Delaware Tech Graduates Invest In Their Community

As John Lennon once sang, "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." Delaware Tech graduates Ben Jones and Jenn Rowan say that's just what happened when they met.

Jones, a 2016 marketing graduate, and Rowan, an occupational therapy assistant graduate of the same year, met while taking courses at Delaware Tech. They quickly realized that even though their programs of study were very different, they had many common interests. Rowan told Jones about her love of bicycles and outdoor activities and her passion for occupational therapy. Jones shared that he, too, had a love for bicycles, and was an experienced bike mechanic. With her knowledge of occupational therapy and his knowledge of business, Rowan and Jones knew they shared something special.

Jones and Rowan wanted to use this unique combination of knowledge and skills to invest in their community, so they opened a bicycle shop called Lifecycle in Milford. Their mission is to make the joy of cycling accessible to all. To do that, Lifecycle sells new and used bicycles, provides certified bicycle fittings, offers bicycle advocacy and safety tips, and hosts a wide range of community bicycle events.

The connections Jones and Rowan made at Delaware Tech proved instrumental when it came to opening their business. Jones used the concept of Lifecycle for every project he was assigned in his marketing courses.

"The logo, the business cards, the business plan – everything was done while I was in school," he said.

Rowan's experience in the occupational therapy field was something she intentionally applied at Lifecycle.

"I knew I wanted to take the principles of occupational therapy and apply it to Lifecycle," she said. "Our realm of practice isn't just in a hospital or a clinic – it's in our communities, as well."

Rowan and Jones want to make sure anyone who is interested in cycling is able to pursue the hobby. They have helped people with cerebral palsy, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression through adaptive cycling.

"No matter who wants to ride or how they want to ride, we can help them," Rowan said. "It's been a thrill as the word gets out about helping people through cycling."

"There are some really awesome people here [in Delaware]," Jones said. "You can live in the most amazing place in the world, and it'll all pass you by if you're not approaching it with a certain mindset."