Name of Business: Southampton Foot & Ankle Clinic

Address: 110 W. Second Ave., Franklin

Phone number: 562-3002

Operating Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday to Friday

Nature of Business: Medical and surgical treatment of foot and ankle problems, acute and chronic conditions

Principle owner/manager and title: Dr. Rodney L. Bland (pictured)

Year Founded: 2000

Prior Location: 209 N. College Drive

Number of employees: Three

How’s business? Steady, but can be seasonal. People have a tendency to take care of all other health problems and neglect their feet until they have a bigger problem.

One thing you wish everyone knew about your business: I’m the only full-time podiatrist in Franklin and Southampton County since 2000.

Something you offer that a customer won’t find elsewhere: I offer excellent customer service both in the front office and in the treatment room with an emphasis on education, not hurried care.

Advice to young entrepreneurs: Small-town service requires superior customer care because “word of mouth” is the largest form of advertisement.

Your first job: Delivering newspapers

Your role model (in business or in life generally): Father. He experienced many challenges in the military and in the civil rights era.

The key to a successful business is: Family, staff, expertise, financing and faith