Today we’d like to introduce you to Alisa Allen.
Alisa, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The journey to own my own school has been a long one. I started in this industry over 24 years ago. I was working a minimum wage job doing nothing with my life. I was approached by my aunt who owned her own school. She offered to pay for my classes to get licensed to become an instructor. Even agreed to pay me several dollars more an hour than what I was making. It was an offer I couldn’t refuse.
Since then, I’ve taken more courses and upgraded my license several times. I started as a teaching assistant (TA) and now I’m a fully certified teacher. I’m currently working on getting my supervising teacher (ST) license, which will allow me to train instructors. Many times over the years I’ve considered opening my own school but something would happen and put that dream on hold. Seven years ago, I had the privilege of meeting Angelita Salinas.
She owns the original Driver’s Point Driving School in east Houston on Holland Dr. She has continuously encouraged me to think bigger and not to let anything stop me. At the beginning of the year she offered me a franchise, another offer I couldn’t refuse. It’s been a whirlwind of activity since.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As all journeys in life, the road has had its fair share of bumps. My dreams of owning my own school have been shelved for many personal struggles including: accidents, broken bones, caring for dying family members, going back to school, finances, etc… The list is endless. However, at the end of 2015 I was facing some major changes that I could not stop. I was being forced out of my family home. This sparked my year of change in 2016.
I let go of many things and people that were holding me down. I embraced the changes and actually found myself again. I left 2016 with a new attitude and optimism for my life. I vowed 2017 to be my year of building, and thus far it has been. I’ve spent time building family relationships, friendships, and business relationships. Most importantly, I’ve spent time building my business.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Driver’s Point Driving School story. Tell us more about the business.
We are a full-service driving school. We teach teen and adult classroom and in-car instruction, DPS authorized permit and road testing for all ages, and defensive driving classes for ticket dismissal and insurance discounts.
My school is located in southeast Houston. It is one of two franchises of the original Driver’s Point Driving School located in Jacinto City.
We have a large demand for the adult 6 hour driver education class and DPS Authorized Road Tests. We offer these classes weekly and road testing daily which allows us to get adults licensed in a matter of days.
Personally, I’m proud of the accomplishments I’ve achieved this year. Professionally, I’m proud of the school we have built and look forward to serving this community.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
It’s more than luck. I’ve been blessed. Blessed to survive my struggles. Blessed to have support. Blessed to meet the right people. Blessed to have opportunities open in front of me. Just Blessed.
Pricing:
- Teen Drivers Education Course $399 Hours: 32 classroom, DPS permit testing, 7 driving, 7 in-car observation
- Adult Drivers Education Course $125 Hours: 6 classroom & DPS permit testing
- In-car Driving Lessons $60 per hour
- Road Test Prep $50
- DPS Authorized Road Test $75
- Defensive Driving Course $35 Hours: 6 classroom
- Bring in this article for a special discount on any course.
Contact Info:
- Address: 11007 Fuqua Suite A
Houston, Texas 77089 - Website: http://driverspointsouthside.business.site/
- Phone: 346-319-4704
- Email: driverspoint.fuqua@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/driverspoint.southside/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/driverspointsouthside/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/drivers_point
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
