| |
|
Life in the nation’s Capitol has given
George A. Coupe’, Sr. a front row seat to some of the most
momentous historic events that Washington has ever seen.
Boasting the heartwarming privileges of days long gone, one
highlight of his childhood was running onto the field at
Griffin Stadium, original home of the Washington Redskins,
just after the final whistle for the autograph of hero
Quarterback Sammy Bough, Hall of Famer. Then there was the
Washington Coliseum, original forum for the Barnum & Bailey
Circus each spring where policemen stopped traffic for the
line of elephants crossing Florida Avenue, NE. This grand
old arena played a big part in American history when it
hosted the first Beatle Concert of the USA tour where George
got the autograph of all four Rock and Roll icons.
With heartfelt sadness, George recalls our nation’s mournful
pre-dawn hour as he approached Memorial Bridge, his daily
commute when there was no traffic in November, 1963 and
before him were the horse-drawn caissons marching toward the
Rotunda where the late John F. Kennedy Lay in State.
Several years later, an anguished city cried out over the
news of the slain Dr. Martin Luther King and outrage flowed
into the streets not far from his office. The political
landscape of the Nation and the world was changing, bringing
all the movers and shakers to Washington. George has
witnessed the official visits of two Popes to Washington, as
well all of the other historic foreign Diplomatic
delegations, and shook the hands of several American
Presidents.
 The shocking news of the attempt on President Reagan’s life
immediately spawned three immediate calls to Admiral
Limousine Service. Reverend Billy Graham was the first to
arrange travel followed closely by Mrs. Lee Annenberg,
US Chief of Protocol, and Mr. Frank Sinatra. Nearly
eight years later, a very honored and humbled George A.
Coupe’ stood in the secure garage of the Washington Hilton
Hotel just inside the fated location where that had occurred
and shook the hand and had his picture taken with a very vigorous and smiling Ronald
Reagan.
A just reward for an American Dreamer and eternal optimist.
As his family and friends know well, his famous mantra is
one that transcends his personal and entrepreneurial credo
to a wisdom for the ages in good times and bad:
“Better Days Ahead Boys, Better Days Ahead”George spent the formative years of his life between
Washington, DC and Arlington, Virginia. At the age of 13, he
entered Linton Hall Military Academy in the picturesque
countryside of neighboring Virginia, precursor to his
service to the U.S. Navy serving as a Submarine Radioman.
After returning home to his wife and newborn daughter in the
late 50’s he went to work for the D.C. Transit Authority,
predecessor of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit
Authority, METRO. As a supervisor in the Office of Utilities
Clerk, his responsibilities included overseeing 685 men.
Young and ambitious, George drew the attention of the higher
powers, fast approaching an executive promotion, when fate
took a twist. DC Transit suspended the Limousine Charter
office and Coupe’, partnered with the late Bernard Resnick,
seized this opportunity to venture out on an enterprise all
their own. Hence, Admiral Limousine Transportation Service,
Inc. was born and the partnership grew to what could be
called no less than the quintessential “American Dream”.
Between them they traded “office duty” and “driving” the
first of Admiral’s fleet, “a mint condition 1961 Cadillac
Limousine.” Rapidly, the business prospered and they amassed
the finest staff of professionally trained Chauffeurs in
Washington. With the administrative demands of a flourishing
business, soon the partners’ personal talents were exclusive
to just a few of their celebrity clients.
 Admiral Limousine Service has been in business 42 years.
George A. Coupe’, Sr. is the sole proprietor. He and his
wife have four daughters and three sons, several of whom
have worked along side of their father. Currently, George
Coupe’, Jr. is the company’s Dispatcher and General
Operations Manager. Darren R. Coupe’ is Fleet Overseer and
Premier and Special Events Coordinator and General Manager
of Chauffeurs.
George Sr. has an avid interest
in antiques, particularly in memorabilia and spends
much of his free time on his collections. But his
main interest and the time most spend is in the
office of the company that has been very good to
him, Admiral Limousine Service. As Admiral
Limousine Service
prospered, an impressive list of the most elite and
celebrated people of all time became regular clients of
Admiral Limousine Service. Mr. Frank Sinatra and the other
members of the Rat Pack as well as Mr. Bob Hope graced the
posh interiors of Admiral Limousines, as well as Mrs.
Jacqueline Onassis, the Beatles, together and then
independently and the King himself, Elvis Presley.
Quote from George A. Coupe’, Sr.
“All of the famous celebrities that I have met were very
gracious, but I must say that the
Reverend Billy Graham was the nicest man I have ever
met…Looking into his eyes, there is no
doubt “there is someone up there looking down on us.”
|
|
|
