Name: Mary Ann Hancock (pictured)

Name of Business: Dail’s Home Center — True Value

Address: 1221 Armory Drive, Franklin

Phone number: (757) 562-6143

Operating Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; Closed Sundays

Title: Sporting goods manager

Year Founded: 1989

Number of employees: 27

How’s business? Better than last year

One thing you wish everyone knew about your business: We carry live bait for fishing, as well as a full line of bait and tackle. We also carry Wall hunting clothes, LaCrosse boots, tree stands and hunting supplies.

Something you offer that a customer won’t find elsewhere: One-on-one personal service. We greet every one of our customers at the door with a smile.

Advice to young entrepreneurs: Be friendly and honest. Be willing to go beyond to serve your customers. That’s a must in any business.

Your first job: I was a waitress at the Lighthouse Restaurant in Virginia Beach.

Your role model (in business or in life generally): My husband, Rusty — his kindness and honesty is something I’ve always admired. He’s a wonderful person and I look up to him. He’s my best friend.

The key to a successful business is: Find out what your customers’ needs are and meet them. If I don’t have it , I’ll make every attempt to find it.