An American Dream Realized Through Ali Koç’s Touch: Pegasus Transport

Seeking to connect with the Turkish community, Taşdemir attended a general assembly meeting of the Turkish Society, one of the oldest Turkish associations in America. There, he met businessman Mehmet Öncü, who was planning to open a restaurant and needed live music. Taşdemir’s background in music made him a perfect fit, leading him to work at the Istanbul Tavern Restaurant in North Bergen, NJ.
In New Jersey, Taşdemir worked various jobs, including gas station attendant and limousine driver, gaining a deep understanding of the American business environment. These early years were marked by financial hardship, yet Taşdemir displayed immense determination and resilience.

Prime Time Years and the First Strike
After working various jobs, Taşdemir found employment as a driver with Prime Time, a limousine company based in Queens. During his time there, he gained valuable insights into the company's internal workings and industry challenges. While at Prime Time, Taşdemir and an Egyptian colleague organized one of the first strikes in America to advocate for drivers' rights. The strike was successful, but his colleague was soon dismissed, prompting him to start his own company.

In 1991, while working at Prime Time, Taşdemir was requested by dispatcher to pick up a Turkish client from the airport. This client turned out to be Ali Koç, then a 24-year-old heir of Turkey’s wealthiest family. This meeting would eventually lead to the founding of one of America’s most esteemed transportation companies.

The Birth of Pegasus Transport
Taşdemir’s prominence as a spokesperson for the drivers’ strike eventually led to his departure from Prime Time. Encouraged by friends, he co-founded Pegasus Transport in 1994 with 13 partners, starting with limited capital and resources. The company's headquarters were established in North Bergen. Initially, financial difficulties plagued the company, with challenges in securing both clients and drivers.

During a challenging period, Ali Koç reached out to Taşdemir, learning of his departure from Prime Time and the establishment of his own company. With Koç’s influence, Pegasus secured its first major corporate account with Koç Holding's American subsidiary, Ramerica International.
In a subsequent conversation about Pegasus’ financial struggles, Koç reviewed the company's paperwork and provided a crucial investment, ensuring the company's survival. This support was not just financial but also moral, aimed at assisting young Turkish entrepreneurs in America. Later, when other shareholders pressured Taşdemir to buy or sell his shares, Koç once again stepped in, agreeing to buy all the shares. Tasdemir has with one condition: that Koç would become a shareholder. Eventually, Koç owned 60% of the company but later transferred full ownership back to Taşdemir.

The Path to Success
With Ali Koç’s financial backing and strategic partnership, Pegasus Transport quickly expanded. Under Taşdemir's leadership, the company established partnerships with high-profile clients such as CNBC, MSNBC, Major League Baseball, Bristol-Myers, and Charles Schwab. Pegasus handled transportation for major events like the U.S. Open and the 1994 World Cup. In the early 2000s, Pegasus Transport experienced accelerated growth. The increased demand from television networks during the Iraq War significantly boosted the company’s revenue. Despite the 2007-2008 financial crisis, Pegasus achieved a remarkable $17 million in revenue. Today, Pegasus Transport boasts a fleet of 45 vehicles and offers a wide range of transportation services, primarily to large corporations.

A Story of Trust and Loyalty
Cengiz Taşdemir’s friendship with Ali Koç has been the cornerstone of his business success. The support provided by the Koç family transformed Pegasus Transport from merely a company into a business relationship founded on trust and loyalty. "Money can be earned and is transient. Debts can be taken and repaid, but the moral debt for helping someone in difficult times can never be repaid," Taşdemir reflects. His acquaintance with Ali Koç also led to meeting other members of the Koç family. During Rahmi Koç’s visits to the United States, Taşdemir accompanied him and even participated in the family’s private dinners. "Sometimes, Ali Bey would jokingly introduce me to third parties as Rahmi Bey’s closest friend. Rahmi Bey would reciprocate by introducing me as Ali Bey’s closest friend. This is, of course, a great honor and pride for me," he says.

A Vision for the Future
Pegasus Transport’s future is shaped by Cengiz Taşdemir’s innovative vision and adaptability. With the rise of Uber and other new transportation solutions, Pegasus has modernized its business model to stay competitive. Today, under Taşdemir's leadership, Pegasus Transport is more than just a transportation company—it is a symbol of success and determination. Ali Koç’s strategic support has turned the company into a beacon of Turkish entrepreneurship in America. Since its founding, Pegasus has provided employment for 3,000-4,000 individuals and continues to support 60 employees.