The president and driving force behind the Checker Group is Al Enders, who started out in the taxi business in 1975 when he and his partner purchased Killarney Taxi in Calgary. Checker Cabs was created when he realized that taxi service in Calgary was falling short of customer expectations. Deciding to emphasize quality and service, he started afresh with twelve full-size luxury sedans. The name "Checker" was chosen for its continent-wide identification with taxi service and not because of an association with any particular vehicle.

The taxi fleet has grown in size to nearly 650 cabs. The mission statement of the management is to exceed, not just meet the customers' desires. Customers expect timely service, clean cars, responsible drivers, and a safe and comfortable ride. This level of service is reflected in the company's phenomenal growth. Little extras like reading material - daily papers and music of the customer's choice are part of the service as well as non-smoking cars. All cars are inspected regularly and thoroughly. There's also a special taxi program for the elderly and disabled (ACE).

As payment, drivers accept major credit cards, debit, and cash. Many corporations have established corporate accounts, and corporate clients arriving at the airport appreciate the convenience of a toll-free number that will ensure that a cab is waiting. A well received policy of the company is to inform the traveling public that no matter where they are - a taxi stand in the city, or even at the airport - they can request the taxi fleet of their choice, and are not forced to take whichever car is first in line.

All drivers are trained and educated in how to meet customer needs and in driver security. All drivers take the Canada Safety Council Defensive Driving Course taught by certified on-staff instructors. All drivers are instructed in city knowledge. Drivers and staff also participate in up to six workshops and seminars aimed at increasing customer satisfaction. Checker has been involved with the Alberta Tourism Education Program, assisting in developing certification standards for taxi drivers. The company and eight drivers have won White Hatter Awards from the Calgary Tourist and Convention bureau.

The Checker Group is also actively involved in many community organizations and activities; it's a silver level sponsor of the Calgary Winter Festival, and supports the School Safety Patrol and transportation services for the Red Cross.

Providing prompt service rests on more than just driver response. The dispatch department plays a vital role. In 1983, Checker introduced the first computerized dispatch center in Calgary, and it was revamped last year to allow for the increase in the number of calls and cabs currently averaging 35,000 calls a week. The Checker Group is among the first companies in Western Canada to install computers in their cabs.

A staff of 30 in the dispatch center manages the system to ensure that over 90 per cent of taxis are dispatched within one minute of the order being taken. It co-ordinates calls so that every customer gets a taxi from the fleet they want (except at peak times, when fleets back one another up).

Checker Courier has grown side-by-side with Checker's taxi services, and now offers a full range of service in Calgary, Edmonton and throughout Alberta. Handling a range of items from envelopes to large freight, services include in-city deliveries, overnight air services in Canada and the U.S., same day service between Edmonton and Calgary, and overnight ground services to B.C. and Saskatchewan. A computerized dispatch system ensures a timely response to orders, and large volume customers can use the Computer Connect system to enter and trace orders right from their offices.

Ambassador Limousine was established in 1987 to satisfy demand before and during the 1988 Olympics and has continued to grow. The fleet includes a variety of stretch limousines, minibuses, executive sedans and services for large groups (including motor coach tours). Ambassador uses top-of-the-line vehicles, exquisitely appointed and expertly maintained, chauffeured by a team of uniformed, trained professional drivers, who are experience city and Rocky Mountain tour guides. Ambassador offers innovative and creative specialty tour packages such as ski tours, Christmas light tours, theatre packages, services for a large number of people and more.