Today we’d like to introduce you to Toan Dao.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m a Charleston native, raised West of the Ashley, and a first-generation Vietnamese immigrant who came to this country at seven years old without speaking a word of English. My family didn’t have much growing up, but I always had a fascination with nice cars and a drive to build something of my own.
I got my start in the transportation business with a simple mindset: show up, work hard, and never miss an opportunity. While attending the College of Charleston, I began driving for the original Charleston Black Cab Company on weekends—sometimes 24 hours straight—answering every call that came in. That hustle became the foundation of everything that followed. After graduating, I took a leap and started my own transportation company. Eventually, I had the opportunity to buy the very company I started with, becoming the owner of Charleston Black Cab.
What began as a single $12K used Lincoln Navigator—complete with constant mechanical and electrical issues—has grown into a multimillion-dollar operation with a fleet of over 50 vehicles. Now we are the largest limo and party bus fleet in the Southeast. It hasn’t come easy. There were years of sleepless nights, constant pressure, but my relentless work ethic and wonderful team members have been the key to my success. Not to mention my constant supporter, motivator and enforcer wife that has pushed me to this level. I count not have done it without my wonderful wife of 16 years, Quyen Nguyen. She is truly my light.
None of it would have been possible without the values my family instilled in me, the support of my incredible wife—who is far smarter than I am—and my kids, who keep me grounded and remind me what matters most. From a kid who arrived here with nothing to building a thriving business, I’m proud to say I’m living the American Dream.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Growth is never smooth. It comes with setbacks, pressure, and moments that test everything you’ve built. One that stands out happened on what should have been one of our biggest weekends. We had just invested in five new party buses and had nearly 20 scheduled to go out. Around 1 p.m., I got a call from a driver—six of our buses had their catalytic converters cut and stolen overnight.
We were fully booked. There was no backup plan, no easy replacement, and no time to panic.
Instead of letting the moment spiral, I stayed focused on the job in front of me. One call at a time, we worked to find solutions for our clients, securing alternative transportation and successfully covering all of those reservations. It wasn’t perfect, and it definitely wasn’t painless—but we showed up when it mattered most.
That day tested my grit in a way few things have. The initial hit felt like a punch to the gut, but leadership means staying steady when things go wrong. You don’t fall apart—you get to work. That experience didn’t just solve a crisis; it earned the respect of my team and peers, many of whom are still with me today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Aside from owning the Charleston Black Cab Company, I own Crafted Travel. We are an inbound tour company specializing in making the experience Epic. My favorite part about that company is I get to go around and meet so many great people who are local business owners or just plain our cool people. I have made may friends that way and you just never know who you are going to run into in this little big City of Charleston.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
My number priority is being a good Husband and Father. There is nothing else more important than your family because after that, there is nothing else.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.CharlestonBlackCabCompany.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlestonblackcab/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharlestonSCBlackCab/
