Ever wish you had a personal driver to take you around town in your own car?

A new business in Roseville is betting that enough area residents have that wish to create a profitable enterprise.

Granite Bay resident Mike Dumke left the real estate investment development game to create Driver Please Inc., through which customers essentially rent the services of a screened driver.

"It's an alternative for people who think a limo, a town car or a taxi are too expensive," said Dumke, 45. "We're offering freedom and affordable, safe transportation … and (customers) can avoid parking costs and traffic and other hassles."

Dumke said the idea came to him more than a decade ago when his job required a lot of traveling in the Bay Area. He said he became frustrated with the high cost of specialized transportation and pondered the idea of reversing the process – sending a qualified driver to clients who turn over their own cars.

Dumke said the most difficult process was locking in comprehensive insurance, which took eight months.

The car owner's policy is the primary insurance coverage, but Driver Please also carries $2 million in additional liability coverage.

Dumke opened for business last month and currently has 20 certified drivers serving clients in the greater Sacramento area. Before summer ends, Dumke hopes to extend the service area to include Stockton, Reno and other outlying communities.

Driver Please is a membership service, with an annual individual/family membership costing $29. Corporate memberships also are offered. Personal driver service is $17.50 an hour.

Dumke markets the service to people who are uncomfortable driving, active seniors, temporarily disabled or handicapped individuals, airport-bound travelers and those who don't want to drive after drinking.

Driver Please drivers, who can be reserved online or by phone, transport themselves to client homes, offices or other meeting spots. If customers want their cars washed or other errands run while they're otherwise occupied, Driver Please drivers can do that, too.

Testimonials include individuals who used Driver Please to enjoy social outings with friends and locals who were driven to a San Francisco Giants game and back.

Dumke's competition runs the gamut: from taxi/limo services, to public transportation, to airport shuttle services, to groups that offer tipsy drivers free rides home on weekends and holidays.

He concedes that some people will stick with traditional transportation for their specific needs but adds: "I think there are a lot people who want what we have to offer."

For more details, visit www.driverplease.com or call (877) 687-3748.

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