When Judy Potter was growing up in Morenci, Mich., her father, a high school principal, always stressed helping others and making a difference.

As she got older, she began to see just how rewarding getting involved could be.

Although she has owned Toledo’s Black & White Transportation Co. for 21 years, she’s also spent a considerable amount of that time involved in Toledo Rotary, the Toledo Jazz Orchestra, the University of Toledo’s Women & Philanthropy organization, Toledo’s Distinguished Clown Corps, and other charitable groups.

“I think just helping people, volunteering, and seeing the smile on their faces, that’s what motivates me,” she said.

Since 2010, her company has been heavily involved in paratransit services, providing mobility for the area’s disabled and elderly community.

Ms. Potter’s commitment to helping has led to her being named the 2016 Paratransit & Contracting Operator of the Year by the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association, the century-old nonprofit trade association for the private passenger transportation industry.

“Judy has shown the entire transportation industry what smart expansion looks like,” said Alfred LaGasse, the association’s chief executive. “And in doing that she has brought transportation options to thousands of people with disabilities.”

Black & White had 40 cabs when Ms. Potter — who began as the company’s bookkeeper — bought the firm in 1997. She now owns or manages 150 vehicles providing cab service to metro Toledo. It also has 25 paratransit vans to serve the area’s disabled community.

Ms. Potter gives her husband, Scott, the credit for coming up with the idea.

“We started out when we bought B.G. Transit in Bowling Green. That’s when we got our first taste of paratransit work,” Ms. Potter said. “After a while, we decided that more people need this service, so we just blended it in with Black & White.”

The paratransit cabs take individuals to church, to the doctor, or on just personal errands. Users scheduled paratransit services 24 hours in advance.

“It’s more of a personal assistance kind of work than anything,” Ms. Potter said. “We like to get involved in the community. Helping the community is what it’s all about.”

She will receive her award on Tuesday in Phoenix at the association’s annual convention and trade show.

Contact Jon Chavez at: jchavez@theblade.com or 419-724-6128.

First Published October 27, 2016, 4:00 a.m.