Meet the Team

Denny Leinhos

Founder & President

Denny Leinhos is the founder, heart, and vision behind Avant Garde Limousines, Coach & Transportation, a company rooted in grit, family values, and a relentless drive to deliver excellence.

Denny’s entrepreneurial journey didn’t begin in a boardroom; it began at just 10 years old, mowing lawns in his neighborhood with a push mower. Determined to create something of his own, he saved every dollar he could until he bought his first riding mower. That early lesson in self-reliance, sacrifice, and ownership would shape the foundation of everything that followed.

Raised by a single mother and without a father figure in his life, Denny credits his mom as the driving force behind his success. When he decided to launch a luxury transportation company during his senior year at Options Charter Schools, his alma mater, he was too young to form an LLC himself. So, his mom stepped in to file the paperwork, not just supporting his vision, but helping bring it to life.

She also named the company: Avant Garde. It was a term she used often during her years working for her father, William "Bill" Pace, Denny’s grandfather, a highly respected Carmel, Indiana socialite and founder of The Topics Newspaper. “Avant garde” represented bold ideas, forward thinking, and cultural innovation, qualities Bill championed and that Denny now brings to the transportation world. The name was also a smart business move: beginning with “A,” it placed Avant Garde at the top of alphabetical listings.

Denny’s teen years looked very different from most of his peers. While others went to parties or focused on free time, he was building a business. He spent his weekends working, strategizing, and connecting with professionals twice his age. People often joked that he was an “old soul”, a title he embraced. He found more common ground with mentors and entrepreneurs than with teenagers, always hungry to learn and grow beyond his years.

That maturity and drive quickly translated into leadership. Denny has since spoken on expert panels for the National Limousine Association (NLA) and the Illinois Limousine & Bus Association (ILLBA), and has lobbied on behalf of operators nationwide at NLA’s Day on the Hill in Washington, D.C. His voice has helped shape conversations around innovation, small business sustainability, and regulation in the luxury ground transportation sector.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Denny faced a critical decision. Rather than retreat, he doubled down, purchasing Avant Garde’s first 56-passenger motor coach at a time when others were liquidating assets. Within two years, he grew that single coach into a fleet of four, with vehicles making regular trips across the Midwest and East Coast, serving schools, athletic programs, tour groups, and corporate clients.

That success inspired further diversification. Seeing the growing transportation crisis in schools and municipalities, Denny launched Avant Garde’s school bus division. Starting with just one bus, the division has since expanded to a fleet of 12, operating daily school routes, after-school programs, and contracted municipal services, providing critical relief in communities facing shortages of buses and drivers.

Today, Avant Garde Limousines, Coach & Transportation stands as Central Indiana’s largest full-service luxury ground transportation provider, operating a fleet of over 30 vehicles. This diverse fleet includes sedans, SUVs, stretch limousines, executive sprinters, party and limo coaches, minibuses, school buses, and full-size motor coaches, all backed by a team committed to safety, service, and sophistication. Whether transporting executives to the airport, students to school, or wedding parties down the aisle, Avant Garde delivers service that’s professional, polished, and deeply personal.

Denny’s story, however, goes beyond business. He remains deeply involved in the community that raised him. A former board member for Options Charter Schools, he now proudly serves on the Advisory Board for Make-A-Wish, helping guide local outreach and support efforts that bring life-changing joy to children with critical illnesses. His commitment to giving back is woven into the culture of Avant Garde, and his daily life as a husband and father of four.

Avant Garde Limousines is more than a transportation company; it’s the result of a journey fueled by perseverance, purpose, and people. Under Denny’s leadership, it continues to move forward, boldly, intentionally, and always with heart.

William Woods

Chief Operating Officer

With over 18 years of experience in the transportation industry, William brings extensive operational leadership and hands-on knowledge across nearly every aspect of passenger transportation. Throughout his career, he has driven and managed a wide variety of vehicles, including luxury limousines, executive coaches, charter buses, tractor-trailers, and school buses. His diverse background provides him with a unique understanding of both frontline operations and executive leadership.

Prior to joining Avant Garde, William held leadership positions with several large, government-regulated transportation organizations operating across multiple states. He has successfully led large teams, developed operational strategies, improved safety programs, and implemented processes focused on efficiency, accountability, and exceptional customer service.

As Chief Operating Officer, William oversees the company's day-to-day operations while working closely with every department to ensure Avant Garde continues to provide safe, reliable, and first-class transportation services. His leadership philosophy centers on empowering employees, maintaining the highest safety standards, and delivering an outstanding customer experience.

"I've driven every vehicle you can imagine—limousines, charter buses, tractor-trailers, and school buses. I've also managed large teams for government-regulated organizations across several states. I am encouraged by the success of Avant Garde and look forward to leading a team that places safety and client satisfaction at the top of its priorities. The possibilities that lie ahead for our team are limitless."

When he's not leading operations, William enjoys mentoring team members, building strong organizational culture, and continuously finding new ways to improve efficiency and service for both employees and customers.

Maya Adrine

Executive Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer

Maya Adrine brings nearly 20 years of leadership in chauffeured transportation, business development, and large-scale event logistics to her role as Executive Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer at Avant Garde Limousines, Coach & Transportation. Widely respected across the industry, Maya has designed and managed complex transportation programs for major conventions, sporting events, and Fortune 500 clients. Her ability to blend strategic vision with operational expertise has made her a trusted leader and partner in the luxury transportation sector.

At Avant Garde, Maya guides the company’s long-term strategy, business development, and client partnerships while spearheading initiatives that expand market presence and profitability. She works closely with the leadership team to align operational planning with future growth opportunities and represents Avant Garde in key industry associations, partnerships, and RFP pursuits.

What truly sets Maya apart is her philosophy of leading with respect, integrity, and joy. She values meaningful relationships and believes in pairing professionalism with a personal touch — qualities that resonate with both colleagues and clients alike.

Outside of her professional life, Maya is known for her love of connecting with people, her dedication to mentorship, and her ability to find joy in both work and family. These values continue to guide her approach as she helps shape Avant Garde’s future.

Karlyn Murphy

Vice President of Administration

With a strong foundation in Human Resource Management and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Karlyn Murphy brings both expertise and passion to her role as Vice President of Administration at Avant Garde Limousines, Coach & Transportation. She specializes in talent acquisition, DOT and personnel compliance, payroll and benefits, and building positive workplace culture through meaningful employee engagement. Karlyn is driven by a commitment to using data-driven strategies that streamline operations, support the team, and advance the company’s long-term goals.

What sets Karlyn apart is her ability to combine precision and people skills — ensuring compliance and efficiency while fostering an environment where employees can thrive. Her leadership helps shape Avant Garde into not just a place of exceptional service for clients, but also a rewarding and supportive workplace for the team.

Outside the office, Karlyn pursues her creative passions. She is an aspiring author currently working toward publishing her first novel and finds inspiration in her unique hobby as an avid collector of keyboards. Each keyboard in her collection has its own sound and feel, turning even the writing process into an art form.