Charles E. Atchison, Sr., President/Owner of Atchison Transportation Services, Inc. (ATS) and Atchison Enterprises, is a native of Spartanburg, South Carolina and a true example of the American success story in an early environment less than supportive to minority accomplishments. In starting his business several years ago in 1949 as a taxi/delivery driver, he has built ATS through hard work, sacrifice, and foresight, into a highly successful, full-service ground transportation company. He is, most believe, the single most respected and successful minority business person in Spartanburg, SC.
Charles began by delivering packages and prescriptions for the late Steve Ashcraft, of Craft’s Drugstores in Spartanburg. He became well known in the community for his service, promptness, and concern for both his customers and clients. Not only did he provide package delivery service, he was, also, transporting passengers in his cab from early morning to late night, while never losing sight of the importance of his family and friends. During these early years, he had the foresight to learn to set taxi meters (which no one else could do locally) and to see the value of a central dispatch system and utilized this knowledge to organize independent cab drivers into the largest taxi service in the Upstate. During the 1960’s, he operated approximately 75 taxis. However, the increased use of individual automobiles, combined with public transportation, has decreased the demand for cabs. Charles, being a visionary, continually looked for new avenues in which to grow his business.
In 1974, he formed Airport Limousine Service (ALS), with the idea of providing transportation to and from the new jetport located on I-85 near Greer, SC. He knew the new airport would need dependable ground transportation for its passengers, and Charles was ready with ALS. He was awarded the first transportation contract and operated at the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport for over thirty (30) years.
In 1985, again looking to future trends in transportation; he started Atchison Charter Service, with just one 47 passenger Eagle bus. He now operates a full fleet of modern motor coaches for tours and charters. He has seen his business grow dramatically and constantly looks for ways to improve the professionalism and services offered. Whereas he began with only one bus, he now operates fourteen (14) motor coaches, (2) mini-buses, (2) mini-vans, (1) executive van and (2) sprinters ranging in size from 11 to 57 passenger coaches. This diversity enables ATS to continue to successfully operate, even in difficult economic times, and Atchison Transportation has maintained its strategic share of the market.
ATS also has Black Car/Executive Sedan service for companies and individuals, which has proven to be most successful in transporting business professionals and others who like the comfort of a sedan, but not the size of a limousine. ATS Black Car/Executive Sedan service offers (15) executive sedans and (3) executive SUV’s.
You would think, with all of these responsibilities he would have no more time, but yet on top of that, he owns and manages a large portfolio of real estate, through Atchison Enterprises. He constantly looks for and finds real estate opportunities, where others only see dead-ends”. His vision and forethought is amazing and inspirational, and has led to renewal projects in the redeveloping south side of Spartanburg, SC.
In all of the positive connotations, Charles has been a leader, mentor, and positive role model in Spartanburg and especially in the minority community. He has fostered new business development for many aspiring business people, regardless of race, gender or any other factor. He has set the tone for non-discrimination, long before it became mandatory. While helping such individuals, he expects them to succeed on their merit and hard work, just as he did. While giving virtually all of his time to his business family and in helping others, he has still found time to serve within the community.
The complete number of committees, councils, and volunteer entities in which he has served over the years are too large to list. However, a few worthy of mention here are the Spartanburg Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the first minority board member of the International Taxicab, Limousine and Paratransit Association, the Board of Directors for Spartanburg Methodist College, the Foundation Board of Spartanburg Technical College, the Spartanburg Children’s Shelter, the Advisory Board for the National Bank of South Carolina. The list goes on and on.
The only accomplishment that may outnumber his board duties may be the awards he has received over the years. Charles was a recipient of the 2017 Economic Visionaries Award from Spartanburg Community College, 2017 Good Scout Award from Boy Scouts of America Palmetto Council and in 2001, he received an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Claflin University (you can now call him Dr. Atchison) and in 1998 he became the first and only minority to be awarded the Spartanburg Small Business Person of the Year. His awards are almost all related to some aspect of humanitarian endeavors, whether they are church, community, or civic related.
Also, Charles is the undisputed guiding light and leader for his son and daughter, his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. One of his best-kept secrets (or not) is his ability to deliver humorous, but enlightening parables for almost any event in life, which always provides a real-life lesson for those who listen. Through all of this, he celebrated more than sixty-eight years of marriage to Lillie Kibler Atchison.
His legacy and legend will be seen and told by others for years to come. It can truly be said, “He was a self-made man,” with help from his family, God, and a few helping hands along the way. He is a positive role model, leader, and inspiration to all people...he is living the dream!
