Think Local First | DC Locals Mean Business!

BUSINESS NAME: DC Access, LLC
OWNER/CONTACT: Martha Huizenga and Matt Wade

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A BUSINESS OWNER?
12 YEARS

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THIS BUSINESS?

In 1999, CEO Matt Wade was a computer-programming consultant
frustrated with his Internet service provider. Interruptions in
service, slow speed and even slower response from call-center
customer service staff prompted Wade to found the company. DC Access
offers the benefits of high-speed broadband with a distinguished
reputation for providing reliable, affordable service.

Today, DC Access serves hundreds of residential and commercial
clients throughout Capitol Hill.

WHAT DID YOU DO IN A PREVIOUS LIFE? WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB EVER?
Both Matt and I worked for different telecom companies when we met. Soon after, Matt became a consultant and started DC Access in 1999 and I went on to a couple of different software companies in Sales and Marketing. You can see details about our careers here: http://dcaccess.net/AboutUs.htm

My first job ever was as a life guard in High School.

IS THIS YOUR FIRST ENTREPRENEURIAL EXPERIENCE? DID YOU ALWAYS WANT TO BE YOUR OWN BOSS?

This is my first entrepreneurial experience. I didn’t always want to be my own boss, but I might have wanted to be THE boss. Being your own boss has it’s good and bad days.

WHY SHOULD CUSTOMERS CHOOSE YOU? WHAT MAKES YOUR BUSINESS DIFFERENT FROM YOU COMPETITION?

Our customers choose us because of our customer service. Customer service is what differentiates us from the big guys in Internet. When a customer has a problem, they can call us and if we can’t walk them through it on the phone, we come to their house. It makes all the difference when a customer is frustrated. Talking through things on the phone doesn’t always work.

THE BEST PART OF DOING BUSINESS IN DC IS?

The Buy Local attitude! People love to buy locally, as do we, so they are more apt to pick us over the big guys because they know us.