Plan your next party in a limo

Billy Huerta started his own business out of his car because his business is his car — at least one of his businesses. Owner of 1st Choice Limousines, Huerta started Tuxedoes and More not long after going into the luxury transportation business for the same reasons. He saw a need not being sufficiently met, and he already knew the business.
“I used to work for a funeral home, and I was driving part time for another limo company,” Huerta said. “The limo service the funeral home was using was not keeping their cars up to par, so the owner gave me the responsibility to look for another service.” 
Instead, he bought two new limousines from New York City and started his own business. That was in 2002. From his first two funeral home clients, he expanded to 14. He now provides luxury transportation for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, many of the celebrities who come to town and an endless stream of weddings, quinceañeras and bar-hopping parties. 
Initially, Huerta parked his cars at home in Odem, where he has served 10 years as a member of the city council and nine years as mayor, his current position. Some of his clients wanted to see the vehicles before reserving a ride, and others were uncomfortable giving a credit card number over the phone to a home-based business.
“I was losing a lot of business,” Huerta said. “I decided to open an office in Corpus Christi.” 
Tuxedos and More was born from that move. 
“I was already servicing a tuxedo shop in Kingsville, so I decided I could open up a tuxedo shop in Corpus Christi and lease from the same company I was already using,” he said. 
Huerta built up an inventory of party wear that now enables him to dress up to four weddings or quinceañeras a weekend. 
While he gets a steady stream of year-round business from events and partygoers who would rather not risk a DUI when out on the town, the busiest time of year for 1st Choice Limousines will always be prom season, Huerta said. That stretches from February to late May and involves full use of the luxury extras that come with his his 10-passenger limos (one black, one white), the seven-passenger Yukon and 16 passenger Hummer. He also has several Town Car sedans.
Depending on the customers’ needs, Huerta can provide cars with DVD and CD players, fiber-optic lights, stereo surround sound and a bar for drinks and snacks. All his vehicles offer plush seating and come with fully licensed, polite, expert drivers dressed smartly in suits and ties. One of those drivers just might be Huerta.
“I’ve been driving for 25 years,” he said. “I was already driving for 10 years before I opened my own limo service.” 
He relies on that expertise for training his drivers, who open doors and always know where they are going. Drivers for 1st Choice Limousines also have full criminal background checks before they are hired and are permitted with the city of Corpus Christi. They must take defensive driving courses and have a physical examination, all part of providing a true VIP experience with each trip.
That VIP treatment makes a night on the town much more fun — and cheaper — than other alternatives to celebrations that involve alcohol, Huerta said. 1st Choice Limousines offers a package deal for those just going to one place to party. For $350, a limo will drop you off and come back in several hours to bring you home, basically offering an hour before and after the party. 
For those making several stops through the night, the cost is $115 an hour, which includes a tip. His vehicles can handle from eight to 16 passengers at a time. For that, he promises smooth and stress-free travel. 
“You don’t have to worry about getting from Point A to Point B,” he said. “You don’t have to worry about getting lost. We know the area, and we can take care of you.” 

1st Choice Limousines and Tuxedos and More are located at 4701 Ayers St., Suite 106, in Corpus Christi. Call (361) 855-5466 or email firstchoicelimo4@aol.com to find out about military and funeral discounts and book your next luxury ride.