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FAIRMONT - Like father like son.

For 16 years, Dan Espeland worked for his father at Espeland Van Service. When the business sold, Dan and his wife, Lori, had a decision to make: Stay with what they knew or risk a new venture in a rocky economy.

"I used to run an accounting business, so I thought about doing that, but ... the job outlook wasn't good," Dan said. "We felt it was best right away to start an income-generating business in something we knew."

They launched MN Para Transit Service, Inc., in March, primarily covering Martin, Faribault, Watonwan, Blue Earth, Freeborn and Waseca counties.

"We provide medical transport for people with mobility needs," Dan said.

Most of their clients are elderly, needing rides to and from nursing homes to doctors' appointments, and some use the service to visit their families.

"We've already gotten calls for the holidays," Lori said.

MN Para Transit has a provider agreement with the state of Minnesota, which determines the rates they charge.

"It's the cheapest we can go," Dan said.

Starting out, Dan and Lori had four vehicles. They're now up to nine drivers and nine vehicles, six of which are para transit vans, with mechanical lifts for easily transporting clients in even the largest wheelchairs.

Their next step is to move their headquarters from their home in Truman to an office space in Fairmont, a deal they hope to complete in the near future.

With limited competition in the area, the Espelands knew there was a demand for their services, but they were still surprised by how quickly business has taken off.

"We expected where we're at now to be a two-year goal," Dan said.

They attribute their success to the working relationships they've maintained with health care facilities and customers they've taken the time to know.

"We try to meet new customers in the area so they know who they're riding with," Dan said.

The people are the best part of the job, they both agreed. But they also contribute to the most challenging aspect of their work - meeting the demand.

"There is a large population coming into this type of industry: the baby boomers," Dan said. "... Family members are turning to us to do the transportation."