Born and raised in South London, Andrew moved to the U.S. in 2008 and worked a series of jobs in fast food, retail and transportation. He eventually found stability as a school bus driver, but the work didn’t feel purposeful.
That changed in 2017 when he saw an ad for a driving instructor. The opportunity brought back memories of teaching junior medics in the British Army — and reignited a spark. “It was the first job where I felt excited to wake up in the morning.”
Andrew was thrilled to finally find a line of work he was passionate about. “I’d always been looking for the one job where I didn’t feel despair waking up in the morning. Having the opportunity to teach again was the first time I felt excited about work in a very long time.”
After years of training teens and running a regional driver’s ed program, Andrew saw a clear opportunity: many adults were being left behind by traditional driving schools. Some were new to the U.S., others had missed Segment 1 and many simply needed more personalized instruction and support. In 2023, he launched Cox-McKenzie Driving School to meet that need — starting with just his wife’s old car and a credit card, driven by the belief that everyone deserves a chance to move forward.
What started small has grown fast. Today, the school has four vehicles, six employees and partnerships with organizations like Treetops Collective and Bethany Christian Services to partner with adults whose circumstances have made learning to drive more complex — whether they’re new to the country, juggling work and family or simply haven’t had someone to guide them.
Driving as a Path to Independence
Driving isn’t just about getting from place to place. For many of Andrew’s students, it’s the moment they start choosing where life takes them.
He’s helped single moms get their kids to school, adults stuck in the wrong job unlock new career options and aspiring college students finally reach campus. His students span every age group — each with their own learning style, goals and starting point — and Andrew shapes every lesson to help them succeed.
To make lessons more accessible, the school offers below-market pricing and free pickup and drop-off throughout Kent County — eliminating some of the biggest barriers to getting started.
Opportunity Empowered Provides an On-ramp to Business Growth
In 2023, Andrew received Opportunity Empowered funding through Thrive + Prosper. That investment allowed him to purchase a new vehicle and hire his first employee — two critical steps that helped him expand services and take on more clients, especially through his partnership with Treetops Collective.
“Before the funding, I was doing everything myself. That support gave me the breathing room to grow.”
So, what’s next for Cox-McKenzie Driving School?
While the business is thriving, Andrew is clear about his long-term vision. He’s working on launching a new website with self-paced online curriculum options and hopes to build deeper partnerships with nonprofits.
For Andrew, growth means staying close to what matters — helping each student build confidence and momentum, one lesson at a time.
“I don’t want to get so big that I fall behind on customer service. I want to treat every customer like they’re the only one.”
Andrew’s Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For anyone considering starting a business or stepping up as a community leader, Andrew offers simple, honest advice:
“Just do it. Many of the barriers we face are mental. You’ll make mistakes along the way, but they won’t be ones you can’t come back from. You’ll be much happier working for yourself and your purpose than chasing someone else’s.”
To the Opportunity Empowered team, Andrew offers a heartfelt thank-you. “There are people who say they care, and people who show it. Opportunity Empowered actually shows it — and you can see that change happening right here in Grand Rapids.”
