Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Johnson.
Hi Kelly, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The idea of carving out my own place in the transportation industry took shape on a New Year’s Eve, during a quiet moment of reflection about my future. As I assessed my vision, it became clear that I was being called to do more—and to step away from the corporate workforce. Drawing on my lifelong passion for driving and years of experience in transportation, I realized my purpose was to teach and to pass along the skills of safe, responsible driving to others.
As I explored the path forward, I noticed a gap close to home. While there were driving schools in nearby towns, none served my city of Thomasville. I learned that certification opportunities for driver trainers are offered only once a year, so I immediately reached out to the appropriate department. When the training list was released, I seized the opportunity. With financial support from my uncle, who covered half of the cost, and the encouragement of my husband, who backed the initial investment.
I completed the required 80-hour course over the Juneteenth weekend in 2025. The next step required hands-on experience under an established school, which led me to Kim Cates of Archdale School, also known as Drive Safe 365. In a moment of humility and wisdom, she encouraged me to consider opening my own school, noting the growing backlog in both state programs and public schools. After six months of training with her as a driver and substitute instructor, the opportunity arose to establish my own school in Thomasville. Ms. Cates generously offered to finance the purchase of the school assets, helping turn the vision into reality.
With additional business coaching from Self-Help Credit Union and the Self-Help Business Training program, I navigated the process of acquiring assets and formally launching what is now Drive Safe Thomasville. Today, Ms. Cates still supports the school as a substitute teacher and Behind The Wheel Trainer. In our first 90 days of operation, Drive Safe Thomasville is proudly serving Thomasville and surrounding communities, providing essential driver education for teens and adults and meeting a long-standing local need.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Some of the challenges along the have been solved through the business coaching program I receive from the Self Help Business Train. If I had to name one, it would be the challenge of building the team and choosing apps for daily operations.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Individual driving schools are listed as Commercial Driving Schools. This is a stand alone business and doesn’t allow us to teach within the public school classroom of driver’s education. The benefit to this structure is owners have the ability to choose the curriculum and send it to the state for approval including the state requirements for motorcycle and Alcohol/Drug instruction.
We can train Adults and Teens with A La Carte services or packages. I tout my ability to ‘talk nervous drivers off the edge’. The anxiety level of some is seemingly too much for parents to deal with but at the end of my services the teens and adults are ever grateful and admit to feeling much better about getting behind the wheel.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
This past 90 days has been extremely rare for me in business. I was also able to establish a rental space for classroom and meetings in Thomasville which is called the Vocational Vault Training Center, LLC. The opportunity for facilitators, podcasters and professionals to hold a revenue generating event is what I offer. The start up coaching from Smart Start Program at the Enterprise Center of Winston Salem was a wealth of knowledge during this time. For more information an inquiry can be made at vocationalvault.com
Location is a key element in deciding to open your doors and say that you are in business. My community work and volunteer resume is lengthy. I am active with my church youth serving the Greenhill Veterans Group in High Point and received the MLK Beloved Community award just last year. In my town of Thomasville, I can truly say that I have done the work and sewed my seeds. This time of accelerated business ventures is a solution much needed. The support we’ve received from the community has been truly welcoming and overwhelming. It only made sense that I plant my feet here in Thomasville.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.drivesafetville.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-johnson-03243a226/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@vocationalvault1013
