Today we’d like to introduce you to Rose De La Vega.
Rose, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I became a Driving Instructor back in 2014 when I began working for a driving school. I started off as a Driving Instructor only, Teaching students how to drive. It wasn’t long before I knew this is what I loved doing. I enjoyed it very much. Being able to help our teenagers become good drivers was my #1 Priority. Teaching them is not just about getting behind the wheel and that with driving comes a big responsibility. I also saw it as an opportunity to share with them a very personal story of mine. Which involves drinking and driving. Being one of so many families, who’s lost a loved one to a drunk driver. I’ve always wanted to share my story and would share it with anyone who was willing to listen. To make them aware that it could happen to you, just like it happened to my family.
I was determined to gain as much experience as possible. So I worked at my first job for 1 year. After a year, I went to work for a different driving school, because I wanted to gain experience from other Instructors, other schools. Everyone has different ways of working, and I wanted different teaching techniques to help me with my students.
After working for 6 months, I decided it was time. I had gained the basic experience necessary to open my own school.
I believe it was in July of 2015 when I made my decision and never turned back.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has been rough.
I don’t know if all new businesses go through a financial crisis. But I did. My funds ran out and I still needed to advertise, I had to pay rent and bills for 3 months without being approved by the state yet. The car I bought for the school, still needed to be equipped with the required instructor’s brake, had to be insured, the building we rented needed repairs,.. but I prayed to God and found a way to overcome the obstacles.
As far as challenges, the only one I had was going through my divorce at the same time. It made me questioned my self, my ability, did I have what it took to do this. I was constantly told that as a single woman I would not be able to run a successful business. That, right there, turned out to be the biggest challenge anyone could give me.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We are a family owned business. Our services include the State mandated driving courses required to get your license. We offer both the teen and adult course. We also offer the 6 hr National Safety Defensive Driving course for ticket dismissal or an insurance discount, as well as individual driving hours for anyone needing driving instruction to better their driving skills.
Also, the state requires that teen students drive 30 hrs at home with their parents, but some parents work and do not have time. We offer this service to teens as well for a discounted price.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Houston is a very big city and I believe that it is a good place for anyone wanting to start a business.
Contact Info:
- Address: 507 Dell Dale Ave
- Website: www.1stprioritydriving.com
- Phone: 281-864-5333
- Email: rmg7395@gmail.com
- Instagram: 1st Priority Driving
- Facebook: 1st Priority Driving
- Twitter: 1st Priority Driving
- Yelp: 1st Priority Driving
- Other: 1st Priority Driving
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