STACEY M. HEANEY IS THE OWNER OF DRIVING MISS DAISY, TOO, A COMPANY THAT PROVIDES TRANSPORTATION AND OTHER SERVICES TO SENIORS IN THE AREA. SHE LIVES IN SOUTHERN STAFFORD COUNTY.

April 30, 2008 12:15 am

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DESCRIBE YOUR BUSINESS: Driving Miss Daisy, Too provides transportation, assistance and accompaniment services in all areas of Fredericksburg, as well as Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George and Caroline counties. We provide services geared toward senior citizens. We provide a sense of security to each senior/individual that enables stress-free outings. Adult children and caregivers can find comfort and relax knowing their loved ones are being cared for in a special way.

EDUCATION: Graduated from North Stafford High School in 1987 and Old Dominion University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in elementary/middle school education.

FAMILY: Married to Dan Heaney for 11 years. Two sons who attend Ferry Farm Elementary School: Ethan, 9, and Eli, 6.

CAREER HISTORY: I began my teaching career at Spotsylvania Middle School for my first three years of teaching. I taught at H.H. Poole Middle School for three years before having my first child. I stayed home for six years and was a successful Creative Memories consultant. When my youngest child was 3, I went back to Spotsylvania and taught at Freedom Middle and Battlefield Middle for two years.

FIRST JOB: Water safety instructor/lifeguard at Woodland Pool in North Stafford.

WORST JOB: Fast-food cashier.

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? Hartwood area of Stafford.

HOW DID YOU END UP OWNING YOUR BUSINESS? After I returned to teaching full time, it didn't take long for me to realize that I was not spending enough quality time with my family. My young boys suffered the most. I couldn't find a good balance between being a solid, creative teacher and an attentive, nurturing mother. So, I began researching and praying. Driving Miss Daisy, Too came about when I ran across a similar business in Canada. I did an informal market analysis to see if the seniors in the Fredericksburg area could benefit from a similar service. It quickly became evident that this type of service was desperately needed. Driving Miss Daisy, Too was created.

WHAT IS YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE? Seniors and their adult children. I speak at residential meetings in assisted-living facilities whenever possible.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT WORKING WITH SENIORS? I enjoy working with the senior population as much as I enjoyed my middle school students. I take pleasure in every senior I work with. Every day, I listen to the drama in their lives. Some have a funny joke to tell, and some are sassy, saying exactly what is on their mind, no matter the topic. It's a ministry in itself.

WHAT IS THE KEY TO RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS? Remaining focused and staying organized. "You first" really are key words that should be a part of every go-getter's vocabulary. Caring for other people, having honor, working with honesty, competing with dignity, sharing knowledge and behaving with kindness are mandatory in running a successful business.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? My children and family are my biggest motivation. One day my children will look back and be able to say that their mom made a difference in so many people's lives. That's quite a legacy to be proud of!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? I love the daily interaction with my clients. I also enjoy having the flexibility to volunteer at my sons' elementary school or simply stop in for lunch with my kids.

WHO IS THE MOST INSPIRATIONAL BUSINESS LEADER YOU KNOW? Dr. Brenda Seals was the assistant principal at Spotsylvania Middle School when she hired me right out of college and spent a lot of time nurturing me through the beginning of my teaching career. I most admired the respect she showed her staff and her ability to be authoritative, yet kind. She had an open-door policy and could make her teachers feel rewarded even when she was having a dreadful day. As a young adult, she had the most influence on me professionally, and I soaked up as much of her as I could.

WHAT BUSINESS BOOK DO YOU MOST RECOMMEND? "The Power of Nice, How to Conquer the Business World With Kindness."

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN? I love scrapbooking with other moms, swimming and playing sports with my children, vacationing at the beach and going on childless dates with my husband.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHERS TRYING TO START THEIR OWN BUSINESS? Start a business doing something that you already love to do. Pray every day. Treat your clients with respect and kindness. Don't sweat the small stuff. Hire a great bookkeeper.

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS? To inundate the Fredericksburg region with more Driving Miss Daisy, Too cars. My company can help so many elderly people in our area that need and want assistance and accompaniment as they travel to doctor's appointments, grocery shopping, out and about town or to a family member's home in another town.

ON THE NET: Drivingmissdaisytoo.com. The business number is 540/842-2058.

--As told to Bill Freehling

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