New venture keeps folks off the beaten path

WASILLA — Dixon Holland is expanding his entrepreneurial efforts one ride at a time.

As the owner of Holland Homes Professional Painting Services, Holland is adding something new to his long list of business ventures in the form of four wheels and plenty of fun.

Holland recently opened AKXTREMETOURS — a business that specializes in utility vehicle (UTV) tours and rentals. For the owner, it’s all about transforming a favorite recreational activity into a money-making business.

“I’m always looking for the next biggest thing and I really think this is going to be bigger than anything I’ve ever done,” Holland said.

The 26-year-old businessman said his tour company offers an array of off-road opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels. Rentals are available on a hourly basis and the company also has tour packages that range from a day trips at Knik Glacier to overnight trips at Eureka.

In addition to UTV tours and rentals, Holland said that other vehicles, like snowmachines, will be available. Tour packages can be adjusted to fit the needs of customers and additional packages can be created.

“If you want to go some place, pick a spot and we’ll get you there,” he said.

Holland said the business idea came about after traveling on a off-road tour with some friends and professional poker players who were visiting Alaska. Realizing that he already had most of the vehicles and gear to start his own tour company, he decided to pursue the business venture.

And there’s no place like the Valley to open an adventurous business.

“I love the Valley,” he said. “I grew up out here and you’re only 15 minutes from Hatcher Pass, 15 minutes away from great hunting at the Point and you’re 15 minutes away from Knik Glacier. You cannot beat living in the Mat-Su Valley.”

Holland has 10 UTVs available for rent or tours. The line-up includes the Arctic Cat Prowler, Polaris Ranger and Yamaha Rhino. The company also has an assortment of recreational equipment for rent, including trailers and campers.

With so many toys in the garage, the owner said he spent about $100,000 to get the business going. Although spending thousands of dollars on vehicles and insurance may sound like risky business, Holland said it’s a risk he’s willing to take.

“Yeah it’s a little risky going out and buying all these things, but worst-case scenario, if it doesn’t work out, I’ll have a whole bunch of toys and a lot more friends,” he said laughing.

Whether you’re looking for a four-wheeling fishing trip or a majestic mountain ride, AKXTREMETOURS has your outdoor adventures in tow. For more information, visit www.akxtremetours.com or call 841-6335. AKXTREMETOURS is located off Knik-Goose Bay Road in the new City Center Business Park.