CITY OF KATY, Texas (Covering Katy News) — A longtime Katy resident who first experienced SafeWay Driving as a parent and later became one of its instructors has taken ownership of the company's Katy location.
Gregory Villano and his family assumed ownership of the driving school in June following the retirement of Rick and Renee Nussle, who operated the Katy location for decades and were SafeWay Driving's first franchisees.
Villano has lived in the Katy area for more than 20 years and joined SafeWay as an instructor in late 2025. His connection to the driving school, however, began earlier as a parent.
His two sons completed SafeWay's driver education program, while his daughter is currently going through the program.
"My family has been part of the Katy community for over two decades, and there's nothing more meaningful than helping the families we know raise safe, confident drivers," Villano said. "My children have learned to drive through SafeWay, so I've seen the difference this program makes from the passenger seat."
A family operation
Villano's wife, Heather, is also involved in the business. She has a background in education and theater and has been active in Katy's fine arts community.
Before taking ownership of the driving school, Greg Villano's career included work in emergency services, industry and consulting.
SafeWay Driving says its program combines online coursework with professional behind-the-wheel instruction. Its training vehicles are no more than four years old and include instructor-side brakes and accelerators, dash cameras and GPS tracking.
Brad Coleman, owner and CEO of SafeWay Driving, said Villano's experience as both a SafeWay parent and instructor made him a good fit to succeed the Nussles.
"He knows Katy, Katy knows him, and he came to us through the program itself as a parent and then an instructor," Coleman said. "We're grateful to Rick and Renee Nussle for everything they built in Katy."
More than 50 years of driver education
SafeWay Driving describes itself as Texas' oldest driving school and says it has more than 50 years of experience in driver education.
The Katy location continues to provide driver education and behind-the-wheel instruction under the Villano family's ownership.
More information about the Katy program and registration is available through SafeWay Driving's Katy location.
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