For Austin Domebo, founder of Rez Taxi, the road to business ownership has been shaped by personal growth, responsibility and a desire to give something meaningful back to the community that helped raise him.

After completing a yearand-a-half rehabilitation program and rebuilding stability in his life, Domebo reached a turning point. With his children back home and a renewed focus on the future, he began looking for ways to create opportunity, not only for his family, but for others as well.

“My main deal for this was just to try to give back to the community … whatever I took from the community before, I can work on giving back,” Domebo said.

Rez Taxi operates under Domebo Contracting LLC, a company originally formed as a way to teach his children how businesses are built and structured. What began as a lesson in entrepreneurship quickly grew into something more: a service designed to fill a real need in Okmulgee and surrounding communities.

— Meeting a Real Transportation Need

Domebo recognized that transportation gaps exist once services like KATZ and other local transit options stop running for the day. Many residents, including workers, elderly individuals and people without vehicles, are often left without reliable ways to get home, to the store, or to appointments.

“After KATZ and Creek Nation shut down, there are still people trying to get to work or even just go to the store,” Domebo explained.

During early research and development efforts in 2022, he found that grocery pickup, work transportation and essential errands were among the most requested services. Some calls came from agencies assisting individuals who needed transportation to safe housing or services, while others came from residents simply needing dependable rides outside normal transit hours.

Rez Taxi’s model also removes pressure some riders feel when using rideshare services.

“We don’t require tips … we just want to make sure people are able to get where they need to go,” he said.

— Built from Experience Domebo’s experience in transportation began after earning his commercial driver’s license (CDL). While in recovery, he worked as a driver transporting individuals to jobs, doctor appointments and recovery meetings. Over time, he became a lead driver responsible for coordinating schedules and managing transportation needs for multiple clients.

“That’s where the seed was planted,” Domebo said of the experience that shaped his vision.

Rez Taxi now offers transportation throughout Oklahoma, with service options that go beyond traditional taxi rides. In addition to everyday trips, the company provides grocery pickup and delivery, airport transportation and private driver packages for individuals or families who prefer scheduled service.

VIP packages allow customers to hire a vehicle and driver for hourly use, expanding transportation options for business travelers, visitors and residents alike.

— Designed Around Community Schedules Rez Taxi’s hours of operation reflect the times when transportation is often hardest to find:

• Monday – Thursday: 6-11 p.m.

• Friday: 6 p.m. – 3 a.m.

• Saturday: 8-3 a.m.

• Sunday: 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. Rides can also be scheduled in advance outside standard hours, helping residents plan ahead for appointments, work shifts or travel needs.

Currently operating with two drivers, Domebo plans to expand services as demand grows, with hopes of creating jobs and building a larger fleet in the future.

— Investing in Safer Options Part of Rez Taxi’s mission includes supporting individuals working to rebuild stability in their lives. Domebo has considered offering rides to recovery meetings so that lack of transportation does not prevent someone from accessing support.

“Don’t let transportation be the reason you don’t go,” he said, referencing rides to AA and NA meetings.

His broader vision includes mentoring his children through the business process and encouraging entrepreneurship that strengthens the community.

“I hope they want to be entrepreneurs … and help build the community,” he said.

— A Local Service with Statewide Reach

Rez Taxi serves customers throughout Oklahoma and offers another option for residents who need reliable transportation during evening hours or weekends. Whether helping someone get home safely, reach a job, attend an appointment, or travel across the state, the company is rooted in the idea that opportunity often begins with access.

Rez Taxi can be reached through its website at www. reztaxi.com or on Facebook at Reztaxi, where customers can learn more about services, hours and scheduling options.

For Domebo, the company represents more than a business venture, it reflects a commitment to building something positive for the next generation and for the community he calls home.

Safe rides, safe environments and new opportunities are all part of the road ahead.