"It was something I had to do," says Tystanic founder Daron Tyson.
Daron Tyson is a man with a plan. While he is the owner of a successful custom car design and rental business, Tystanic Custom, he also believes in giving back to the community. Recently, his success as a businessman has led to opportunities to do just that.
Daron Tyson formed his first professional dreams in the classroom. Born in Plains, Georgia in 1968, the life-long Sumter County resident often found his mind wandering in class. “I would sometimes sit in class and doodle and design colors and plans for cars,” Tyson explained. “This business began as my passion. I had to do this. I had a vision for this company. My dreams were always about beginning my own company. Some days, I would wake up wet with sweat. I am intense on my plans and dreams.”
Tystanic Customs was established in 2002, but the original services and offerings of the company have changed along with current trends. Tyson noted, “From custom car designs to limousines and vans and now bus rental, my company continues to expand. I am mindful of Uber services. We also offer pickup and delivery of customers to other sites that they wish to visit. We now offer football game packages. People like to travel together, and we are listening to their wishes.”
The company currently employs 18 people, and Tyson hopes to increase his customer and service base in coming months. “Although each day is different with business ownership, I try to stay on top of these changes,” he said.
As Tyson’s business grew, so did his desire to give back in his community. Residents of Americus, Georgia have witnessed this commitment to community betterment. In one recent example, Tystanic offered “Back the Blue” curb signs to the public through its website, after the murders of two local law enforcement officers. Proceeds went to the families of Officer Nick Smarr and Officer Jody Smith.
With the recent onslaughts of Hurricanes Harvey in Texas and Irma in Florida, Tyson has broadened the scope of his assistance to people and communities in other states. Using Tystanic buses, he is sending relief supplies to affected areas. When the devastation began, he lost no time in offering to deliver donated items to both states.
“I remember the local flood of 1994 and the impact of damage and the death of 13 people,” Tysons recalled. “It was something that I had to do. Life has been good to me, and I wanted to help these people in their time of need.”
In only a few days, Tystanic had advertised on social media and news broadcasts of the desire to load a bus with supplies to help those devastated by Hurricane Harvey. Since that first bus made its departure, three Tystanic buses have made the journey to Texas, loaded with relief supplies. As the last bus left for Texas, the potential for more destruction was brewing in Florida. A fourth bus left for Naples, Florida on September 13.
“I am sure there will be more buses to Florida as we hear about additional damage and destruction,” Tyson offered. “With each bus trip, I am reminded that God has blessed me and given me a passion for helping others.”
After his personal trip to Florida, Tyson was eager to share what he saw with others. “These people and the people in Texas need our continued prayers and help,” he stated. “It will take time for them to recover from this destruction.”
Local individuals and organizations have been supportive of Tyson’s efforts, who expressed gratitude to the many area donors. “I do thank citizens from Southwest Georgia for helping others in two states,” he said. “I am happy that I could fill my charter buses to help others.” He noted with a smile, “Mostly citizens all us to travel for fun. I guess these trips were to help others.”
Tyson cited the efforts of organizations such as Perry Wellness Center. The local mental health and substance abuse recovery program recently donated 17 boxes of clothes to the relief effort. These new and gently used clothes had originally been donated to Perry Wellness Center by local supporters. Donations had been so generous that clients’, or “peers,” needs were met, with more than enough left over to help out.
“The abundance of donations from our community allowed us to share with flood victims,” noted Perry Wellness Center founder and CEO Stuart Perry. “We have all been so blessed, and are grateful for the opportunity to share with others.”
For many in Americus and Sumter County who escaped the worst of recent bad weather, it feels only fitting that they “pay it forward” to others. James Tyson and Tystanic demonstrate that businesses can not only do well, but good, in their communities.
In the photo, Tystanic’s PMI, Maintenance and Safety Inspection coordinator, James Harris (on truck body) greets Stuart Perry, founder and CEO of Perry Wellness Center, staff member Kelly Jansen, and peers Andres and Kaylon, as they deliver new and gently used clothes, belts, and shoes to the hurricane relief effort.