Entrepreneurial Spirit and Compassion
It was 2001, when quadriplegic Erig Dirig paid a visit to Brian Kyler, a fourth-generation fabricator. What started as a request for repairs to his wheelchair lead to not only meeting the future founder and owner of Be Adaptive Equipment, but the beginning of great things. The two would go on to devise, test and provide adaptive equipment for hunting and the outdoors. Eric was a sportsman that had dreams of a shooting device that could increase his ability in the field. As it turns out, he went to the right place that Indiana summer day.
This new relationship would result in a lot of hard work and trial and error creating and improving adaptive solutions for handicapped individuals interested in the outdoor pursuits. As exposure and demand for his products increased, Be Adaptive Equipment grew. By 2005, demand had increased to the extent that Brian quit his primary job and devoted all his time and resources on the shooting and other recreational aids he had developed. Be Adaptive Equipment had truly become a positive force in the outdoor industry. To this day, this small successful company continues to extensively test, build and improve adaptive hunting equipment for many wheelchair-bound sportsmen and women. It’s no wonder that, along the way, they have also been the recipient of various awards for their kindness, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Their crown jewel is the HQ100 High Quad shooting device, which helps hundreds of disabled hunters in the field each year. It, among other things, reduces recoil and can be operated by mouth and chin. A sipping tube works to activate the trigger mechanism – a miracle for disabled hunters with little or no arm or hand use. 
Be Adaptive’s offerings don’t only allow for rifle use. They have also developed equipment for use with shotguns, pistols, crossbows and compound bows – not to mention fishing gear. no-one knows the incredible impact of these products more than David Sullivan, Director of Disabled Services at Buckmasters. “Many of our hunters rely heavily on the HQ100. We’ve bought many for them, with great results. What’s really amazing is their success in the field. Our hunters have harvested a wide range of wild game, including deer, hogs and exotic animals. It’s a true blessing.” Sullivan said.
The backdrop to this story is not only Brian’s craftsmanship and attention to detail, but his compassion for others and love for his work. “I’ve had the experience of building many things in my life, but nothing that has given me the satisfaction that I have found in building adaptive equipment, “Kyler said. This equipment helps disabled individuals that already identify as sportsmen and women, as well as those interested and new to outdoor activities. In both cases, it improves access for these participants, allowing them to take ownership of and regularly enjoy life afield.
As the name suggests, Be Adaptive encourages outdoor sports and hobbies for a demographic once severely limited in this area. In doing so, they represent all that is right with hunting and the shooting sports – and promoting our outdoor heritage.
