Chariots for Hire
A stretch limousine has long been a sign of celebrity, affluence and power for fat cats and hot dogs. But the growing number of limousine businesses has made the classy rides within reach for nearly everyone, including the pimpliest of prom dates. KLS Transportation Service in Beverly Hills, one of Southern California’s largest limo companies, says clients are leaning away from stretch limos and toward less-conspicuous luxury SUVs or roomy sports sedans. What happens in a limo usually stays in a limo, but some KLS chauffeurs were willing to let us ride shotgun.
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Jack Manoukian
34, Glendale
Why are you a chauffeur?
I was a construction worker before. You meet a lot of high-profile people.
Give us some limo lingo.
“As directed” means you do whatever the client instructs.
Pros and cons of celeb clients?
The money is pretty good and you get to know a lot of the celebrities. The downside is, paparazzi will be all over you.
Longest trip?
I took someone to Phoenix by stretch. He didn’t like to drive or fly. He had two puppies with him.
What was your biggest tip?
I was driving a royal family for one month, from morning to evening, daily. I got almost $6,000 for a tip.
What was your strangest client?
A client partied in the car and fell asleep. It was 3 in the morning, so I parked and slept until he woke up.
Most unusual request?
At 11:30 on a Sunday night a well-known client asked me to get him a chessboard. I got it in a half hour.
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Arthur Shamamyan
43, North Hollywood
Why are you a chauffeur?
After Sept. 11, I was working for a computer company and they started laying off everybody.
Strangest thing you’ve heard?
I was taking a guy to Long Beach and he wants to have sex with the girl. There was something wrong with the divider. He and I tried to fix it.
What has the job taught you?
When you work in Beverly Hills, life is good. When you come home, it’s a different picture.
Most unusual request?
This man in Beverly Hills told me to drive around Santa Monica. He went up to the homeless and gave them $100 bills. He tipped me $350.
Tell us a celeb story.
This guy is bigger than Elton John. We talked from the hotel to Spago restaurant. He said, “I want you to have lunch with us.” I took the limousine to valet parking. I said, “I don’t want any scratches.”
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Christian Grigore
35, Sherman Oaks
Why are you a chauffeur?
I had experience in corporate systems. I was ready to be out of an office.
Favorite destination?
Clubs, because I have more time for myself.
Least-favorite destination?
LAX. It’s a zoo.
What goes on in a limo?
People fight, smoke pot, have sex, you name it.
Give us some limo driver lingo.
Every limo driver is going to use “cheap.” We also use “cool.” “I have this client , he’s a very cool person.” “Cheap” and “cool.”
Give us your best celeb story.
When my daughter was born, Kirk Douglas sent a very nice gift.
Your biggest tip ever?
It was $3,500 from a Saudi royal family for 40 days of work.
Why is L.A. a great limo city?
It’s always beautiful. It’s like a movie every day.
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Masoud Vahedi
49, Co-owner KLS Transportation Service
How did you become a driver?
I joined a company 20 years ago. I found I was comfortable with celebrities. I started driving J. Lo. Now I am her transportation manager. The stars call me Unbelievable.”
Why?
In 1996 I drove Leon Panetta, then White House chief of staff, the biggest honor an Iranian citizen can have. Since that day I say “unbelievable” a lot.
Best job in your life?
I was the vice president of the Badminton Federation in Iran at 23.
Worst job of your life?
When I came here I was a cook at McDonald’s.
Would you recommend this job?
If you don’t like to open the door, don’t touch this job.
Most unusual client request?
A man wanted me to find cocaine. I told him, “Get out on any street and you will find it.”