The Business Behind Celebrity Tours: Dreamliner CEO Rich Thomson Breaks It Down

In this episode of Built in America, host Sam Mahmood sits down with Rich Thomson, CEO of Dreamliner, to explore how a transportation startup launched during the height of COVID-19 has grown into a key player in live entertainment logistics. From purchasing his first 12 buses in 2020 to scaling through acquisitions, Rich shares how Dreamliner became the backbone of celebrity tours and live events across the country.

He reflects on the challenges of breaking into an industry built on trust and relationships, from navigating labor and maintenance shortages to reshaping an entire management team to align with his vision. Rich also dives into the importance of company culture, the complexities of music touring, and why diversification into sports and other sectors represents the next stage of growth.

Whether you’re curious about live entertainment, entrepreneurship, or the grit required to scale a company in one of the toughest industries to enter, this episode offers an inside look at building Dreamliner—and the leadership philosophy driving it forward.

Let’s keep building…

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