A history built on relationships.
Since 1972, the Cornell family has grown ABC Companies from its beginnings in the bus industry into a passenger transportation company serving customers across North America. More than 50 years later, ABC remains family-owned and focused on the relationships that helped build the business.
The man behind the beginning.
It started with a bus route in Faribault.
Clarence “Clancy” Cornell began running city routes in Faribault, Minnesota, in 1950. In 1957, he purchased the Faribault Bus Company from his brother Eddie and made it his own.
As the business grew into tours and charters, Clancy developed a growing interest in buying and selling coaches. In 1972, the Cornell family formed ABC Bus, shifting the focus to motorcoach sales, leasing and service. It was the beginning of the company known today as ABC Companies.
A family business from the beginning.
Clancy and his wife, Norma, raised their family around the business. Their children grew up learning the operation firsthand, helping establish the family involvement that continues today.
Clancy also remained active in the motorcoach industry, supporting education and industry organizations throughout his career.
Three generations of Cornell leadership.
Clancy’s son Ron became CEO in 1997, followed by Dane Cornell, who led ABC for 16 years. In 2023, Clancy’s grandson Roman Cornell became CEO, with Dane transitioning to Chairman of the Board.
Today, ABC remains family-owned and led by the third generation of the Cornell family.
I grew up watching my grandfather build something that lasted, one relationship at a time. He believed in earning trust and standing behind your word. Carrying that forward isn’t just my job. It’s my privilege.
Built on experience. Focused on what’s next.
ABC has evolved significantly since 1972, but the focus on relationships and accountability remains. Today, we’re building on that foundation as passenger transportation evolves, expanding how we serve customers while continuing to redefine the standard.
Seven decades of growth, service, and partnership.
From its early roots in Faribault, Minnesota, to serving customers across North America, explore the milestones that have shaped ABC Companies through the decades.
A family business begins.
Clancy Cornell starts running city routes in Faribault, Minnesota—the first chapter of a family story that's still being written.
The birth of ABC Bus.
The Cornell family forms ABC Bus, refocusing on motorcoach sales, leasing, and service. The company we know today is born.
The Van Hool partnership.
We form an exclusive distribution partnership with Van Hool and take delivery of our first coach—the start of one of the industry's defining relationships.
Parts built for operators.
We launch our parts division, known today as ABC Parts Source, giving operators the components they need to keep their fleets running.
Refurbishment takes root.
We open our Bus Refurbishment Center—starting with 250 Greyhound motorcoaches.
50 years, and a broader fleet.
We celebrate 50 years of family ownership and form our SVT division, expanding beyond motorcoaches into shuttle buses, passenger vans, and transit vehicles.
The third generation leads.
Roman Cornell, Clancy's grandson, becomes CEO, and Dane Cornell is named Chairman of the Board.
A growing service network.
We expand to Denver, bringing our North American service network to 10 locations—closer support for the operators who depend on us.
