May 15, 2009

Take Your Office With You

These days corporate execs are getting slammed for using private jets and chauffeured limousines, but when you consider what their time is worth, those “indulgences” can actually provide excellent value. One executive who believes chauffeur-driven mobile offices are useful is Anthony Berritto, owner of Newark, N.J.-based Salson Logistics.

Like many executives, Berritto spends a significant amount of time commuting to work and visiting clients. He contends that driving himself is actually far more wasteful than having a professional take him to his destinations, particularly in a custom vehicle that is literally equipped as a high-end, rolling office. From the comfort of his plush, heated leather reclining seats, he can access his in-car computer and check email, research relevant information about potential clients on the Internet, make sales calls and even handle payroll for his 1,400-employee trucking company.

“During a typical week, I used to spend upwards of 20 hours in traffic, getting virtually nothing done,” explained Berritto, who now rides in the back of a mini-stretch Lincoln Town Car called a Royale LTC 30 Mobile Office. “This allows me to buy back that valuable time.”

Berritto’s vehicle was stretched 30 inches, giving rear-seat occupants a significant amount of legroom. The vehicle is also equipped with dozens of special amenities, including ergonomically designed desks, onboard computer, 20-inch LCD monitor, satellite television, reclining rear seats with massage, 110-volt inverter, 6-inch extended rear doors and touch controls for adjusting everything from climate to the premium stereo system’s volume. The car, which from the outside is barely discernible from a standard sedan, was built to spec by Royale at Cabot Coach Builders Company in Haverhill, Mass.