About Tom's Cruz
30 Years of Keeping Northern Ohio Moving
What started with one car and a bold idea in 1996 has grown into Northern Ohio's most trusted limousine service. Tom's Cruz has been part of weddings, proms, airport runs, and celebrations across the region for three decades -- and we're just getting started.
Our Story
Started with one car. Built on reputation.
In 1996, Tom Halbisen bought the oldest car in the business -- intentionally. He wanted to test an idea without risking too much. If it didn't work, he wouldn't be hurt too bad. If it did work, well, he'd figure out the next step.
It worked. By 1998, Tom's Cruz was the largest transportation company between Cleveland and Toledo. In 1999, Tom quit his full-time job as a flat-rate body man and went into the limousine business full time. He sold his boat, sold his cars, and went all in.
That was 26 years ago. Today, Tom's Cruz serves communities across Northern Ohio with the same commitment to quality, professionalism, and reliability that built the business in the first place.
The Name
How Tom's Cruz got its name
In late 1996, Tom launched a naming campaign among friends he bowled with and worked with. Several variations of "Tom's Cruise" emerged. He gave away six hours of free limo service to the winners -- and actually selected two, because two people had close variations of the name he liked.
The final name combined "Tommy's Cruisers" and "Tom's Cruising" into Tom's Cruz. The spelling was deliberately changed from CRUISE to CRUZ to avoid any conflicts with a certain famous actor -- though the early logos did draw some inspiration from his movies. Those original logos are still in use today.
"I bought the oldest car in the business intentionally, just to see if I could do it. I wasn't going to be hurt too bad if it didn't work. By 1998 we were the largest transportation company between Cleveland and Toledo."
— Tom Halbisen, Founder
Our Standards
What Tom looks for in a chauffeur
Tom has been hiring and training chauffeurs for 30 years. Here's what he says makes the difference between a good ride and a great one.
Non-negotiable. Every chauffeur at Tom's Cruz has a clean driving record before they ever get behind the wheel of one of our vehicles.
Well dressed, well groomed, and professional in every interaction. The way our chauffeurs present themselves reflects on you and your event.
Too talkative isn't good. Too quiet isn't either. A great chauffeur reads the room and knows when to engage and when to let the ride speak for itself.
Our full-time chauffeurs are available day or night. In this business, you have to be about the business -- you never know when you'll get the call.
The Team
People who've made this their career
One of the things Tom is most proud of isn't the size of the fleet or the number of trips -- it's the people who've chosen to build their careers at Tom's Cruz.
24 years and counting
One of Tom's chauffeurs has been with the company for 24 years. That kind of loyalty doesn't happen by accident -- it's built on mutual respect and a workplace worth staying in.
A decade of dedication
Another team member has been with Tom's Cruz for over 10 years. When your employees stay that long, your customers notice the difference in consistency and care.
Rooted in Northern Ohio
Tom grew up in the area, graduated from Margaretta High School, and has spent his entire career serving the Northern Ohio community. This isn't just business -- it's home.
Ready to experience the difference?
30 years of Northern Ohio transportation. Book online or give Tom a call -- he'd love to hear from you.