Sharky Laguana

Sharky Laguana — Founder & CEO of Bandago

Sharky Laguana founded Bandago in 2003 with a simple idea: musicians and touring crews deserved better transportation options than the unreliable, bare-bones vans that had become an industry joke. After years on the road as a working musician — including the infamous night when his band’s van broke down on tour — Sharky launched Bandago with a single vehicle parked outside his tiny basement apartment. What began as a practical solution for fellow artists quickly evolved into a national business built on innovation, obsessive reliability, and a deep understanding of what real travelers actually need.

Under Sharky’s leadership, Bandago has grown from that one van into a multi-location nationwide fleet offering specialized Mercedes-Benz Sprinters, 15-passenger vans, and custom configurations designed for touring bands, production crews, families, corporate groups, and anyone who needs more than just basic transportation. As the company expanded, Sharky personally wrote the proprietary software that runs Bandago’s reservation system, fleet management, maintenance tracking, and logistics platform — a fully custom system that still powers the company today.

Beyond entrepreneurship, Sharky has been one of the most prominent voices in the U.S. vehicle-rental industry. He served as President — and is now Chairman Emeritus — of the American Car Rental Association (ACRA), representing companies large and small on issues ranging from rental-car taxation and consumer protection to federal transportation policy and data-access rights. His work has taken him to Capitol Hill, federal agencies, national conferences, and media outlets where he regularly advocates for fair, transparent, and responsible regulation of the industry.

Sharky is also active in public service in San Francisco, where he has served on city commissions focused on small business, economic development, homelessness oversight, and data-driven performance management. Bringing the same analytical rigor and practical sensibility that he applies at Bandago, he works to improve systems, strengthen accountability, and champion policies that help both residents and small businesses thrive. Today, he continues to lead Bandago as CEO while remaining a respected industry leader, civic advocate, and long-time supporter of musicians, artists, and creative communities across the country.