From Starting a Business to Creating an Enterprise

“I started working in this industry with no prior experience, but from the first day I knew that this was something I wanted to do with my life.” Ryan had been working for a company that specialized in Human Service Transportation Contract management in Massachusetts for eleven years, but he wanted to branch out on his own. He wanted to have a bigger impact on his community, build something for himself, and provide care in a way he thought was best. “I knew how to run it; all I needed was the working capital to get started.”

Ryan began investing everything he had into his small business. “I started off with two vehicles and two drivers. I remember I couldn’t afford to eat more than one meal a day. I was putting almost everything I had into making this dream a reality. Now, one year later, I have over thirty vehicles, and I have contracted over 2 million dollars of sales annually.”

BUILDING A SAFETY NET THROUGH AN ASCENDUS LOAN

Ryan’s small business, Tru-Ride Transit, is transporting those with disabilities to their daycare centers, doctor’s appointments, and social gatherings throughout Massachusetts. “I started off driving every day and still find joy on the occasional days I do need to work in the field. There are so many beautiful moments. They need these centers; they improve their quality of life. It is a community, and I am so happy that I can be a part of it and contribute to it in a positive way.”

Although Ryan’s small business was on the rise, he still struggled with working capital. He reached out to Ascendus and received a loan that provided emergency funding and peace of mind. “Money was always the biggest challenge. I had no financial connections; my father was a first-generation immigrant and a single parent. I used to sleep on a mat in a coat closet because I was investing everything into building this business. Through the loan, I paid off my debt and can have a line of credit safety net. It feels so good to know that if something does happen, I will still have the funding to recover.”

HELPING HIS COMMUNITY IMPROVE THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE

In addition to improving the quality of life of his clients, Ryan provides employment to over thirty members of his community. “Most of my employees are veterans from other companies like mine. I want to ensure that they are happier than anywhere else, which is why I have created my pay program to be better than anywhere else we’ve seen. Providing them with a sustainable income is what is most important to me, and so far, no one has left. I am not looking to be a millionaire to be recognized; I am just looking for the quality of life that I want, which is self-employment, having a home, and doing good for others, including those we serve and my employees. That is the most rewarding feeling I’ve ever felt.”

To learn more about Ryan, visit: https://www.tru-ryde.com/