This is: Rolling in Paradise
Annalisa and John Squires are a power couple bringing adaptive equipment for sport lovers and for every day use nationwide. They’ve been working in and for the disabled community for over 20 years from their Southwest Florida based business. Rolling in Paradise specializes in sharing the love for sports and physical activity with adaptive users, family, and friends.
They both have been early supporters of Love SWFL from the start and I’ve had the pleasure of meeting them at an event in town. They are passionate for what they do, active in the community, and another reason why Southwest Florida is an incredible place. Here is their story:
1. Tell us a little bit about your background and how did you end up in SWFL?
A: “John sustained a spinal cord injury in July of 1987 resulting in quadriplegia at the age of fifteen. He was an athlete prior to his injury -wrestling and football- and remained an athlete after his injury. He worked incredibly hard for many years to regain his independence. Sports has always been very important to him and he wanted to continue living an active life, so he became very involved in adaptive sports. He created the first wheelchair Rugby (Locomotion) team in NE Ohio in the 90’s and played that sport for many years. Throughout he’s always really enjoyed cycling and has hand cycled for many years and today that remains his passion sport. We met in 2007 and married in 2008 and he shared his love of sport and active lifestyle with me. Now we ride together as often as possible. We were born and raised in Ohio and in 2018 made the decision it was time to move to a warmer climate as aging with a spinal cord injury in cold winter months is challenging mentally and physically. It was a whirlwind, we put our home on the market and it sold immediately, we then flew to Cape Coral and bought on a weekend trip! We moved to Cape Coral in June of 2019.”
2. What led you to start Rolling in Paradise?
A: “John has been involved in this industry for 20+ years. We started the company because we see a lack of disabled owned and operated adaptive equipment companies in this space. These days most companies that sell adaptive equipment are large companies owned by able bodied individuals and we want to see more disabled owned business representation. We feel that to support our community and help them thrive like we have takes an individual that lives the life and walks the walk so to speak (no pun intended!). We want to share what it’s like as an interabled couple doing and enjoying life. Biking, date nights, going to the beach, and regular everyday stuff we deal with. The name is fitting as John is Rolling (in his wheelchair) in Paradise.”
3. Tell us a little bit about the products you offer
A:" “Rolling In Paradise offers products for individuals with disabilities focusing on an active lifestyle.
We sell adaptive equipment for an adaptive lifestyle, ranging from active wheelchairs for everyday use, for sports basketball, pickle ball, racing), for shower, chairs, cushions, Power Assist devices, hand, cycles, and much more. We sell pretty much anything that has to do with our life being disabled. We support an active lifestyle, and we do offer everything that make it easier to have one to our customers.
We have many handcycles (aka Handbikes), from different manufacturers which can be used for road riding or mountain biking. Additionally, we have power assist devices for a wheelchair, standing machines, tires, wheelchairs, bike and wheelchair wheels, beach wheelchairs, and so much more!”
You can check their whole catalog on their website.
4. Why is it important to make SWFL more accessible?
A: “Advocating for accessibility is one of our passions. Disability can impact anyone at any time, and it could be temporary or permanent. If everyone advocates and pushes for accessibility – the outcome is beneficial for all. When we first moved here, John noticed some of the crosswalk buttons were inaccessible and he contacted the City of Cape Coral and discussed the safety concerns of this, and the city addressed them by replacing several crosswalk buttons with extended arms to be used by those with mobility issues. Additionally, we bike often at the Lake Okeechobee (LOST) trail and several of the access points were not paved (these are the small spaces next to the fences that keep vehicles off the trail) and John contacted the Army Corps of Engineers to discuss and made sure they work to pave all those access points making them safe for users with mobility issues. We aren’t moving mountains by any means, but small, little changes make a difference and hopefully someone else can appreciate the improved accessibility in the future.”
I want to add here that this type of advocating that John and Annalisa are doing is huge and it is making a very positive impact in our community and the country for generations to come. It is everyones’s responsibility to make life more accessible for everyone.
5. What is your favorite thing about SWFL?
A: “Sunshine and all the beaches. We grew up far away from any beaches/ocean so we feel spoiled now that we can go there any time! The ability to be active year-round is one of the major reasons we moved. We also love outdoor music and events and attend those as often as possible. We came from a place with cold snowy winters and could not enjoy those year-round.”
6. What inspires you daily?
A: “We inspire each other as a team, we both understand how short life can be. You need to make the best of everyday by pushing forward and living your best life. Disabled or not, we have one life and hope to make the best of it and do some good along the way.”
7. Any advice for people wanting to start their own business?
A: ”Start a business doing something you love and that’s important to you. It’s certainly not always easy and stress free but it is incredibly rewarding. We love seeing our clients getting back and enjoying sports or activities after disability. Don’t wait, do it. If you’re passionate about something, and you think you can make a difference in that space, start!”
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