The Circuit of Success Podcast with Brett Gilliland Eric Blankenship: From Nashville Dreams to Building a Tour Bus Legacy
On this episode of the Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland sits down with Eric Blankenship, the Nashville entrepreneur who turned an unexpected career pivot into a thriving empire. As Co-Owner of All Access Coach Leasing, Eric provides luxury tour buses for country music’s biggest stars, from George Strait and Martina McBride to Jason Aldean and Luke Combs. His path wasn’t straightforward, but his story proves that detours can lead to destinations greater than the original plan.
Eric came to Nashville in 1992 with hopes of becoming the next big country artist. Along the way, he sold merch for Ricky Skaggs, drove buses for Tim McGraw and Lari White, and discovered a new passion that would eventually transform his life. Partnering with Jim Borelli, he built All Access Coach from the ground up, starting with bare bus shells and growing the fleet to nearly 40 rolling homes that serve tours across the nation. His relentless work ethic and commitment to being the best—not the biggest—set his company apart in a demanding industry.
Despite building a successful business, Eric never left music behind. He recently performed at the Grand Ole Opry alongside The Isaacs, received his first ASCAP royalty check, and continues to open for country legends like Gene Watson and the Oak Ridge Boys. His journey is one of vision, perseverance, and balance—proof that you can create lasting success in business while still keeping your creative dreams alive.