The Epic Backstory
Our Origin
In 2017, the owner began driving for Uber in Colorado Springs, Colorado, using his 2004 Honda Pilot. In order to make ends meet each month, he found himself driving up to 12 hours a day, a grueling schedule that wasn't sustainable, especially with Uber's app updates, including the addition of in-app tipping, not offering enough financial relief. Determined to find a way to earn more, he decided to figure out what would inspire passengers to tip more generously.
Having always had a passion for customizing his vehicles, he had an idea: why not customize his car to make it more enjoyable for riders? Starting small, he added things like phone chargers and mood lighting. To his delight, his tips doubled. Encouraged by this success, he reinvested that extra money into further upgrades, including a sound system, a 17" flip-down screen, wheel well lights, and even a cheap karaoke microphone.
Riders were blown away by the unique, fun experience, and many started requesting him specifically. He even gave out his personal number to regulars. This personal touch, combined with his fun vehicle modifications, led to the birth of "Party Uber/Lyft." It was a hit. Business was booming, and the positive feedback kept pouring in.
However, life took an unexpected turn, and he had to move back to Minnesota for personal reasons, bringing his Party Uber/Lyft venture to a temporary halt. Despite this, his creative approach to ridesharing and the success he found through customized experiences left a lasting impact, showcasing how going the extra mile for passengers can create loyal customers and generate significant income.
Fast Forward 5 Years:
In 2022, the owner found himself behind the wheel of a 2011 Honda Pilot, driving for Uber in his small Minnesota town. Initially, he hoped it would provide some extra income, but the business didn't take off as expected. Determined to make it work, he started driving two hours every weekend to Grand Forks, ND, where he saw more success. However, despite the better fares, the earnings were still relatively minimal.
It was then that the idea he had experimented with back in Colorado came rushing back. He remembered how customizing his vehicle had not only made his rides stand out but had also significantly increased his tips. So, he decided to apply the same concept once again, but this time, he went even further. Instead of just adding mood lighting and chargers, he started customizing the vehicle based on what the riders wanted, turning each ride into a personalized experience.
By October 2022, Partypilot was born—a unique, customized rideshare service designed to provide an unforgettable, party-like atmosphere. What started as a way to stand out in a competitive rideshare market turned into something much bigger. Partypilot quickly gained popularity, and riders loved the fun, tailored experience. It wasn’t just a ride; it was an experience they wanted to be part of.
From humble beginnings, the owner had successfully reinvented his business model, this time in North Dakota, turning Partypilot into a standout name in the ridesharing world.
A Few Months Later:
By April of 2023, the owner decided it was time to level up once again. He upgraded to a sleek, new 2023 Honda Pilot and gave it a more professional look, combining style with functionality. The new vehicle was equipped with modern, user-friendly technology designed to elevate the riding experience even further. With the summer months being a slower period for ridesharing, he took advantage of the extra time to continue customizing the vehicle, making improvements based on the preferences and requests of his riders.
During this downtime, he worked tirelessly to perfect Partypilot’s setup—adding more personalized touches, upgrading tech features, and ensuring every ride was a seamless, fun, and comfortable experience. Whether it was enhancing the sound system, fine-tuning lighting, or adding interactive elements, he made sure that each rider felt like they were stepping into a special experience.
In addition to these upgrades, he received exciting news: the Grand Forks city council approved his application to operate Partypilot Karaoke Taxi Service in the city. This approval opened up new opportunities for his business, allowing him to expand his reach and offer his unique, customized rides to an even larger group of riders in the area. With the new Honda Pilot, improved features, and official backing, Partypilot was ready for the next chapter of success.
In 2024:
Partypilot took a bold step forward and transitioned into a taxi service while still incorporating rideshare technology to maintain the convenience and flexibility that customers loved. The owner added a 2025 Honda Pilot, once again customizing the vehicle with a few minor aesthetic and functionality upgrades to give it a more polished, professional appearance while retaining the fun and personalized touches that made Partypilot unique.
With the shift to a taxi model, the business was able to offer more reliability and availability, but the owner didn’t abandon the technology that had helped Partypilot thrive. By integrating rideshare-like features such as an easy-to-use booking system, fare transparency, and a seamless digital payment option, riders could still use their phones to schedule rides, track their driver, and pay, just as they would with a traditional rideshare app.
To manage the growing demand, the owner began hiring drivers to join the team. By the end of 2024, five drivers were on board, each trained to provide the same high-quality service and unforgettable experiences that made Partypilot a hit. With the addition of the rideshare technology, customers could easily book a ride with the same convenience as a traditional app-based service, but now in a more personalized, professional taxi experience.
Partypilot's combination of traditional taxi service with modern rideshare tech allowed the business to stand out in Grand Forks, offering the best of both worlds—convenience, reliability, and a one-of-a-kind, customized ride experience. The transition marked an exciting new chapter in the company's growth, continuing to deliver the fun, tailored service customers had come to love while embracing the efficiency of modern technology.
Future Plans:
With the continued success of Partypilot, the owner is now focused on taking the business to even greater heights. "With your help, we can become the most convenient, reliable, enjoyable, innovative, and the best taxi company to drive for in the Midwest," he says. The goal is not only to dominate Grand Forks but to eventually expand into new markets. The first step? Expanding into Fargo, bringing the unique Partypilot experience to even more people.
The owner is passionate about spreading the joy of safe, reliable, and fun rides. He believes that everyone should have access to an unforgettable experience when they need a ride. Partypilot's customized vehicles and personalized services have made it stand out, and now, he wants to share that with more people across the region.
But it doesn't stop there—Partypilot will be available 24/7 beginning of 2025, ensuring that no matter the time, riders can count on a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable journey. Whether it's a night out, a ride to the airport, or a late-night event, Partypilot will be ready and waiting to provide top-notch service around the clock.
As the company grows, the owner remains dedicated to innovation and excellence, constantly seeking new ways to enhance the rider and driver experience. With these ambitious plans in place, Partypilot is set to become not just a service, but a movement—a standout taxi company in the Midwest that people will rave about.