SBF 70 years logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Remembering Michael A. Roberts

The long-time leader of the Ohio-based American Bus and Accessories business has died, with Roberts’ daughter and son-in-law taking over the business.

February 19, 2026
a black and white photo of michael roberts against a white flowery background with text that says "In memoriam Michael Roberts"

Roberts took on the former Wayne Corp. dealership in 1986, then renaming the company to what it’s known as today.

Credit:

American Bus and Accessories, Inc./School Bus Fleet

3 min to read


  • Michael A. Roberts, a prominent leader in the American Bus and Accessories business based in Ohio, has passed away.
  • The business will continue under the leadership of Roberts' daughter.
  • Roberts’ son-in-law will also be involved in managing the company moving forward.

*Summarized by AI

Yesterday, American Bus and Accessories, Inc., an Ohio school bus distributor, announced the death of the company’s president and owner, Michael A. Roberts.

Roberts’ daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Nick Hart, plan to continue his legacy, building upon the years of guidance, wisdom, and leadership he provided as they lead the company into its next chapter.

Ad Loading...

About Michael Roberts

In 1977, Roberts graduated from Northern Kentucky University with a degree in marketing and began his career with Wayne Sales, Inc. He never expected this to be the springboard to a 49-year career in the bus industry. After nine years, Roberts purchased the company from Art Schmitt, and in 1986, American Bus and Accessories, Inc. was born.

While representing many of the leading brands in the industry, honesty and loyalty were the cornerstones of his character, according to the company announcement. Roberts “led with integrity, showed empathy to those in need, and took great pride in being dependable and caring for those around him,” the announcement stated. ‘He built friendships, not just business relationships.”

Roberts is survived by his wife, Sylvia Roberts; daughters, Katie Roberts, Amy (Nick) Hart, and Mary Roberts; and a granddaughter expected soon. He was preceded in death by his brother, R. Thomas Roberts, and his parents, Rose Marie Roberts (nee Brown) and Russell Gene Roberts.

About the Company

According to the company’s LinkedIn, American Bus & Accessories, Inc. was founded in 1955 as Wayne Sales, Inc., taking advantage of an opportunity to become a school bus distributor for Wayne Corporation. In 1986, Michael Roberts purchased the company, and a new corporation was formed: American Bus & Accessories, Inc.

The company said that under Roberts’ leadership, they experienced tremendous growth. Roberts was consistently recognized as one of the top dealers in the country and won countless awards from the manufacturers he represented. However, he was the first to acknowledge that none of the success would have been possible without the dedication, loyalty, and hard work of his team.

Ad Loading...

“Mike will be profoundly missed and forever remembered,” the company stated. “The outpouring of love, support, and respect from colleagues across the industry is a testament to the kind of man he was and the lasting impact he made on so many lives.”

Service Information

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Agnes Church, 1680 Dixie Hwy, Ft. Wright, KY 41011. Mass of Christian burial will take place following the visitation at 1 at St. Agnes Church, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers the family has suggested that memorial donations be sent to either the St. Elizabeth Nourish Food Pantry Fund, St. Elizabeth Cancer Center, and/or Covington Catholic High School.


Quick Answers

Michael A. Roberts was the long-time leader of an Ohio-based business named American Bus and Accessories.

*Summarized by AI

Ad Loading...

More Management

Graphic announcing Forest River Bus & Van’s 2025 Top Dealer awards alongside a plaque recognizing The Bus Center as a Top 4 Dealer of the Year for sales performance and customer service.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMarch 10, 2026

The Bus Center Named a 2025 Top 4 Forest River Dealer

The Bus Center was named a Top 4 Dealer for Forest River Bus & Van for 2025, marking its second consecutive year receiving recognition from the manufacturer.

Read More →
Model 1 Commercial Vehicles facility in Elgin, Illinois with a lineup of commercial vans and shuttle buses parked outside the dealership and service center supporting fleet customers in the Chicago area.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMarch 9, 2026

Model1 Opens New Illinois Location, Joins Sourcewell

The dealership's new Elgin location will serve commercial fleets across the Chicago area.

Read More →
a photo of a row of school buses parked and text boxes overlaid that read "two new district installs" with the transfinder logo
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMarch 6, 2026

Two Midwest Districts Turn to Transfinder

Two separate school districts in Illinois and Ohio have rolled out Transfinder's Routefinder and Tripfinder solutions, respectively.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An orange, white, and red graphic with an image of buses lined up in white/red duotone and text reading "How GPS Helps Buses Stay On-Time."
ManagementMarch 6, 2026

How GPS Tracking Helps School Bus Fleets Improve On-Time Performance Without Adding Routes

Struggling with late buses? GPS data can help fleets cut delays, fix route bottlenecks, and improve on-time performance without adding routes.

Read More →
Black Zonar V4 telematics device shown on an orange background, a rectangular fleet telematics unit with status indicator lights and connection ports used in commercial vehicles to collect operational and emissions data.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMarch 5, 2026

Zonar Becomes First CARB-Approved OEM Telematics Provider

Zonar received CARB certification allowing fleets with factory-installed V4 telematics devices to automatically submit emissions data for Clean Truck Check compliance.

Read More →
professional headshot of kris laseter against a gradient orange background, the pathwise logo, and text that says "leadership update"
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMarch 5, 2026

Pathwise Promotes Kris Laseter to President and COO

As the software company caps a year of record growth, the promotion recognizes Laseter's impact with doubled revenue and two large district partnerships.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An orange and yellow graphic with an EverDriven logo and text reading "updated VIP App With Real-Time Student Transportation Tracking."
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMarch 4, 2026

EverDriven Updates VIP App With Real-Time Student Transportation Tracking

The redesigned app gives parents and school districts real-time trip tracking, multilingual access, and improved communication tools.

Read More →
A colorful graphic with 4 portraits and text reading "4 Women to Watch in School Transportation."
Managementby Elora HaynesMarch 4, 2026

4 Women Leading School Transportation Forward

Careers aren’t linear. Neither is progress. These women share what it really takes to lead in school transportation.

Read More →
Attendees visit the AMF Bruns vendor booth in the expo hall, examining a wheelchair securement device while speaking with an exhibitor about safety equipment.
Managementby Amanda HuggettMarch 3, 2026

Innovation & Inspiration in Burbank: CASTO 2026 Photo Highlights

Take a peek at key moments and top takeaways from the 58th California state transportation association’s annual conference, from session highlights, snapshots from vendors, and interactive activities.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Promo graphic for the 18th National Congress on School Transportation, featuring a conference audience background and text reading “May 4–6, 2029, St. Louis, Missouri,” alongside the NCST logo.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsMarch 3, 2026

NCST Announces 18th Congress Event Dates, New Committees

The National Congress on School Transportation moves to St. Louis in May 2029, convening delegates and industry representatives to discuss updated guidance.

Read More →