Name of person featured: Jesse K. Hellyer Jr.

Name of business: New York Life

Street address:  527 W. Main St., Waverly

Telephone number: 804-834-9939

Office hours: Varies

E-Mail address: jkhellyer@ft.newyorklife.com

Nature of business: Insurance and financial service

Year founded: 1993

Number of employees: One

How’s business:  Business has been steady, but difficult in the recessed employment market.

Something you wish everyone knew about your business: I have big-city knowledge, but small-town service.

Something you offer that a customer won’t find elsewhere: Caring thought to each client’s needs.

Advice to young entrepreneurs: Find a niche and focus

Your first job: Part-time busboy and dishwasher at Pizza Hut. First career job was as a teacher and coach at Tidewater Academy.

Your role model: In life, I always try to do what is right.

The key to a successful business is: Working hard, good/caring customer service and do what you say you are going to do.