“Driver coaching and rider training and testing”

Rightway Driving Academy

Established: 2017

Location: Kapiti

Website: rightwaydriving.co.nz

Business mission: “To create safe, confident and competent drivers and riders.”

What sets you apart from your competitors?

My patient approach and my professionalism

Please provide details of any business awards you have won.

None

Please describe why you decided to go into business for yourself.

I wanted to make a real difference to try and reduce the increasing road toll. To teach people to drive or ride from first principles became my passion.

Please describe some of the challenges you needed to overcome to get your business off the ground.

After 38 years being a government employee, I started a business completely from scratch on my own. I had to gain qualifications in a new area and had to learn business principles including, tax, GST, advertising and networking.

Please tell us about an example where you managed to overcome a significant challenge that stood in the way of your business success.

When newly qualified I was working for another business doing motorcycle training, however I wanted to diversify and to run my business my way, therefore after only a few months of working, I set up on my own, brought a car and became the only hybrid car/motorcycle trainer in the region.

Please explain how perseverance or overcoming adversity has been necessary for you to make a success of your business.

N/A

What business success have you achieved to date?

Over 140 customers; links to other businesses; about to partner with the AA to provide motorcycle training across the Wellington and Manawatu regions.

What are you most proud of in relation to your business?

That I make the majority of the decisions in the everyday running of my business and that my reputation for excellence is rapidly spreading.

How many people does your business employ?

I am the owner/operator, however I am about to sign up two sub-contractors

What contractors do you regularly use in your business?

None

What training opportunities have you provided to the people you employ?

N/A

What positive reviews and testimonials do you have from happy customers?

Many! I have a FB page and a web page both with testimonials and comments.

Apart from the potential financial benefits, what other benefits do you get from being a business owner?

Freedom of choice, ability to take time out when necessary.

Please describe any community involvement or sponsorship your business is involved with.

I am involved with Work Ready Kapiti and sponsored a high school student for hockey. I have offered free scooter training courses to both Kapiti and Paraparaumu Colleges. I have given talks to Probus, Rotary and Rymans village. I have made a charitable donation to Southwards Car Museum.

What other ways do you - as a business - give back to the community?

By using and promoting local services wherever and whenever possible.

Please outline any other information you think is relevant to this entry.

I am a member of the Kapiti Chamber, the BNI group and the New Zealand Institute of Driving Educators. I am also the National Vice-President, local branch Chair, senior motorcycle observer and car observer for the Institute of Advanced Motorists NZ.