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The Wilson Times
Down to Business: Sparks Limos will have you riding in style
By Chris Long,
7 days ago
Since graduating from college, Louis Sparks has done all kinds of odd jobs — from marketing and photography to operating a hot dog cart. When the opportunity presented itself to buy a limo, Sparks couldn’t resist.
“I started in October 2023 when I realized Wilson doesn’t have a limousine service, so I figured why not,” Sparks said. “A lot of people were having to be charged out-of-city, out-of-county rates. We differ from other limo companies in that we don’t charge an hourly minimum, we don’t charge mileage, and we don’t charge gratuity up front. That’s something you should earn.”
Sparks is the owner of Sparks Limo Service, a local limo service focused on family friendliness and local involvement.
“I’m all about keep businesses in Wilson and keeping the community involved,” Sparks said. “We’re always flexible to try different things if people want to try something different. We do a lot of bar hopping in Wilson. Proms, fall and winter festivals are coming up. We do work with the Night to Shine event. We volunteer all of our limos for that. There’s no real limit for what you want to do.”
Sparks said he enjoys getting to take Christmas light tours in particular. He said he’s gone as far as Greensboro but tries to keep the business as local as possible.
“I believe it’s important to support small, local businesses,” Sparks said. “When you do things locally instead of going to like Raleigh, you’re supporting locally.”
There are only two places Sparks said he can’t go: Raleigh-Durham International Airport and the Chick-fil-A drive-thru.
“We’ve done everything from Pokemon parties to date nights,” Sparks said. “If someone wants to go to a Mudcats game, that’s fine. You want to do something for Grandma? That’s great.”
Sparks said his limos and their passengers are fully insured while in operation. His main priority, he said, is safety — especially with kids.
“We have a tracking app so parents can see where we are at all times, how fast we’re going,” Sparks said. “They’re trusting me with their kids. I want to keep them safe. If it’s not on the itinerary, it doesn’t happen. No side quests.”
Sparks said he started with a 1999 Lincoln Town Car and now has two vehicles in his fleet. Prices range from $125-$150 an hour. Guests must book at least one hour at least two weeks in advance. For more information or to get in contact with Sparks, visit his website at sparkslimoservice.com or call 252-544-8175.
Christopher Long is The Wilson Times’ business reporter. If you have ideas for this weekly column, reach out to him at 252-265-7821 or clong@wilsontimes.com .
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