This past week, Ride YourWay was recognized by Michigan Celebrates Small Business as  one of the Top 50 Companies to Watch in the state—and what an incredible honor it is. 

To be selected from more than 550 nominations is deeply humbling, and it’s a powerful  reflection of the grit, late nights, and relentless heart that my family, our team, and I have  poured into building something meaningful for our community. 

But make no mistake—we’re not slowing down. 

We’re back to doing what we do best: removing barriers and expanding access to safe,  reliable transportation for people across Michigan—and beyond. 

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‍From Basement Beginnings to a Statewide Mission 

I started Ride YourWay in my parents' basement (yes, I know—classic founder cliché,  right?). But it’s true. I created our first logo on a free design app on my iPhone with zero  graphic design experience, filed for my EIN, and dove headfirst into the world of Non Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)—teaching myself every piece of the puzzle  along the way. 

Like many founders, I faced more than my fair share of growing pains. Days filled with self doubt, one step forward and two steps back, wondering how to make payroll or if I was  making the right decisions with limited knowledge and resources. 

But at the core of everything was a drive to make a difference. 

That’s what makes small business so special. Founders across Michigan and beyond are  united by a shared passion—to build something that drives change, creates jobs, solves  real problems, and helps people live better lives. It’s an incredible responsibility,  sometimes a heavy one, but that’s half the fun. Because we also get to build. To innovate.  To dream. And to do it alongside amazing, mission-driven people who want to make our  communities stronger. 

What’s Next for Ride YourWay in 2025 

We’ve come a long way—but the road ahead is even more exciting.

Throughout the rest of 2025, Ride YourWay is focused on bold growth and deeper impact: 

• New service areas are launching across Michigan, bringing our transportation  services to more communities that need them most. 
• We’re focused on solving new challenges our clients, partners, and communities  face—while continuously refining the Ride YourWay experience to deliver  exceptional care and reliability. 
• We’re investing in our team like never before—with expanded training, leadership  development, and support systems that empower our people to grow and thrive. • We’re committed to innovating within the NEMT space, finding smarter ways to  address long-standing issues and building on the strong, values-driven reputation  we’ve earned across the state. 
• And we hope to become more actively involved in Michigan’s small business  ecosystem—collaborating with fellow entrepreneurs, local partners, and state and  local government to solve the transportation and healthcare access issues our  community members and businesses face every day. 

We’re here for the long haul. And we’re building a transportation company that doesn’t just  move people—it moves healthcare forward. 

A New Chapter Begins 

While Ride YourWay has officially been in business for seven years, this recognition from  MCSB feels like the start of a new chapter. After attending the Capitol Day and Gala,  meeting so many fellow entrepreneurs, and celebrating what’s possible when small business leaders come together—it’s clear we’re entering the next phase of our company’s  journey. 

We’re fueled by a fresh wave of energy, new connections, and a renewed sense of  purpose. And we’re doubling down on our commitment to transforming medical  transportation, improving access to care, and continuing to build something that  matters. 

As the award says: Watch us. 

Because we’re just getting started. 

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Tom Sikkema, BSN, RN

Founder & CEO, Ride YourWay

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