About MTN

We are a Minnesota-based company that provides safe, reliable and positive transportation experiences to students and adults.

Our Mission

MTN was founded on the belief that everyone — regardless of race, gender, ability, age or socioeconomic status — deserves a positive transportation experience.

Our CEO, Tashitaa Tufaa, started MTN in 2004 with a single van transporting students with special needs. Today, the company operates a fleet of more than 400 buses, maintains three bus terminals, and employs more than 400 drivers, maintenance staff and administrators. What has remained since day one is our company’s focus on transporting people safely, affordably, on time and with respect.

Our Mission

MTN was founded on the belief that everyone — regardless of race, gender, ability, age or socioeconomic status — deserves a positive transportation experience.

Our CEO, Tashitaa Tufaa, started MTN in 2004 with a single van transporting students with special needs. Today, the company operates a fleet of more than 400 buses, maintains three bus terminals, and employs more than 400 drivers, maintenance staff and administrators. What has remained since day one is our company’s focus on transporting people safely, affordably, on time and with respect.

Our Mission

MTN was founded on the belief that everyone — regardless of race, gender, ability, age or socioeconomic status — deserves a positive transportation experience.

Our CEO, Tashitaa Tufaa, started MTN in 2004 with a single van transporting students with special needs. Today, the company operates a fleet of more than 400 buses, maintains three bus terminals, and employs more than 400 drivers, maintenance staff and administrators. What has remained since day one is our company’s focus on transporting people safely, affordably, on time and with respect.

Safety is — and always will be — our first priority. We hold our team to the highest standards, requiring thorough background checks, ongoing training, and regular evaluations to ensure our drivers and our fleet meet or exceed safety standards.

Safety is our top priority

Our safety team ensures we follow all federal and state regulations, and we employ multiple trainers who prepare our incoming drivers and provide ongoing training and evaluations of all MTN drivers throughout their time with us.

Our safety team ensures we follow all federal and state regulations, and we employ multiple trainers who prepare our incoming drivers and provide ongoing training and evaluations of all MTN drivers throughout their time with us.

Safety is — and always will be — our first priority. We hold our team to the highest standards, requiring thorough background checks, ongoing training, and regular evaluations to ensure our drivers and our fleet meet or exceed safety standards.

Safety is our top priority

Our safety team ensures we follow all federal and state regulations, and we employ multiple trainers who prepare our incoming drivers and provide ongoing training and evaluations of all MTN drivers throughout their time with us.

Safety is — and always will be — our first priority. We hold our team to the highest standards, requiring thorough background checks, ongoing training, and regular evaluations to ensure our drivers and our fleet meet or exceed safety standards.

Safety is our top priority

Monthly safety meetings cover a variety of topics including:

MTN owns more than 400 vehicles across three bus terminals in Columbia Heights, Fridley and Minnetonka. Maintaining our fleet of buses and vans is critical to ensuring their safe and reliable operations. We are industry leaders in maintaining our buses and have an outstanding record of excellent Department of Transportation inspections, which are performed on our entire fleet multiple times per year.

Maintaining our exceptional fleet

We have a 12-point pre- and post-trip inspection protocol which monitors vehicle maintenance and includes child welfare checks. Our drivers have the freedom to escalate any maintenance issue to a critical level, providing a check and balance to ensure that no bus is on the road with an issue that could lead to a breakdown or inconvenience passengers.

We have a 12-point pre- and post-trip inspection protocol which monitors vehicle maintenance and includes child welfare checks. Our drivers have the freedom to escalate any maintenance issue to a critical level, providing a check and balance to ensure that no bus is on the road with an issue that could lead to a breakdown or inconvenience passengers.

MTN owns more than 400 vehicles across three bus terminals in Columbia Heights, Fridley and Minnetonka. Maintaining our fleet of buses and vans is critical to ensuring their safe and reliable operations. We are industry leaders in maintaining our buses and have an outstanding record of excellent Department of Transportation inspections, which are performed on our entire fleet multiple times per year.

Maintaining our exceptional fleet

We have a 12-point pre- and post-trip inspection protocol which monitors vehicle maintenance and includes child welfare checks. Our drivers have the freedom to escalate any maintenance issue to a critical level, providing a check and balance to ensure that no bus is on the road with an issue that could lead to a breakdown or inconvenience passengers.

MTN owns more than 400 vehicles across three bus terminals in Columbia Heights, Fridley and Minnetonka. Maintaining our fleet of buses and vans is critical to ensuring their safe and reliable operations. We are industry leaders in maintaining our buses and have an outstanding record of excellent Department of Transportation inspections, which are performed on our entire fleet multiple times per year.

Maintaining our exceptional fleet

Our Core Values

Safety

Our goal is always zero accidents and zero injuries.

Community

We support school events and projects and encourage our employees to support their communities and interact with each other outside of the workplace.

People

MTN develops talent, rewards exceptional performance and respects the rights of all of our employees. Our company has a long history of employing a diverse workforce. We treat people with trust and respect and have zero tolerance discrimination policies.

Customers

Our goal is to earn the lifetime loyalty of each customer. Our customers are at the heart of our business and all of us work hard to meet and exceed their expectations.

Excellence

We constantly strive to innovate and be excellent in all that we do to increase our value to our customers and employees.

Our Core Values

Safety

Our goal is always zero accidents and zero injuries.

Community

We support school events and projects and encourage our employees to support their communities and interact with each other outside of the workplace.

People

MTN develops talent, rewards exceptional performance and respects the rights of all of our employees. Our company has a long history of employing a diverse workforce. We treat people with trust and respect and have zero tolerance discrimination policies.

Customers

Our goal is to earn the lifetime loyalty of each customer. Our customers are at the heart of our business and all of us work hard to meet and exceed their expectations.

Excellence

We constantly strive to innovate and be excellent in all that we do to increase our value to our customers and employees.

Our Core Values

Safety

Our goal is always zero accidents and zero injuries.

Community

We support school events and projects and encourage our employees to support their communities and interact with each other outside of the workplace.

People

MTN develops talent, rewards exceptional performance and respects the rights of all of our employees. Our company has a long history of employing a diverse workforce. We treat people with trust and respect and have zero tolerance discrimination policies.

Customers

Our goal is to earn the lifetime loyalty of each customer. Our customers are at the heart of our business and all of us work hard to meet and exceed their expectations.

Excellence

We constantly strive to innovate and be excellent in all that we do to increase our value to our customers and employees.

Certifications

MTN is proud to be a certified minority-owned business with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Minority Owned Business logo
BBB Accredited Business logo
NMSDC logo

Certifications

MTN is proud to be a certified minority-owned business with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Minority Owned Business logo
BBB Accredited Business logo
NMSDC logo

Certifications

MTN is proud to be a certified minority-owned business with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Minority Owned Business logo
BBB Accredited Business logo
NMSDC logo

Let's get moving

Interested in working with MTN?

Let's get moving

Interested in working with MTN?

CEO

Tashitaa Tufaa is an innovative transportation industry leader who has centered his career around the idea that everyone deserves a safe, reliable and positive transportation experience.

Tashitaa was inspired to found MTN after working for a public school district and seeing a need for better transportation services. Tashitaa is the father of a child with special needs, so he understood the importance of ensuring all riders get transportation services that meet their unique needs.

Tashitaa founded MTN in 2004 with a single van transporting students with special needs to and from school. Today, because of Tashitaa’s outstanding leadership and passion for serving his customers, MTN has grown to employ a workforce of more than 400 talented employees and offer excellent customer service in multiple transportation arenas – school transportation, charter services and consulting. MTN is one of the largest minority-owned private and local transportation companies in the state.

As the CEO and owner of MTN, Tashitaa directs and oversees the company’s operations, strategic direction and leadership team. Known for his outstanding work ethic and commitment to the people he serves, Tashitaa continues to drive a school route to this day in order to stay connected with the heart of his business. He also stays connected to his customers and their needs through frequent visits to client sites and active communication.

Tashitaa’s accomplishments have been recognized by local organizations, agencies and news outlets, including:

  • 2022 Carnegie Corporation of New York – “Distinguished Immigrant Award”
  • 2019 Minnesota Department of Human Service – “Outstanding Refugee Award”
  • 2014 Ernst & Young’s – “Entrepreneur of the Year – Finalist Award”
  • 2013 Minneapolis/Saint Paul Business Journal – “Diversity in Business Award”
  • 2012 Metropolitan Economic Development Association’s – “Entrepreneur of the Year”
  • 2010 Neighborhood Development Center – “Small business of the Year”

Tashitaa grew up in Ethiopia, graduated from college in Zimbabwe and taught social sciences before immigrating to the United States in 1992. He earned his master’s degree in political science and international relations from the University of Minnesota. After graduating, he worked for the Minneapolis Housing Authority and the Minneapolis School District before founding MTN.

Always up for a drive, Tashitaa enjoys taking leisurely trips to visit farms and green spaces in his spare time.

Tibesso Dayassa

VP, Special Projects

With nearly 20 years of experience working at MTN, Tibesso Dayassa ensures MTN provides its customers excellent service and plans for the company’s long-term growth. He also assists department managers with their overflow assignments and routing for MTN’s school transportation clients. One of his favorite things about being a part of the MTN team is the variety of his work and opportunities to deliver outstanding customer service.

Before joining MTN, Tibesso served in supervisory roles for transportation companies like Transit Team Inc. and Metro Mobility.

Tibesso received his master’s degree in urban planning with an emphasis in transportation from the University of Minnesota Hubert Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from the University of Minnesota Morris.

In his spare time, Tibesso enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Orlando Clark-Finch

Transportation Manager

As a transportation manager, Orlando Clark-Finch is responsible for ensuring transportation routes run smoothly and successfully each day. He serves as a principal client contact, working directly with school districts, companies and other clients to provide timely updates and answer questions. He also helps oversee safe operations, including working with drivers to conduct pre-trip and post-trip safety inspections.

An MTN driver himself, Orlando enjoys both managing day-to-day logistics for MTN’s transportation operations and serving MTN clients on an individual basis during his routes.

Before joining the company in 2021, Orlando served on the safety and recruiting team with First Student Inc. for six years. He holds an associate’s degree in computer programming from Brown College.

Orlando is also a talented photographer and can often be found doing both street and nature photography on the weekends. He is also a volunteer with the Community Emergency Assistance Programs (CEAP) where he helps provide food and other essential items to adults and children in need.

Jacquie Gonoza

HR Manager

Jacquie Gonoza manages MTN’s Human Resources Department, overseeing the company’s hiring initiatives and the training, development and management of MTN’s more than 400 employees.

Her role is focused on supporting MTN’s greatest asset – the people. She enjoys finding new ways to solve problems, establishing meaningful and lasting relationships, and helping others thrive. Human resources work is never the same day to day, and Jacquie appreciates being able to constantly learn and tackle new challenges.

Jacquie has more than 20 years of human resources experience in a variety of industries including manufacturing, technology and food service. Before joining MTN in 2022, she served as a human resource consultant as well as a human resources manager for companies like Wolter Kluwer, Frito-Lay and Creamette Pasta.

Jacquie received her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Eastern University.

With a keen eye for design, Jacquie enjoys refinishing furniture and staging homes in her spare time. She also volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and her local animal shelter.

Midasso Gutama

Chief Financial Officer

As MTN’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Midasso Gutama oversees the financial well-being of the company, including financial planning, reporting and providing strategic direction. Since joining MTN in 2019, the favorite part of Midasso’s role is working and building relationships with MTN staff and partners.

Before joining MTN, Midasso served as an accountant for several local companies, including Jostens, Identifix, and Chalmers & Company, PLLC.

Midasso received his associate’s degree from the Minneapolis Community and Technical College and his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Metropolitan State University. He is also currently studying to become an enrolled agent as a tax advisor.

In his spare time, Midasso enjoys reading business books, listening to podcasts and spending time with loved ones.

Feysal Sheika

Fleet Manager

Feysal Sheika is responsible for ensuring the safety and efficiency of MTN’s fleet of vehicles. He manages the strict servicing and maintenance schedules for school and charter buses, develops strategies for increasing fuel efficiency, and maintains vehicle servicing and inspection records. Feysal also assists the Human Resources Department in recruiting high-quality drivers and works closely with the Transportation Department to develop driver schedules.

Before joining MTN, Feysal owned a small public transportation company where he developed his fleet management skills and appreciation for providing high-quality customer service.

He received an associate’s degree in business management from Inver Hills Community College.

In his spare time, Feysal participates in community events and prioritizes spending time with family.

Aklilu (A.K.) Tamirat

Shop Manager

A.K. is responsible for keeping MTN’s fleet of vehicles in excellent condition. He oversees MTN’s team of mechanics to ensure repairs are completed routinely, manages the vehicle part inventory, facilitates regular Department of Transportation inspections, and oversees the maintenance of MTN’s transportation facilities in Fridley, Columbia Heights, and Minnetonka.

A mechanic himself, A.K. enjoys working with MTN’s talented shop team each day.

Before joining MTN in 2019, A.K. previously served as a shop supervisor for Minneapolis & Suburban Bus Company where he was responsible for all mechanical repairs to buses, vans and motor coaches.

A.K. earned his diploma in automotive technology from Hennepin Technical College.

When he’s not in MTN’s bus garage, A.K. enjoys fishing, repairing his home, traveling and spending time with loved ones. He also volunteers with Habitat for Humanity.

Kebek Tussa

Transportation Manager

Kebek serves as a transportation manager at MTN, ensuring transportation routes run smoothly and successfully each day. He plans and manages bus routes, oversees bus dispatch, and sets schedules for both drivers and vehicle maintenance. Kebek also monitors operations and makes sure MTN is in full compliance with all transportation regulations. 

A member of the MTN team since 2018, Kebek appreciates that everyone with the company shares the same vision – of transporting people safely, affordably, on time and with respect – and works to fulfill it each day.

Before joining MTN, Kebek served as a team lead at WestRock for several years. He was a lecturer at Adama University in Oromia, Ethiopia for three years before coming to the United States.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in logistics and procurement management and a master’s degree in business administration from Adama University.

Outside of work, Kebek loves to watch and play sports, as well as spend time with his children and other family members.

Kristopher Ungar

Safety Manager

Kristopher ensures that MTN is following the highest standards of safety. As the safety manager, he verifies that MTN is following all state and federal regulations. This includes overseeing MTN’s team of trainers who educate incoming drivers as well as providing ongoing skill enhancement training and evaluations of all MTN drivers throughout their time with the company. He also makes certain that MTN facilities follow safety standards, manages accident investigations, and ensures employees are in compliance with drug and alcohol policies.  

Kristopher has more than two decades of experience in the transportation industry. Most recently, he has served as a route supervisor and driver for Curbside Waste in Brooklyn Park, MN. He was also a light rail operator with Metro Transit for nearly 10 years, as well as a recycling, delivery, and school bus driver for various Minnesota companies and districts. 

In his free time, Kristopher enjoys going to flea markets and antique shows, always looking for autographed footballs and bobbleheads of Minnesota sports teams to add to his collection.

CEO

Tashitaa Tufaa is an innovative transportation industry leader who has centered his career around the idea that everyone deserves a safe, reliable and positive transportation experience.

Tashitaa was inspired to found MTN after working for a public school district and seeing a need for better transportation services. Tashitaa is the father of a child with special needs, so he understood the importance of ensuring all riders get transportation services that meet their unique needs.

Tashitaa founded MTN in 2004 with a single van transporting students with special needs to and from school. Today, because of Tashitaa’s outstanding leadership and passion for serving his customers, MTN has grown to employ a workforce of more than 400 talented employees and offer excellent customer service in multiple transportation arenas – school transportation, charter services and consulting. MTN is one of the largest minority-owned private and local transportation companies in the state.

As the CEO and owner of MTN, Tashitaa directs and oversees the company’s operations, strategic direction and leadership team. Known for his outstanding work ethic and commitment to the people he serves, Tashitaa continues to drive a school route to this day in order to stay connected with the heart of his business. He also stays connected to his customers and their needs through frequent visits to client sites and active communication.

Tashitaa’s accomplishments have been recognized by local organizations, agencies and news outlets, including:

  • 2022 Carnegie Corporation of New York – “Distinguished Immigrant Award”
  • 2019 Minnesota Department of Human Service – “Outstanding Refugee Award”
  • 2014 Ernst & Young’s – “Entrepreneur of the Year – Finalist Award”
  • 2013 Minneapolis/Saint Paul Business Journal – “Diversity in Business Award”
  • 2012 Metropolitan Economic Development Association’s – “Entrepreneur of the Year”
  • 2010 Neighborhood Development Center – “Small business of the Year”

Tashitaa grew up in Ethiopia, graduated from college in Zimbabwe and taught social sciences before immigrating to the United States in 1992. He earned his master’s degree in political science and international relations from the University of Minnesota. After graduating, he worked for the Minneapolis Housing Authority and the Minneapolis School District before founding MTN.

Always up for a drive, Tashitaa enjoys taking leisurely trips to visit farms and green spaces in his spare time.

Tibesso Dayassa

VP, Special Projects

With nearly 20 years of experience working at MTN, Tibesso Dayassa ensures MTN provides its customers excellent service and plans for the company’s long-term growth. He also assists department managers with their overflow assignments and routing for MTN’s school transportation clients. One of his favorite things about being a part of the MTN team is the variety of his work and opportunities to deliver outstanding customer service.

Before joining MTN, Tibesso served in supervisory roles for transportation companies like Transit Team Inc. and Metro Mobility.

Tibesso received his master’s degree in urban planning with an emphasis in transportation from the University of Minnesota Hubert Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from the University of Minnesota Morris.

In his spare time, Tibesso enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Orlando Clark-Finch

Transportation Manager

As a transportation manager, Orlando Clark-Finch is responsible for ensuring transportation routes run smoothly and successfully each day. He serves as a principal client contact, working directly with school districts, companies and other clients to provide timely updates and answer questions. He also helps oversee safe operations, including working with drivers to conduct pre-trip and post-trip safety inspections.

An MTN driver himself, Orlando enjoys both managing day-to-day logistics for MTN’s transportation operations and serving MTN clients on an individual basis during his routes.

Before joining the company in 2021, Orlando served on the safety and recruiting team with First Student Inc. for six years. He holds an associate’s degree in computer programming from Brown College.

Orlando is also a talented photographer and can often be found doing both street and nature photography on the weekends. He is also a volunteer with the Community Emergency Assistance Programs (CEAP) where he helps provide food and other essential items to adults and children in need.

Jacquie Gonoza

HR Manager

Jacquie Gonoza manages MTN’s Human Resources Department, overseeing the company’s hiring initiatives and the training, development and management of MTN’s more than 400 employees.

Her role is focused on supporting MTN’s greatest asset – the people. She enjoys finding new ways to solve problems, establishing meaningful and lasting relationships, and helping others thrive. Human resources work is never the same day to day, and Jacquie appreciates being able to constantly learn and tackle new challenges.

Jacquie has more than 20 years of human resources experience in a variety of industries including manufacturing, technology and food service. Before joining MTN in 2022, she served as a human resource consultant as well as a human resources manager for companies like Wolter Kluwer, Frito-Lay and Creamette Pasta.

Jacquie received her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Eastern University.

With a keen eye for design, Jacquie enjoys refinishing furniture and staging homes in her spare time. She also volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and her local animal shelter.

Midasso Gutama

Chief Financial Officer

As MTN’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Midasso Gutama oversees the financial well-being of the company, including financial planning, reporting and providing strategic direction. Since joining MTN in 2019, the favorite part of Midasso’s role is working and building relationships with MTN staff and partners.

Before joining MTN, Midasso served as an accountant for several local companies, including Jostens, Identifix, and Chalmers & Company, PLLC.

Midasso received his associate’s degree from the Minneapolis Community and Technical College and his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Metropolitan State University. He is also currently studying to become an enrolled agent as a tax advisor.

In his spare time, Midasso enjoys reading business books, listening to podcasts and spending time with loved ones.

Feysal Sheika

Fleet Manager

Feysal Sheika is responsible for ensuring the safety and efficiency of MTN’s fleet of vehicles. He manages the strict servicing and maintenance schedules for school and charter buses, develops strategies for increasing fuel efficiency, and maintains vehicle servicing and inspection records. Feysal also assists the Human Resources Department in recruiting high-quality drivers and works closely with the Transportation Department to develop driver schedules.

Before joining MTN, Feysal owned a small public transportation company where he developed his fleet management skills and appreciation for providing high-quality customer service.

He received an associate’s degree in business management from Inver Hills Community College.

In his spare time, Feysal participates in community events and prioritizes spending time with family.

Aklilu (A.K.) Tamirat

Shop Manager

A.K. is responsible for keeping MTN’s fleet of vehicles in excellent condition. He oversees MTN’s team of mechanics to ensure repairs are completed routinely, manages the vehicle part inventory, facilitates regular Department of Transportation inspections, and oversees the maintenance of MTN’s transportation facilities in Fridley, Columbia Heights, and Minnetonka.

A mechanic himself, A.K. enjoys working with MTN’s talented shop team each day.

Before joining MTN in 2019, A.K. previously served as a shop supervisor for Minneapolis & Suburban Bus Company where he was responsible for all mechanical repairs to buses, vans and motor coaches.

A.K. earned his diploma in automotive technology from Hennepin Technical College.

When he’s not in MTN’s bus garage, A.K. enjoys fishing, repairing his home, traveling and spending time with loved ones. He also volunteers with Habitat for Humanity.

Kebek Tussa

Transportation Manager

Kebek serves as a transportation manager at MTN, ensuring transportation routes run smoothly and successfully each day. He plans and manages bus routes, oversees bus dispatch, and sets schedules for both drivers and vehicle maintenance. Kebek also monitors operations and makes sure MTN is in full compliance with all transportation regulations. 

A member of the MTN team since 2018, Kebek appreciates that everyone with the company shares the same vision – of transporting people safely, affordably, on time and with respect – and works to fulfill it each day.

Before joining MTN, Kebek served as a team lead at WestRock for several years. He was a lecturer at Adama University in Oromia, Ethiopia for three years before coming to the United States.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in logistics and procurement management and a master’s degree in business administration from Adama University.

Outside of work, Kebek loves to watch and play sports, as well as spend time with his children and other family members.

Kristopher Ungar

Safety Manager

Kristopher ensures that MTN is following the highest standards of safety. As the safety manager, he verifies that MTN is following all state and federal regulations. This includes overseeing MTN’s team of trainers who educate incoming drivers as well as providing ongoing skill enhancement training and evaluations of all MTN drivers throughout their time with the company. He also makes certain that MTN facilities follow safety standards, manages accident investigations, and ensures employees are in compliance with drug and alcohol policies. 

Kristopher has more than two decades of experience in the transportation industry. Most recently, he has served as a route supervisor and driver for Curbside Waste in Brooklyn Park, MN. He was also a light rail operator with Metro Transit for nearly 10 years, as well as a recycling, delivery, and school bus driver for various Minnesota companies and districts. 

In his free time, Kristopher enjoys going to flea markets and antique shows, always looking for autographed footballs and bobbleheads of Minnesota sports teams to add to his collection.

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