Every region has its landmarks, but in the Northwoods, community spirit and top-tier hospitality don't just sit on a map—they roll on four wheels.

It’s called "Hooties Hauler," a highly rated local VIP shuttle and transportation service that has become a rolling monument to local memories, family milestones, and seamless group travel. Centered perfectly between Holcombe, Hayward, and the Rusk County chain of lakes—or as the locals proudly call it, "Radisson with an R"—this custom fleet has become the official transport of Northern Wisconsin celebration.

The powerhouse behind the operation is owner Rachel Hautamaki, while Hootie himself takes the wheel as the main driver and head of entertainment. Together, Rachel and Josh, they are living proof of a simple philosophy: step out of your comfort zone, try something new, and don’t be afraid to fail. It’s in those moments of failure that the best lessons are learned, and for Rachel and Josh, that leap of faith has paid off massively.

What started as a single bus has exploded due to overwhelming demand. When people kept calling and they had to turn business away, they picked up two more. Once they hit three, they grabbed buses four and five. Today, that five-bus fleet is a staple of the region, already booked out into September 2027.

On any given summer evening, you might find a Hauler parked outside a ball field, serving as the backdrop for a massive family photo of the Radisson Red Sox youth baseball team. Dressed in matching red and white jerseys, a sea of kids and supportive parents grin in front of the bus, proving that this is the ultimate hometown support system.

But the true magic happens once you step inside.

The traditional, sterile look of a standard school bus is completely gone, replaced by an authentic, polished aluminum ceiling that catches the light and instantly tells a story. Look closely, and you’ll realize the entire roof is a living guestbook. Hundreds of names—like Bina, Brendan, Kendall, Natalie, Haylee, and Sophia—are scrawled in permanent marker from front to back, left by the passengers who have shared a ride and a laugh within its walls.

To capture that magic, Hootie frequently shoots videos of the patrons, documenting the high-energy highlights of their night out so the memories last long after the ride ends.

The fleet is built for ultimate versatility, seamlessly transitioning from a wholesome afternoon transporting a youth sports team to a high-energy, neon-lit night out. It has become the premier choice for:

Growing from one bus to five in a highly seasonal market comes with its own set of school-of-hard-knocks lessons. Along the way, the team has learned a lot about the grinding realities of logistics—currently focusing their efforts on optimization, managing high insurance premiums, and working to get their routine maintenance bills down to keep the fleet running smoothly.

But no matter where the road leads, Hooties Hauler represents the same thing: connection. In a world that often moves too fast, this service forces people to sit together, look at each other, and enjoy the journey safely. It is a moving archive of the region's best days, powered by great service, laughter, and a fearless drive to try something big.