CARIBOU — Two RSU 39 employees, with help from the Northern Maine Development Commission Business Finance Division, have started a side business, Aroostook Driving School LLC, to meet a demand in the region.
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Contributed photo The Aroostook Driving School, LLC, is now open for business in Caribou. Celebrating with a ribbon cutting are, from left, Theresa Fowler, executive director of the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce; Ryan Deprey and Todd Albert, co-owners; and Josh Nadeau, Small Business Development Center counselor at Northern Maine Development Commission. |
Caribou has supported two private driving schools since 1993, when driver’s education was removed from the curriculum at Caribou High School.
One of the two current providers will be leaving the market due to retirement, which meant an opportunity for Ryan Deprey and Todd Albert.
NMDC Small Business Development Center counselor Josh Nadeau said both Deprey and Albert are well known in the community and have “a great reputation.”
“Ryan is a physical education teacher and Todd serves as athletic director,” said Nadeau. “Ryan also coaches varsity girls’ basketball at Caribou High school while Todd coaches varsity girls’ soccer. Combined, the two have worked 37 years in education. Handling a classroom and working with kids is something these two gentlemen know very well how to do.”
The new business also received a loan from NMDC.
“NMDC is pleased to finance another new small business in Aroostook County,” said loan officer David Spooner. “Our Business Finance Department, as well as our Small Business Development Center, were both utilized in the planning and financing process of this business startup.”
Operating out of Caribou Middle School, the Aroostook Driving School will offer classes throughout the year, and both traditional students and adults can register by contacting Deprey at 551-6181 or Albert at 227-0227. The school can also be reached by email at aroostookdrivingschool@yahoo.com.
“We also want to promote the importance of education and education-based results,” said Deprey. “As a result, we will be offering a reduced rate to students on the honor roll. Classes will be held at the middle school in Caribou and are open to all local surrounding towns.”
For more information about free small business counseling and small business loans, contact Spooner at 493-5766 or Nadeau at 493-5765.
