Name of Business: Franklin Automotive

Street address: 209 E. Fourth Ave., Franklin

Phone number: 757-562-4981

Operating hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday

E-mail address: franklincarcare@aol.com/www.franklinautomotive.net

Nature of business: Automotive repair and service

Owner: Tim Parsons

Year founded: 2007

Number of employees: 6

How’s business? Business is great! We have many loyal customers from all over Virginia and North Carolina.

One thing you wish everyone knew about your business: We have two downtown locations and ASE-certified technicians.

Something you offer that a customer won’t find elsewhere: Sincere and personalized service. We know all of our customers and treat them like family.

Advice to young entrepreneurs: Stay away from negative people and pursue your dreams.

Your first job: Scoreboard operator for an Oakland A’s farm team.

Your role model (in business or in life generally): Dale Parsons, my dad. He was a business owner and taught me the value of customer service.

The key to a successful business is: Taking care of your employees and customers and going the extra mile.