Siouxland Magazine - Volume 3 Issue 6 - version 2

grow
Don’t fear failure. Embrace it. It’s where the learning happens.
Dustin and Kayden with the Switch Hitter in action at The Miracle League of Sioux City.
Ability Tech
Iowa’s West Coast Initiative Feature
Ability Tech is an innovative company that invents and
manufactures adaptive technology to be used for universal
abilities. Ability Tech’s focus is custom builds, like the
Switch Hitter. All of our builds come from ideas that we
have personal experience with our son or from families
and individuals from around the world. We also offer other
services such as our CharitAbility project, toy modifications,
Blessing Bags, and an EagleEye representative.
What has been your greatest reward?
There has been no greater reward than being able to create
what seems like a small change to most people but can be
world-altering for our customers. It’s the reactions from the
individuals and their families that we have helped. There are no
words that express how it feels when an individual finds out that
these devices are made just for them, personalized just for them,
that excitement that it’s all just for them.
What motivated you to start your business?
It all started with the Switch Hitter. Our son, Kayden,
absolutely loves baseball, but because of his limitations and
using a wheelchair, he cannot play without physical help
from someone else. We headed to the drawing board and
came up with the Switch Hitter. Since then, Ability Tech has
become so much more. This is not just about Ability Tech or
our son, Kayden. It is the story of many others that might feel
powerless in their situations.
What’s unique about your business?
Due to our son, Kayden, and his high medical needs, we,
as a family and business, not only directly understand the
struggle families and individuals go through to receive
equipment or supplies but also when it comes to feeling left
out in everyday activities. Therefore, Ability Tech advocates
for inclusion. We do not charge for labor on any of our
products or turn away any individual or family because of
their financial stability. All our products and services are
individualized and customized to everyone. Ability Tech
uses its funds to reinvest back into the company and the
community.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to
overcome as you’ve grown your business?
The overall biggest challenge that we’ve faced, and continue
to overcome, is getting Ability Tech’s name out there with
limited resources.
How have you benefited from the start up community
in Sioux City & the region? What resources did you use?
The startup community has welcomed Ability Tech. We have used
a few resources such as The Siouxland Chamber of Commerce,
Iowa’s West Coast Initiative, and many influential leaders
and entrepreneurs within the community that have guided
Ability Tech in many ways. It is an amazing feeling when these
other organizations or individuals that have businesses or work
for businesses within the community treat you as a partner and
help with your growth without making it about competition or
agenda. They want to see you succeed just as much as you do.
Are there any experiences that were particularly
influential in that regard?
The impact of startups on our local economy is powerful, and it
is important for the community to support these businesses. A
successful startup company is more likely to remain in its home
community and care for its community if it receives support
through the difficult initial years. A community that supports
entrepreneurs will encourage more entrepreneurs, which will
help produce a more stable local economy.
Why is it important for the community to support
startups and small businesses? What more can be
done to help them?
It is extremely important to support and promote new and unique
businesses that bring innovative ideas into our community. This