Celebrating Local Success Stories
Starting and running a local business or nonprofit organization is a challenge. From finding start-up funding to hiring employees, entrepreneurs face numerous hurdles. As a result, only a small percentage of new businesses survive long-term.
Yet Prince William County is home to literally thousands of local businesses and organizations. They provide jobs for our neighbors, services for our community and tax revenue to support our schools and first-responders.
Indeed, this newspaper is part of a local small business. InsideNoVa is based in Woodbridge and, combined with our parent company, Rappahannock Media LLC, has about 25 full- and part-time employees. We’ve been fortunate to celebrate 12 years of publishing this weekly newspaper, and our website, InsideNoVa.com, is now 22 years old.
So we’re delighted again this year to present the annual Business Anniversary
section, recognizing some of the local businesses and organizations that not only have succeeded but have thrived – and that also make our community special.
The businesses and organizations spotlighted in the pages that follow aren’t owned by big national chains. They are owned and operated by your neighbors and friends, who have dedicated countless hours of hard work to make them successful.
We hope you are as inspired by their stories as we are, and, more importantly, we encourage you to support not just the local businesses in this section, but all local businesses. Whether you need a new roof or a new appliance, think local.
– Bruce Potter, Publisher
60 YEARS
Didlake
Since 1965, Didlake has been at the forefront of creating pathways to employment and access to the community for people with disabilities. What began as a mission to provide education for children with disabilities, led by visionary families in the Prince William County community, has blossomed into a movement changing countless lives over six decades.
Originally established as the Didlake School, the organization pivoted in response to the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). With public education newly accessible, Didlake’s leadership embraced employment as the next frontier of inclusion, founding the Didlake Occupational Center to help individuals build vocational skills and achieve independence.
By the 1990s, Didlake expanded its reach through the AbilityOne Program as a SourceAmerica-affiliated nonprofit. This partnership allowed Didlake to provide service solutions for federal customers while creating diverse employment opportunities for individuals with significant disabilities.
Today, Didlake employs over 1,700 individuals, including more than 1,000 with disabilities, across nearly 40 federal, state and commercial sites, corporate offices and businesses.
Didlake’s vision is a world of inclusive communities, where people with disabilities are valued, respected and empowered to participate fully in society. This vision takes shape through impactful programs
such as Supported Employment, Day Support services at five locations, and business ventures like document and photo scanning services and two The UPS Store franchises in Manassas and Fairfax.
And this is only the beginning. Didlake remains committed to innovation and growth and fostering partnerships to create even more opportunities for individuals with disabilities to thrive. Businesses of all sizes – from federal prime contractors to local enterprises – are invited to join this mission of building inclusive workplaces. Together, we can shape a future where everyone’s potential is realized, and all contributions are celebrated.
Learn about ways to partner with Didlake at didlake.org/support-our-mission/ we-create-opportunities/
46 YEARS
Brennan’s HVAC
Since 1979, Brennan’s Heating & Air Conditioning has provided homeowners and businesses throughout Northern Virginia with award-winning customer service, outstanding products, affordable prices and superior workmanship.
Brennan’s doesn’t compromise on quality – team members pride themselves on providing the top-quality service each and every time. They attribute their success to the fact that they’re responsive to customers’ needs, no matter whether they’re residential or commercial, large or small.
Whether you need routine maintenance or a complete system installation, Brennan’s team of trained technicians is at your beck and call, prepared to deliver quality services and products at an affordable price. They live by the time-tested motto: “Do the job right the first time.”
Brennan’s service area includes all of Prince William County, including Manassas and Gainesville, as well as Fairfax and Stafford counties.
Every success story begins with an idea. In the case of Youth For Tomorrow, it was Super Bowl winning Head Coach Joe Gibbs feeling there was something missing in the community. There needed to be a place for at-risk boys to better their lives, giving them a chance at winning in life. He ran the idea past some local business leaders and they joined forces to purchase some undeveloped property in Prince William County. In 1986, YFT enrolled their first male resident. The concept immediately began making a difference, and it would grow incredibly over the next 40 years. The need to provide girls with residential services would soon be recognized. Today, Youth For Tomorrow’s girls residential program comprises nearly half of its resident population.
To help meet the growing needs of the community, YFT expanded from 1 home for boys, to 13 homes, 7 for boys and 6 for girls. Also, Youth For Tomorrow constructed a state-of-the-art school, the Joe Gibbs Center for Academic and Physical Education, completed in September 2003. Continued expansion of programs, ministry, and administration have resulted in the construction of the Peterson Family Chapel in 2017, and the Pruitt Administration and Behavioral Health Center in 2022. In addition, YFT has 7 outpatient behavioral health services regional offices in Northern Virginia.
All this from the dream of Coach Joe Gibbs, in that empty field in the early 80’s, to where the Campus is today. On this 40th anniversary we look forward to serving the community for decades into the future.
45 YEARS Employment Enterprises Inc.
Who do you turn to when your company needs to recruit for open positions? Who do you turn to when you are seeking a new job in your field? The answer to both should be Employment Enterprises.
Employment Enterprises is an award-winning, 100% woman-owned small business with 45 years of experience in the workforce industry. Founder Lovey Hammel and her team provide clients with innovative workforce solutions and connect job seekers with quality positions that develop their skills in a positive
company culture.
Employment Enterprises is the parent company of Temporary Solutions Inc. and Checks & Balances Inc.
Started in 1980 by a mother-daughter team in a church basement, Employment Enterprises maintains the same family atmosphere today that it had when the firm first launched 45 years ago. Initially serving
only Prince William County, the company has continuously expanded its service area from local to national while focusing on providing a consistent experience for both businesses and job seekers alike.
When it comes to recruiting for open positions, Employment Enterprises excels at matching companies with top talent who have the necessary skills but also the
personality and demeanor to fit into the company culture.
For those seeking a new position, Employment Enterprises not only connects job seekers with hiring managers but also prepares them for success, including resume reviews, interview preparation sessions and career coaching.
Although their business touches all 50 states and Puerto Rico, Employment Enterprises is committed to making Prince William County a better place to live and work. The company gives back by implementing corporate initiatives that support a wide range of constituents and causes – including training and connecting veterans re-entering the civilian workforce.
Whether you’re looking for a new employee or searching for a new opportunity, Employment Enterprises is – and has been for 45 years – the connection you need to strengthen your workforce!
Summit Roofing Contractors Inc.
Summit Roofing Contractors Inc. is a quality, reliable, full service, one-stop solution for roofing and window needs company. With 43 years serving the area, Summit has the experience, relationships and longevity to make your project a success.
We are family-owned and operated, and we take great pride in the continued opportunity to provide our clients with a solid roof over their heads. We serve the entire Northern Virginia and Washington metro area.
What We Do – Our team provides you with the peace of mind that can come only with an experienced, responsible party keeping your building “covered.” We provide all aspects of residential and commercial roofing services. That includes not just new and replacement roofs, but also tear-offs, siding, replacement windows, aluminum gutters, roof repairs, shingles, slate cedar shakes, standing seam, EPDM, single-ply rubber roofs, Dura Deck, ventilation, skylights and more.
If it’s about securing the interior of your building and maximizing the exterior, we are your solution.
Why Choose Us? There’s a reason that we have received the Best of Prince William award seven years running. We have
also been voted Contractor of the Year by the Northern Virginia Building Industry twice. We have provided roofing services to over 60,000 Northern Virginia homes, and we partner with the owners to ensure that their goals are met in a professional, reliable, cost-effective way.
We are a licensed and insured Class A Virginia contractor, and we stand behind our products and our services. Our familiarity with building codes, requirements and best practices ensure a hassle-free successful project, every time.
Verified Ratings: 4.7 Star Rating on Google; Summit Roofing Rating: 4.7 out of 5 with 148 ratings.
Contact us today – we would love to beautify your home or building. 13042 Hanson Farm Road Manassas, 20109 (703) 368-7483 www.summitroofing.com
Appliance Connection
Founded in 1985 by Mark and Pam Tonnesen, Appliance Connection has been serving Northern Virginia and the entire Washington area for over 40 years.
We have grown over those years to become one of the nation’s largest appliance retailers, and with a visit to our showroom, you’ll know why. Our 20,000-square-foot showroom offers the largest appliance display in the Mid-Atlantic, with most brands and an impressive selection of models on display.
Our sales consultants are here to help you choose appliances to fit your needs in any style and any budget.
13851 Telegraph Road, Unit 101 Woodbridge, 22192 applianceconnection.net (703) 492-7283
39 YEARS
39 YEARS
OmniRide
OmniRide has offered mobility services to residents of Prince William County and the Manassas area for more than 39 years. Over the years, OmniRide has evolved to meet the changing needs of the community, continuing to introduce new services to new destinations.
Metro stations.
OmniRide
OmniRide has offered mobility services to residents of Prince William County and the Manassas area for more than 39 years. Over the years, OmniRide has evolved to meet the changing needs of the community, continuing to introduce new services to new destinations.
Our mobility options help to reduce congestion and pollution in one of the nation’s busiest regions. Commuters can travel stress-free on a comfortable OmniRide Express bus to the Pentagon and locations throughout Northern Virginia and downtown Washington, and Metro Express buses will get you to nearby
Our mobility options help to reduce congestion and pollution in one of the nation’s busiest regions. Commuters can travel stress-free on a comfortable OmniRide Express bus to the Pentagon and locations throughout Northern Virginia and downtown Washington, and Metro Express buses will get you to nearby
Metro stations.
If the bus isn’t a good fit, commuters can register free with our Ridesharing program to find a carpool or vanpool that best suits their needs. There are also nine OmniRide Local routes – operating on zero-fares – that serve Dumfries, Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, the Route 1 corridor, Manassas and Manassas Park.
Learn more about our family of services at OmniRide.com and “Get There Smarter!”
If the bus isn’t a good fit, commuters can register free with our Ridesharing program to find a carpool or vanpool that best suits their needs. There are also nine OmniRide Local routes – operating on zero-fares – that serve Dumfries, Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, the Route 1 corridor, Manassas and Manassas Park.
14700 Potomac Mills Road Woodbridge, 22192 (703) 730-6664
Learn more about our family of services at OmniRide.com and “Get There Smarter!” 14700 Potomac Mills Road Woodbridge, 22192 (703) 730-6664
30 YEARS
30 YEARS
Habitat for Humanity International’s most famous volunteer on the world stage, volunteers from the Prince William Habitat Chapter have been assisting our local neighbors in need for 30 years.
Habitat for Humanity PWC
While President Jimmy Carter was Habitat for Humanity International’s most famous volunteer on the world stage, volunteers from the Prince William Habitat Chapter have been assisting our local neighbors in need for 30 years.
We welcome people from all walks of life to join us as we rehabilitate and repair decent, affordable houses for low-income families. All families work side-by-side with volunteers and pay a portion of the construction costs, so they have both a financial stake and sweat equity invested in their homes.
We welcome people from all walks of life to join us as we rehabilitate and repair decent, affordable houses for low-income families. All families work side-by-side with volunteers and pay a portion of the construction costs, so they have both a financial stake and sweat equity invested in their homes.
Celebration, we will host our first annual Antique and Original Art Sale at our Manassas ReStore this spring. Later in 2025, we look forward to celebrating with one of our families as they make the final mortgage payment on their Habitat home of 15 years in Manassas and with two other families as they move into newly renovated homes in Woodbridge and Manassas Park.
Thank you to all our volunteers, contributors, business partners, and donors to our ReStore. We would not have made it to this milestone without your support.
As part of our 30th Anniversary Celebration, we will host our first annual Antique and Original Art Sale at our Manassas ReStore this spring. Later in 2025, we look forward to celebrating with one of our families as they make the final mortgage payment on their Habitat home of 15 years in Manassas and with two other families as they move into newly renovated homes in Woodbridge and Manassas Park.
Thank you to all our volunteers, contributors, business partners, and donors to our ReStore. We would not have made it to this milestone without your support.
InsideNoVa/Prince William
InsideNoVa/Prince William (then called Prince William Today) published its first weekly edition on Jan. 11, 2013, less than two weeks after a daily newspaper serving the Prince William County area was closed. At the same time, the InsideNoVa.com website was relaunched under new ownership.
Since then, the newspaper has won the Virginia Press Association’s top sweepstakes award for large weekly newspaper three times, most recently for its work in 2023. And in 2021 InsideNoVa received the VPA’s top award for community service and journalistic excellence for its coverage of the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Based in Woodbridge, the newspaper is delivered to over 10,000 households throughout Prince Wiliam each week. InsideNoVa.com reaches over 600,000 unique visitors a month online.
Since 2018, InsideNoVa has been owned by Rappahannock Media LLC, a private local company based in Washington, Va. Rappahannock Media publishes two other local newspapers – the Rappahannock News and Culpeper Times – along with FauquierNow.com and three community magazines (Warrenton Lifestyles, Haymarket-Gainesville Lifestyle and Ashburn Magazine).
