Local business flips script on business model, providing access for all

The last time we talked with Dallas Ott, veteran and new Brookings business owner, she was about to open her doors. AccessAble Adventures, a provider of rental equipment for individuals with impaired mobility, planned to offer beach wheelchairs and beach walkers to Gold Star families, free of charge, over the Memorial Day Weekend. After this opening promotion, beginning May 30, Ott planned to offer her equipment for rent moving forward.

Or at least, that was the initial plan. We followed up with Ott after the weekend to ask her how things went. The answer was, swimmingly. In fact, the level of support and engagement led to an epiphany for the business’ owner.

“From the moment I arrived at my first location, Sporthaven Beach, heads turned”, she laughs. “And then I was in action mode. My first client of the day took one of my beach wheelchairs down to the beach, and I didn’t see her again for an hour! When she returned, with her family, and I saw tears and got hugs, I knew that my business model would change,” said Ott.

AccessAble Adventures always had an eye for community. Initially envisioned as a ‘social enterprise’, Ott always hoped that her business would prioritize positively impacting the community, right alongside the usual hopes for a successful business. The looks on the faces of her complimentary clients over Memorial Day only intensified that hope.

“It hit me that no one, regardless of physical or financial limitations, should be prevented from that joy I had just witnessed. So, between providing my beach wheelchairs and beach walkers for use, I rewrote my business model, revamped my website, and threw away all my marketing material” Ott laughed.

Why the big reorganization? AccessAble Adventures will now offer its mobility equipment, free of charge to everyone. Ott believes that adding another layer, financial or otherwise, for the mobility impaired to navigate so they can enjoy the South Coast’s natural splendor, is antithetical to her business’ mission in the first place.

“This decision was easy to make. I had so much support over the weekend, that I knew I could make this work. And when I made that decision, everything just clicked. I could see my company’s path forward, and all I will say now is, watch what we do” explained Ott.

If you want to support the mission to provide access to our beautiful beaches and natural areas for everyone, any venture of this kind needs support from the community it is hoping, in turn, to help. We asked her how individuals can support her new business.

“Spread the word. Follow our Facebook page. Leave us a kind review. Share your testimonials. And if you are financially able, consider a contribution. 100% of contributions are used to help offset our equipment and operating cost,” concluded Ott.

“And if you see us out on the beach, stop by and say hi!”