630.668.9600

Our History | West Suburban Limousine | Family-Owned Since 1966

Posted On: 01/13/2026

Some companies measure success by how fast they grow or how big they become. At West Suburban Limousine, success has always been defined a little differently. It is built on trust, longevity, and doing things the right way, year after year.

Founded in 1966, West Suburban Limousine has spent nearly 60 years serving Chicagoland families, businesses, and communities with care, consistency, and pride. What began as a small operation with just two vehicles has grown into one of the region’s most respected family-owned transportation companies. This growth did not come from chasing trends, but from staying true to its values.

This is the story of how West Suburban Limousine evolved across six decades, while never losing sight of who it is.

1966: A Humble Beginning

West Suburban Limousine’s story begins on August 1, 1966, when the company was purchased by Raymond Hiltunen and Hilbert Homan. At the time, the business consisted of just two cars. By any standard, it was a modest operation, but one backed by a strong work ethic and a clear vision for quality service.

From the start, the focus was not on becoming the largest transportation company in the Chicago area. It was about building something reliable, personal, and family-driven. The goal was to create a business rooted in trust and long-term relationships.

Those early decisions would shape everything that followed.

1971–1979: Growth, Moves, and Momentum

As demand grew, so did the company. In 1971, West Suburban Limousine moved from its original location on Route 53 in Lombard, affectionately referred to as “the chicken coop,” to St. Charles Road in Carol Stream. Around this time, the company acquired a Wheaton phone number, 630-668-9600, which remains WSL’s primary number to this day.

By 1979, another move followed. The business relocated to a strip mall on East St. Charles Road in Carol Stream. By this point, the company had expanded significantly, employing 65 drivers and continuing to strengthen its reputation throughout the western suburbs.

These were years of steady, intentional growth. Progress was built not on shortcuts, but on service.

1983–1985: Innovation Before Its Time

Long before digital convenience became the norm, West Suburban Limousine embraced innovation in meaningful ways.

In 1983, WSL became one of the first limousine companies in Chicago to acquire a 1-800 number. At the time, this was a major milestone. Cell phones did not exist, and many customers relied on pay phones to contact transportation providers.

Just two years later, on December 1, 1985, the company entered the digital age by introducing computers into its operations. Reservations were no longer tracked exclusively with handwritten forms and dispatch binders. This was a major leap forward that improved efficiency while preserving the personal touch customers valued.

During this same era, WSL’s history was already being carefully preserved. In the early 1980s, Scott’s mother, the mother of current General Manager Scott, began maintaining written archives of the company’s story. This tradition reflects how deeply history and legacy have always mattered to the business.

1990–2001: Establishing Roots and Reaching New Heights

In 1990, West Suburban Limousine moved to its current home in Winfield, Illinois, located at 27W291 Geneva Road. This location continues to serve as the company’s headquarters today.

By 2001, the company reached its peak fleet size with 140 active vehicles. This milestone was the result of decades of hard work and customer trust. That same year, however, the world changed dramatically. Like many transportation businesses, WSL was deeply impacted by the events of September 11th.

While the fleet never again reached that peak number, the company endured. It adapted thoughtfully, without abandoning its principles or its commitment to service.

2013–2017: Entering the Digital Era

For decades, the only way to book a vehicle with West Suburban Limousine was by phone or by walking into the office. That changed in 2013, when the company introduced online reservations for the first time. This shift made booking more convenient while maintaining the personalized service WSL was known for.

In 2016, WSL refreshed its logo and branding in celebration of its 50th anniversary. The update marked a new visual chapter while still honoring the company’s past.

The following year, in 2017, West Suburban Limousine expanded into digital marketing and social media. This move strengthened its connection with the community and allowed the company to share its story more broadly. It was more than a marketing update. It was a thoughtful evolution that reflected how WSL could modernize without compromising its identity.

2026: Celebrating 60 Years of Legacy

As West Suburban Limousine approaches its 60th anniversary in 2026, one thing is clear. This company has never tried to be something it is not.

WSL did not aim to become the next Uber. It did not pursue rapid expansion at the expense of personal service. Instead, it chose to remain a family-owned "Main Street" business, old-fashioned in the best way possible, guided by relationships, accountability, and pride in its work.

The people who choose West Suburban Limousine share those values. They return year after year not just because of reliability, but because they trust the people behind the wheel and behind the scenes.

Sixty years later, the mission remains the same: serve with integrity, honor the past, and drive confidently into the future.

WSTL Blog

View All Posts