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Uber Leroy//Photo by Luigi Ciuffetelli |
Since fall 2016, when Uber Leroy started driving around Newark, he has transformed his car into a stage equipped with karaoke and flashing lights, posted videos of his rides on Instagram and become a local celeb. Now Uber Leroy is the First State’s No. 1 Uber driver and among the top 10 percent of Uber drivers in the world. Like he says, there ain’t no party like an Uber Leroy party.
What was your first day as an Uber driver like?
I was kind of nervous to venture into this. So my first ride, I went to the FedEx office and picked up one of the execs in Wilmington. She was going to a dinner conference in Philadelphia. I had to take her to get her makeup done, and then I took her to the conference. I stayed up there for a while and then I brought her back. So my first Uber ride was over $100.
How did you go from an average Uber experience to the flashing lights and music that is Uber Leroy?
I would go to work [at Choice Media Studios] and do photo shoots. When I finished that I would drive Uber. Then I said, “Let me integrate what I do into my Uber. Maybe that’ll take it to another level.” I started to do photography and videography inside the Uber. The people were so happy. I was having a great time, they were having a great time. I moved up the ranks to No. 1 in three months.
What do you do for fun outside of Uber?
I do photography. That’s where I have most of my fun. I was about 15 years old, and I always liked art. I picked up a camera, and I’ve been doing photography ever since.
What is the most memorable Uber ride you’ve given?
I was down at Bethany Beach. I got a group of people, and they were all in their 80s. We were riding and listening to the music, so I put on some old Motown jams. They started singing “Stop! In the Name of Love” by The Supremes. I was so teary-eyed. To see the joy on their faces at that age, I was so touched.
How do you feel when people around the UD campus recognize you?
I wish one day you were with me. You would have to put out your waving hand because they are shouting and waving and having so much fun just to see me driving down the street. It’s a moving feeling to be Uber Leroy on Main Street.
Do you recall a time when you realized how important your job is as an Uber driver?
That’s 80 percent of the time. People realize that they’re having a great time and they’re safe. They have a designated driver. I’m saving lives from auto accidents of intoxication. I have very good reviews about how safe Uber Leroy’s rides are.
What is the most popular song requested?
When I started doing karaoke in the Uber, it was Justin Bieber’s “Sorry.”
You and your Ford Expedition are a dynamic duo. Do you think things would be different if you drove a Honda Civic?
(Laughs) Have you ever seen the comedy act where the clowns climb into a little Volkswagen and come out the other side? That’s Uber Leroy in a Honda Civic. I have to have the capacity of six to seven people because it’s an Uber Leroy party, and there ain’t no party like an Uber Leroy party.
