About
Us
Thunderstar Stages was founded in 1997 by three people — a driver, a bookkeeper and a dispatcher — who were then working for a local charter bus service.
FOUNDED BY THREE PEOPLE WITH A DREAM…
To operate a service that would take passengers from Petaluma and Santa Rosa to Reno, Nevada, on weekends.
The current owner, Anne Picchi, was introduced to the business through the opportunity of investment. Her role grew, and she is now the owner of Thunderstar Stages.
Anne puts a high value on the safety and satisfaction of her customers after each trip, always welcoming feedback and hoping to leave each customer with the tour or travel of their desires.
BUILDING OUR BUSINESS
In April 2004, Thunderstar Stages became incorporated Anne Picchi became president and CEO. Original Partners found other opportunities to pursue, Thus in 2007, Anne went from knowing merely where the gas and brake pedals were; to running not just the financial end of the business, but being “chief cook and bottle washer.”
A good business owner knows the operation from top to bottom, so that's what Anne Did. She washed and deep-cleaned the buses inside and out, dumped toilets, and learned all about Detroit Engines and Allison B500 Transmissions, bus electronics, and air conditioning systems — just to mention a few of talents she acquired along the way.
Many thanks to those in the bus industry who have helpful advice and helped our company in so many ways. We are proud to be a part of the local Greater Sonoma County Industry. Some 600,000 Americans ride buses each year to enjoy local trips and visit national parks and other great sites all over our country, while their drivers work hard to keep everyone safe in all kinds of weather and in the face of more types of unexpected challenges than one can possibly imagine.
Those who work with and operate charter buses are special people. They give of themselves and are always there when the community needs them. Be it fires, floods, or disasters of any kind, these men and women will jump in their buses without a second thought to move people to safety or get children out of summer camps to escape fires. They not only help their own communities but will happily drive great distances to respond to a need.
GIVING BACK
In smaller ways Thunderstar contributes to our local community, for example by providing buses to the 20/30 Club so kids can go fishing, transporting special-needs children to the Pumpkin Patch, and running shuttles for the Human Race, Graton Fire Department Pancake Breakfast fund raiser, and the Fungi Fest food program.
From providing the Best Napa Wine Tours to Casino Transportation and more
Our vans accommodate up to 8 guests, and our shuttle buses accommodate up to 28 guests.
Locally woman-owned and family-operated charter bus service for over 15 years in beautiful Sonoma County.
Building a reputation for fantastic personal service and clean equipment. Member of the United Motor Coach Association. Committed to providing safe, clean equipment with reliable service in compliance with all applicable government orders and regulations.
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
