We were lucky to catch up with Cenk Sanal recently and have shared our conversation below.

Cenk, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

What sets us apart from the industry standard is our commitment to prioritizing the well-being and happiness of our riders. While many businesses focus primarily on bottom-line metrics, we take a people-first approach. We always aim to be on time, reliable, and trustworthy, but what truly makes us different is the way we build relationships with our riders.

We strive to be their friends first, creating an environment where they feel valued and supported. This not only fosters a positive and respectful atmosphere but also motivates them to perform at their best. Our focus on honesty, respect, and safety first ensures that every decision we make is driven by the long-term happiness and trust of our riders, rather than just immediate gains or efficiency.

While the industry often emphasizes speed and numbers, we believe in taking the time to build strong, authentic relationships—because when our riders are happy and safe, everything else falls into place.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m passionate about creating a service that not only meets expectations but exceeds them—especially when it comes to the happiness and well-being of the people who rely on us. I started this business with the belief that the key to success lies in building strong, meaningful relationships with everyone involved—whether it’s our riders, customers, or the wider community.

Before I entered this industry, I noticed a gap between the service that people were receiving and the kind of service they truly deserved—one that’s built on trust, respect, and a genuine desire to make a difference. That’s why I decided to start this business: to create a company that’s not only efficient and reliable but also human-centered.

What makes us stand out in this space is our approach to service: always on time, always reliable, and always focused on safety. But what truly sets us apart is our commitment to creating lasting relationships. We aim to be more than just a service provider—we strive to be our riders’ friends first, and family second. This unique dynamic builds a strong sense of loyalty and trust, which drives our success.

We specialize in delivering services that prioritize the well-being of our riders and customers. From maintaining the highest safety standards to providing constant support, our core value is making sure every individual feels heard, valued, and respected. We are not just solving logistical problems or delivering products; we are creating a supportive environment where everyone feels like they belong.

I’m most proud of the culture we’ve built—one where our riders are not just employees, but integral members of our team, who feel empowered and happy in their roles. Our focus on rider happiness directly translates into a better experience for our clients, because when our team is happy and supported, they perform at their best. This human-centered approach is the foundation of everything we do.

The main thing I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about us is that we are reliable, trustworthy, and human-focused. Our service is built on values that prioritize honesty, safety, and respect. When you choose to work with us, you’re not just another client—you’re a partner, and we treat you like family. We believe in delivering a service that not only meets your needs but makes a positive impact on your day.

Ultimately, the relationships we build, the trust we earn, and the happiness we foster are what set us apart and keep us moving forward.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe what really helped me build my reputation within the market is a consistent commitment to the core values that guide everything we do. From the very beginning, I knew that trust, reliability, and respect would be the foundation of our brand. These values have helped me earn the trust of both our riders and clients, and that trust is everything in this industry.

Staying true to my word is something I think sets us apart. In a fast-paced, results-driven world, it can be easy to overlook the small things, but I’ve always made it a point to be honest, on time, and safe—no matter what. We don’t just deliver services; we deliver on promises. Our riders and clients know they can count on us, and that’s a reputation you can’t fake.

Another key factor is the relationship-first approach we take. We try to be more than just a service provider. This personal touch has helped create a strong sense of loyalty, which has resulted in word-of-mouth referrals and long-lasting partnerships. People value the genuine connections we build, and that has played a huge role in our success.

Finally, our commitment to rider happiness has been a game-changer. By ensuring our team is motivated, well-supported, and treated with respect, they, in turn, offer better service. Happy riders lead to happy clients, and that has created a positive feedback loop that strengthens our reputation.

At the end of the day, I think our reputation is built on the simple idea that when you put people first—whether they’re your riders, clients, or partners—the results speak for themselves.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most important lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that doing everything myself was the best way to ensure things were done right. Early on in my business, I felt that if I wasn’t personally overseeing every single detail, things would slip through the cracks or fail to meet my standards. I thought that doing everything myself would keep control in my hands and ensure quality.

But the reality was, this mindset led to burnout and limited growth. I was constantly overwhelmed, and it became clear that trying to do everything was not only unsustainable, but also hindering the potential of the team I had around me. I realized that I had to start trusting others and empowering my team to take ownership of their roles.

Unlearning this need for control meant embracing delegation, and trusting that the people I hired could bring their expertise to the table. It also meant understanding that mistakes are part of the process, and that no one—myself included—is perfect. What truly matters is fostering a supportive, collaborative environment where everyone can thrive and learn together.

Since making this shift, I’ve seen how much stronger the team has become and how much more we can accomplish when everyone is contributing their skills. I learned that success isn’t just about doing things perfectly—it’s about building trust, letting go of unnecessary control, and working together toward shared goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.blackluxeride.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/blackluxeride
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/blackluxeride
• Yelp: https://yelp.com/biz/black-luxe-ride-houston