Name of person featured: Judy Dorn

Name of business: A-1 Drivers Ed

Street address: 1022 Clay St., Franklin

Phone number: (757) 516-8137

E-mail address: A-1DriversEd@yahoo.com

Nature of Business: Driving instruction/classroom and in-car

Principle ownerS: Judy Dorn and Jim Dorn, owners

Year Founded: 2005

Number of employees: 6

How’s business? Good

One thing you wish everyone knew about your business: It’s not as easy it as it looks. There are many hours of work that are not done in the classroom or in the car. Everyone needs to know that we are not subsidized by the Department of Motor Vehicles or the state.

Something you offer that a customer won’t find elsewhere: We treat our students as if they were our own. The safety now and in the future is of utmost concern to us. We follow all rules and regulations of the DMV and the state. We don’t cut corners (no pun intended).

Advice to young entrepreneurs: Don’t accept mediocrity. Always do more than expected. Work hard. Always expect the best from everyone. Don’t make excuses, just get it done.

Your first job: My background and education is banking and finance. I was a bank branch manager and loan officer.

Your role model (in business or in life generally): My husband, Jim, is the most positive person I have ever known. He is a Christian and doesn’t just talk the talk but walks the walk.

The key to a successful business is: Don’t accept the norm. Always do more than required.