Today we’d like to introduce you to Sylvia Scruggs.
Sylvia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
In 2012, I was a Certified Middle School Math Teacher. By 2014, I was teaching DUI Risk Reduction Classes throughout Metro-Atlanta and in Sandy Springs on weekends. To my surprise, I really liked connecting with so many people while teaching DUI and learning their stories and helping them discover themselves through the Prime For Life research-based curriculum. I satisfied my desire to be of service and help others in our community. Working for so many other schools, I figured I could be in business for myself. I found a location on the Eastside and my husband completed the build-out. I shared with him my vision and he helped made it a reality. Along the way, we ran into obstacles like finding an architect and a licensed contractor. We asked for help from a few reliable friends and we were back to finishing the build-out (which went from June 2016 through September 2016).
Early into 2017, I realized I needed to teach public school full-time again to earn money until my business activities increased. By summer 2018, I took a leap of faith and left the public school system to focus 100% on building my business. I went from having zero clients to people signing up everyday for either a Georgia DDS Certified DUI Risk Reduction or Defensive Driving/Driver Improvement Class. I have helped about six others get certified. I am proud that my facility is owned and operated by family and friends. Due to the Covid19 pandemic, as part of the state emergency mandate, I have been successfully facilitating my classes using the Zoom application.
Has it been a smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road. The first set back was finding out that we needed a certified general contractor and an architect on my first visit to the Dekalb County Planning Office. Initially, I was there asking about how do I go about obtaining a business license for my facility. Who you know can be helpful and I asked my brother-in-law for a referral for an architect, which turned out really well. I just happened to be out driving one day and I saw this contractor’s sign. I boldly approached him and simply asked for what I needed and that was for him to visit my office and sign off on the build-out project. He agreed and saw the work that my husband had done was acceptable and, upon our agreement, he signed off on it. Shortly afterwards, I submitted, in person, my application, payment, and the blueprint of my office, as required, and I was able to get my business license.
In addition, I had to get approved by the GA Department of Driver Services as they regulate the classes I teach. That process went smoothly as I was already a certified DUI RRP Instructor and DI instructor.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the A Class Act DUI & Defensive Driving School story. Tell us more about the business.
A Class Act DUI & Defensive Driving School, Inc. is owned, directed, and staffed by a Savannah State Alumni and Master Teacher approved by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). I offer social services that meet the needs of our citizens, community groups, and court requirements through a unique learning experience. Specifically, I offer the court-mandated classes for DUI Risk Reduction Program, in which clients take an assessment before participating in the 20-hour intervention component. I also facilitate Defensive Driving/Driver Improvement as most people take this class for License Reinstatement, Points Reduction, Court/Probation Requirements, or for Insurance Premium Discounts. Teens without traffic violations may take my class for only $25 for Insurance Discount purposes. I am offering the Prime for Life 420 for marijuana users, as well.
I am most proud because not only was I able to provide services I love but my Black-Owned Business is operated by family and friends. Incidentally, my oldest son is a GA Certified Driver Improvement Instructor and I love it when he can operate the business in my absence and teach classes. Flexibility is the number one thing that sets me apart from others. Not only am I certified to teach my own classes but I am the sole owner. Basically, having the flexibility to schedule classes and meeting the scheduling needs of my clients is what sets me apart from others. We are available for questions 24/7.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Over the next 5-10 years, I do not see any big shifts or changes. Most recently, amid the Covid19 Pandemic, the use of technology has taken the place of face-to-face (in person) communication. Unfortunately, people will continue to drive under the influence and commit traffic violations. But through education, time, and money, perhaps they will view their own faults and own up to their safe driving responsibilities. We each can do our part by keeping our roads safe for drivers and pedestrians. Perhaps we may see a decrease in teenage driving casualties and a decrease in DUI convictions. I wish to continue to be a part of the solution!
Currently, A Class Act DUI & Defensive Driving School, Inc. offers the dynamic, unique experience guided by the Prevention Research Institute, Prime for Life, Version 9 research-based curriculum for the DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction course. The Defensive Driving/Driver Improvement curriculum comes from the Driving Educators of Georgia (D.E.O.G.). Participants must pay the established fees before starting the state-certified classes and must follow all expectations according to the assessment and intervention contracts. We will continue to provide personal attention.
Pricing:
- $95 Defensive Driving/Driver Improvement Class
- $100 DUI Assessment
- $260 DUI Risk Reduction Program Intervention
Contact Info:
- Address: 7525 Covington Highway, Suite E, Lithonia, GA 30058
- Website: aclassactdui.com
- Phone: 770.256.8685
- Email: aclassactdui@yahoo.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/aclassactdui
Image Credit:
Sylvia Scruggs personal pictures
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