Name of person featured: Susan Walton

Name of Business: Parker’s

Street address: 102 N. Main St., Franklin

Phone number: (757) 569-7815

Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Nature of business: Gifts, scrubs, fountain

PrincipAL owners: Ed and Glenda Canada

Number of employees: Six, not including the owners

How’s business? Slow right now, but we are seeing it pick up. We’re keeping the faith.

One thing you wish everyone knew about your business: This is a great place to relax and fellowship with your friends and a great place to meet new friends. We have a variety of gifts and the breakfast and lunch menus have a variety of good food.

Something you offer that a customer won’t find elsewhere: Personal, friendly service. We listen, we laugh and we serve from the heart.

Advice to young entrepreneurs: Plan, plan, plan. Know your area and respect what the people want. It also helps to be competitive too.

Your first job: Farm Fresh. I was 16. I worked in Great Bridge off of Battlefield Boulevard.

Your role model (in business or in life generally): Spiritually, Jesus Christ. We all would be a lot better off if we were all Christ-minded.

The key to a successful business is: Treat people the way you want to be treated, and always offer a friendly smile.