Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanya Cole.
Tanya , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey into transportation started from a deeply personal and life-changing experience.
There was a situation where a hospital was unable to secure transportation for a patient who needed an earlier departure for a transfer related to a scheduled heart surgery. The plan was to move her the night before, but transportation could not be arranged in time. Unfortunately, she passed away the next morning—just four hours before her originally scheduled departure.
That moment stayed with me. It made me realize that transportation is not just about getting from one place to another—it can directly impact outcomes, timelines, and even lives.
From that point forward, I knew something had to change. I founded Happy Trails Transportation with the goal of filling those gaps in the system—ensuring that patients are not delayed, overlooked, or left without options when timing matters most.
Since then, we’ve grown into a company focused on reliability, compliance, and compassionate service. Every trip we take is handled with the understanding that what we do matters—not just operationally, but personally.
Today, Happy Trails continues to expand while staying grounded in that original mission: to provide timely, dependable transportation so that no patient is left behind when it matters most.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road—but every challenge has shaped the company into what it is today.
One of the biggest struggles has been navigating the complexities of the non-emergency medical transportation industry. This isn’t a typical transportation business—it’s highly regulated, requires strict compliance, and involves working with multiple brokers, insurance systems, and ever-changing requirements. Learning how to operate within those systems while maintaining quality service has been a constant learning curve.
Another challenge has been financial pressure. Reimbursement rates from brokers are fixed and often lower than what it takes to operate comfortably, especially when factoring in vehicle costs, insurance, fuel, payroll, and unexpected repairs. Managing those realities while still trying to grow and provide reliable service has required a lot of discipline and resilience.
There have also been operational challenges—things like trip discrepancies, system delays, communication gaps, and ensuring drivers consistently follow protocol. When you’re dealing with real people who depend on transportation for medical care, even small issues can have a big impact.
Despite all of that, what has kept me going is the purpose behind it. Knowing that what we do helps people get to critical appointments, treatments, and care—that’s what makes it worth it. Every challenge has pushed me to build stronger systems, set higher standards, and stay committed to improving the experience for both passengers and partners.
As you know, we’re big fans of Happy Trails Transportation. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Happy Trails Transportation is a non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) company focused on providing safe, reliable, and timely transportation for individuals who depend on consistent access to healthcare services.
We specialize in ambulatory, wheelchair, and stretcher transportation, working closely with healthcare facilities, insurance brokers, and patients to ensure that every trip is handled with professionalism, accuracy, and care. Our services support patients traveling to and from medical appointments, treatments, hospital discharges, and ongoing care needs.
What sets Happy Trails apart is our commitment to compliance, accountability, and real-time operational awareness. In an industry where delays and miscommunication can directly impact patient outcomes, we prioritize structure, documentation, and responsiveness. We don’t operate like a typical transportation company—this is a regulated service, and we treat it with the seriousness it requires.
We are also building systems and partnerships that focus on coordination, not just transportation—working toward solutions that help reduce missed trips, improve communication between providers, and better serve communities with unmet transportation needs.
Brand-wise, what I am most proud of is that our company was built on purpose. It started from a real-life situation that showed how critical timely transportation can be. That foundation continues to drive how we operate today. Every trip is more than just a ride—it is a responsibility.
What I want readers to know is that Happy Trails Transportation stands for reliability, integrity, and patient-first service. We are not just moving people—we are supporting access to care, improving experiences, and working to close gaps in a system that many rely on every day.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Absolutely—no journey like this is built alone.
First and foremost, I have to acknowledge my partner, Vic. He has been a constant source of support, encouragement, and perspective throughout this entire process. Building a business comes with a lot of pressure and uncertainty, and having someone who believes in the vision just as much as you do makes a significant difference.
I also want to recognize our dispatcher, Keith Cole, who plays a critical role in our everyday operations. Dispatch is the backbone of what we do, and Keith helps ensure that trips are coordinated, drivers are supported, and passengers are taken care of in real time. His ability to manage moving parts, communicate effectively, and keep operations flowing smoothly is essential to maintaining the level of service we strive for.
I also give a great deal of credit to the drivers and team members who show up every day and carry out the mission on the ground. They are the ones interacting directly with passengers, ensuring they arrive safely and on time. Their commitment and willingness to adapt in a demanding industry play a major role in the success of the company.
In addition, I’ve learned a lot through working with brokers, healthcare facilities, and industry partners. While there have been challenges, those experiences have helped shape how I operate, improve processes, and strengthen the business overall.
I would also include the clients and passengers themselves. Many of them rely on these services regularly, and their feedback, patience, and trust have been invaluable. They are a constant reminder of why this work matters.
I would also like to recognize Sean Dehart, our mobile mechanic, for the role he plays in supporting our operations.
Sean is a dependable and dedicated young professional who has been instrumental in helping us keep our vehicles running and on the road. In this industry, reliability is everything, and having someone who responds quickly, communicates clearly, and takes pride in his work makes a significant difference.
As a growing company himself, Sean represents the kind of work ethic and commitment that deserves recognition. His support not only helps our business operate smoothly but also reflects the importance of strong partnerships in building and sustaining successful businesses.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://happytrailsjax.com/
