SBDC Helps Ramp up Small Business

Tony Christian is a general contractor who is especially sensitive to the needs of disabled people. That’s because Tony’s brother lost his leg in a motorcycle accident when he was just 17 years old. Tony’s close relationship with his brother opened his eyes to the challenges those with physical disabilities face on a daily basis.

“My brother’s disability happened in a split second,” said Tony. In fact when his brother went to work making artificial limbs, Tony began to hear stories constantly of people who suddenly find themselves housebound because of injury or illness.

Tony began research. He attended an “Abilities Expo” and learned more about the needs of the disabled and what products are available. That’s when he was introduced to an aluminum wheelchair ramp that can be put up in little more than an hour. It can be moved to another location, and sold back when no longer needed. In addition, no building permit is required. “With a wooden wheelchair ramp you have to hire a contractor to design and build it, it has to be maintained and treated and when it’s no longer needed, it becomes landfill waste,” said Tony. So Tony brought “Access Solutions” to the tri-state.

Tony enlisted the help of the Small Business Development Center to get his business started. Counselors with the SBDC helped with his strategic planning. They also connected him with Dr. Greg Murphy at the University of Southern Indiana through the SBDC’s program known as Collegiate Management. Tony will meet with Dr. Murphy’s business students this semester about the challenges he faces as an entrepreneur. The students in turn will help design a marketing plan for Access Solutions.

Networking in the community is critical for Tony’s business. He discovered a large untapped market when he contacted Voc-Rehab. It was also through this organization that he connected with Carla Bucholtz.

Carla applied for assistance for her disability through Voc-Rehab. Carla was housebound, and relied heavily on friends and family to run errands for her. She got word on her birthday that she would get a wheelchair ramp supplied by Access Solutions. Tony met with Carla, assessed her needs, and put the ramp up in just over an hour. According to Carla, the ramp changed her life drastically. “My life is so much easier. I can stop relying on friends because now I can hop on my scooter and go the store by myself.”

Tony is still a general contractor but he is expanding his services to include all kinds of home modifications for the disabled. He can remodel bathrooms and reposition sinks and stoves for wheelchair users. “There is such an opportunity out there to help people regain some independence.”

Access Solutions also has wheelchair lifts if a ramp is not practical. “These are perfect for people in mobile homes or other tight quarters.”

Carla’s wheelchair ramp has opened up a new world for her. “I feel like I have my life back again.” And that makes Tony feel good about the services he offers. “I really like a challenge. If someone has a problem, I like to figure out how to make something work.”

If you would like to learn more about the SBDC and the Collegiate Management Program, contact Ann Moore at 425-7232.