NAPT Hall of Famer and SBF Publisher Set to Retire

Frank Di Giacomo, well-known publisher emeritus of School Bus Fleet, is set to retire in January after having spent the past 33 years with Bobit Business Media. Frank is one of two Bobit associates that have been inducted into the National Association for Pupil Transportation Hall of Fame. The only other one was Edward J. Bobit, founder of his namesake publishing company. Bobit has been publishing School Bus Fleet since 1968.

Frank started with Bobit in 1981 working on a heavy construction magazine, Construction Contracting in the Marlton, N.J. office. He then moved to School Bus Fleet and related magazine titles as an eastern sales manager in the 1980’s and was promoted to the position of publisher for School Bus Fleet and Metro magazines in 1991.

“He always knew everyone and made them feel welcome. Also, no doubt, he is the best-dressed person in student transportation.” - John Benish Jr.

Under Frank’s leadership, School Bus Fleet flourished with Frank spending time with all of the major industry associations – NAPT, NSTA and NASDPTS. He also helped companies like Navistar, Thomas Built Buses, Blue Bird and Collins negotiate the school bus industry. Frank annually represented School Bus Fleet giving out the coveted Administrator of the Year Award at NAPT and the Contractor of the Year Award at NSTA.

During his tenure at School Bus Fleet, he championed pressing safety issues, such as children left stranded on school buses, and industry concerns like protecting the fuel tax exemption for school buses. He served on the NASDPTS Supplier Council.

John Benish, Jr., immediate past president of the NSTA, calls Frank “a treasure for our industry.”

“He always knew everyone and made them feel welcome,” Benish said. “Also, no doubt, he is the best-dressed person in student transportation.”

Patrick McManamon, president of NASDPTS, describes him as “a true icon in the school transportation industry.”

“For years, he has brought class and excellence to the industry and we are all better for his tireless efforts,” McManamon said. “On behalf of NASDPTS, we wish Frank good health and much happiness in his retirement.”

Justyne Lobello, who handled public relations for Blue Bird Corporation while working with Di Giacomo for the past nine years, appreciated the support he gave.

“When I think of Frank, I think of one word: relationships,” Lobello said. “He introduced me to many people, ideas, and concepts that are not able to be written down – knowledge that is truly industry-specific and was attained through decades of experiences. I can’t thank him enough for his support and fellowship.”

Frank Di Giacomo was instrumental in bringing together NAPT and Bobit to co‐develop the School Bus eXchange (SBX), an entirely new way for fleet managers and suppliers to work together to develop better relationships and solutions to industry problems. SBX later morphed into School Bus Fleet ConneX.

In 2012, Frank Di Giacomo was promoted to VP, Bus & Rail Group for Bobit and later moved into the role of Publisher Emeritus. He and his team won numerous editorial and sales awards within Bobit, where he was known as a godfather figure to many.

- Ty Bobit is the retired president and CEO of Bobit Business Media.