos from Jacobs' company transported Gay Games celebrities and dignitaries to and from the Opening and Closing ceremonies. Jacobs also donated all of his limos for the Gay Games Night of 100 Champions in April, 'just as a way of saying thank you.'
Windy City Limousines is the official limousine company of the Chicago White Sox and The Score radio, and also was for the Gay Games.
'I've been in the ( limo ) business for 25 years and I think the gay community was under the radar for many of those years. But not anymore,' Jacobs said. 'I want to make sure they know that we're here, that there is a limousine company out there that really wants the gay business and is working hard to get it.'
Jacobs said the Games' donations were, 'an investment in the future.'
'By doing that, I'm showing my commitment to the gay community, and hopefully in the future it will come back to me,' he said.
Windy City Limousines was formed in January and already has done about $1.3 million in business, which is expected to reach $2 million by year's end. Jacobs projects $5 million in business next year and $10 million the following years.
Windy City Limousines has a fleet of 30, ranging from sedans to 40-passenger mini buses. It also has Stretch Hummers, among other amazing rides.
Jacobs, of Hinsdale, was the president of the National Limousine Association for six years and previously ran American Limousine Company. His partner with Windy City Limousine is Sal Milazzo, who previously owned My Chauffer.
Windy City Limousines has a 5,000-square-foot office with 18 reservation stations and a state-of-the-art dispatch center.