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Driven by Integrity. Inspired by Service. Committed to Excellence.

Meet Our Director

At the heart of Empire Travel Group is a story of resilience, ambition, and a passion for service — and that story begins with our Director.

  • Biography
  • Experiance
  • Giving Back

Dean Waldron, Founder and Director of Empire Travel Group, brings more than a decade of experience in professional driving, customer service, and business development. His journey is anything but typical — a former firefighter, dance instructor, and tradesman, he has worn many hats, each one shaping the values and vision that guide Empire Travel Group today.

From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leadership

Raised in a small country town, Dean learned early the value of hard work, community, and doing what’s right — even when it’s not easy. After moving to the Gold Coast in 2014 to pursue partner dancing, he discovered a natural talent for building relationships, which would later become a cornerstone of his approach to business.

In 2016, he began driving professionally, quickly realising there was room in the industry for something more personal, more professional, and more trustworthy. Within a year, he launched his first chauffeur business — and hasn’t looked back since.

A Business Built on People and Purpose

Empire Travel Group was born out of a deep desire to raise the standard of private transport in Australia. Under Dean’s leadership, the company has grown from a single-car operation into a national network servicing all Australian capital cities with luxury vehicles, elite chauffeurs, and a reputation for reliability.

Having faced adversity — including periods of housing instability and bootstrapping every aspect of his business — Dean understands firsthand the value of trust, fairness, and consistency. His approach is simple: treat every client with respect, always deliver on promises, and use technology to make communication and coordination seamless.

  • 2018 

    Founded Black Diamond Transfers

    Noticing a gap in the market Dean Started Black Diamond Transfers, wanting to utilize technology to stream line the private transfer industry.   

  • 2020

    Restructure of business 

    During Covid, while most of the private transfer industry had either closed or was on the verge of closing, Dean doubled down, learning from the past years mistakes and wins to point Black Diamond towards better and better things. 

  • 2021

    Business Boom 

    With the end of covid near, the structures and relationships forged during the downs times came showed their strengths.  

  • 2022

    Fleet expansion 

    In '23 Dean took the leap from single vehicle owner operator to Multi vehicle operator, purchasing a Mercedes Sprinter. This move was made after a losing a large conference quote due to being unable to supply the larger vehicle type, a mistake learnt from and not made again. 

    Dean also acquired a 6 passenger Mercedes van and a second full time driver for this vehicle. 

  • 2023

    Merger with Empire Travel Group

    At the start of 2023 Black Diamond Transfers and Empire Travel group merged under the banner of newly the formed Empiro group. 

  • 2023

    Fleet Expansion (AGAIN)

    To celebrate the new merger of the two business, the fleet expanded in size and location. Adding a new Mercedes S class, 2 brand new Lexus ES300hs and a Genesis G80 to the fleet. 

  • 2024

    Acquisition of Empiro Group

    Dean then Acquired full control of Empiro Group and it's subsidies including Empire Travel group, Black Diamond Transfers and Scenic Rim Transfers at the start of 2024. 

  • 2024

    Agoonoree - Scouts Australia 

    Sponsored 5 Guests. 

    Having attended this camp when younger Dean now gives back each Year and sponsors a number of guests for this combined Scout and Guide camp year. 

  • 2025

    CEO Sleepout - Vinnies

    Raised $1000

    Every night, thousands of Australians experience homelessness. But it doesn't have to be that way. This year I'm taking part in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout to raise money for the St Vincent de Paul Society to support Australians in need. For one night, I'll be sleeping outside as part of an eye-opening experience to raise awareness and bring home the realities of homelessness.

  • 2025

    Agoonoree - Scouts Australia 

    Sponsored 5 Guests. 

    Having attended this camp when younger Dean now gives back each Year and sponsors a number of guests for this combined Scout and Guide camp year.