This past extremely rainy spring, Matt Wade often came home after work soaked to the bone. His responsibilities for his wireless Internet business include climbing on the roofs of his customers’ homes to install, troubleshoot and maintain the connections that give wireless Internet access to his clients. Enjoying the spectacular views from roof tops of these homes on Capitol Hill is just one of the fringe benefits of running DC Access, which provides wireless Internet access, nationwide web hosting and nationwide dial-up to hundreds of residential and commercial clients in DC.

“My job is like going on the Capitol Hill House tour every week,” he said. “I love meeting new clients and take pleasure in seeing the different kinds of architecture.”

The creation of DC Access was inspired by the frustration Matt had with the unreliable connections and poor customer service he and his clients experienced with national Internet providers. He was working as a computer-programming consultant at the time. He thought, “What would it take for me to provide reliable Internet connections and excellent customer service myself?”

In 1999 DC Access started as Matt’s “hobby” or “project”, but soon he was living his dream and had created the only residential wireless provider on the Hill.

The company grew quickly. In 2004, Matt’s wife Martha Huizenga, who had 14 years of sales and marketing experience in the telecommunications industry, started working one day a week with her husband.  She soon became a full-time partner handling the business development and operations of the company.

Matt and Martha’s business exemplifies what Capitol Hill is all about: local residents providing quality service to residents. DC Access is a mom and pop grass roots kind of enterprise, suited to the needs of Capitol Hill. “Matt installs and I stay on the ground,” said Martha.

They have chosen to grow their business slowly, even though there are approximately 25,000 homes – potential customers –within a mile radius of their own home. “It’s the difference between huge and organic,” said Martha. “We decided we didn’t want to change our quality of life by growing too big, too fast. That means we can give back to our community. We have more time and don’t have to take financial risks. We’re not looking to become the next dotcom blowup.”

DC Access uses high-powered antennas to broadcast wireless Internet connections, eliminating the “last mile” connection problems associated with landline services and the need to order a physical connection from a large telecommunications provider. Matt and Martha partner with local property management companies and owners of residential and commercial multi-tenant units to secure strategic rooftop access for the antennas.

While most of their clients are on the Hill, last year they began working with UIP Property Management to provide WiFi to six multi-tenant units in the Adams Morgan neighborhood and are beginning an installation in the Dupont Circle area.

“We’re committed to continuing to provide personalized service to all our customers who know us as neighbors.”  Ninety percent of their customers are residential. They also are committed to giving their time and expertise to organizations in the neighborhood. For example, they have worked with the School Libraries Project to set up wireless networks in public school libraries on Capitol Hill. They often discount their time and expertise to support high impact community projects.

DC Access also provides Internet to 12 DC Housing and Urban Development apartments at Kentucky Courts and is the Internet sponsor for the Capitol Hill Group Ministry. Martha is serving her last month as president of CHAMPS and serves on the board of the Capitol Hill Community Foundation.

When I asked Matt and Martha where they see themselves in five years, they agreed they are comfortable with the current pace of incremental expansion for their business. They want to maintain the balance they have in their lives. Unlike many small businesses, Matt and Martha take time to relax. When they do, they watch movies and “hang out” at home with their cat Claude. Both are avid runners and have run triathalons. They seeenm to have found a way to balance business with living their lives.