An idea was born in 1984 when Veli Ozdemir needed to swim in the summer and the winter. However, the pool was going to close.
So, Veli began to brainstorm, and he soon patented the first retractable enclosure system under the company name Porta-Dome, which would later change to DynaDome.
Since then, DynaDome has been delivering custom-designed, retractable enclosure systems and equipment from its 12,000-square-foot facility in Northwest Indiana. It serves commercial, non-profits and residential clients with retractable pool and patio enclosures, retractable roofing, and non-retractable fixed enclosures.
The company has been growing ever since Cihan Ozdemir, a project engineer at DynaDome, joined the family-owned company in 2004 after several years spent as a nuclear seismic engineer at a large organization. Now, he manages the overall operations and has become the main point of contact for customers.
“I love being able to answer many of the questions our customers have in a way that’s truly unique and unparalleled by other alternative solutions for their indoor/outdoor challenges,” said Cihan. “Being able to educate and provide renderings for their vision of their space and then to hear their reaction is really satisfying.”
DynaDome is About People
His words reflect the people-first ethos of DynaDome. Cihan said they’re committed to delivering premier quality, unique solutions and lasting connections with clients. “We recognize the journey doesn’t end with a transaction; it’s a continuum of shared experiences,” he noted. “At DynaDome, we’re dedicated to creating a legacy where genuine human connections, both within our team and with our clients, define our success.”
The people-first idea extends to DynaDome’s team as well. As a tight-knit group of 10, Cihan said they all share deep roots in empathy and humanity. Every individual is seen as a valued contributor, and they aspire as a whole to cultivate a thriving community.
With a solid team at its helm, Cihan said they have been able to transform indoor and various outdoor spaces across all types of recreational facilities worldwide, including Junior Olympic and Olympic-size pools. They’ve also provided renderings for covers over pickleball and tennis courts.
Benefits of a Retractable Roof
DynaDome offers retractable enclosures up to a 100-foot span. It allows for there to be no off-season for pools, courts and more, all while being energy-efficient and requiring less maintenance. By simply pressing a button, a space is seamlessly converted from indoor to outdoor — and vice versa — in less than a minute.
“DynaDome can help create an indoor/outdoor space with the push of a button at a fraction of the cost of two independent or individual facilities,” said Cihan. “The DynaDome structure is state of the art and puts the campus rec facility on a pedestal when it comes to new age looks that measure up to the value proposition. It’s year-round space no matter the weather.”
That all-season access can be a selling point for students as well. Cihan shared by having an option not available everywhere, it can set a campus apart. “Promoting health is always going to be an issue that will never die, and DynaDome helps to fulfill that need by allowing the space to be used year-round,” he said.
All in all, there have been four keys to success for the company over the years:
- People/culture.
- Quality.
- After sale support/resource.
- Delivering solutions since 1985.
With a niche product, DynaDome is aiming to be the preferred choice for architects, facility operators, campus rec directors and similar professionals. “DynaDome is committed to setting a new benchmark for the efficient, convenient and uninterrupted use of recreational spaces,” said Cihan. “We aim to be the exclusive solution trusted by industry professionals, revolutionizing how facilities embrace all seasons with our innovative and architecturally versatile offerings.”
Looking Ahead
As the company moves into the future, DynaDome is embracing its mission wholeheartedly — to redefine the standards of flexibility and adaptability. It has a groundbreaking solution that ensures uninterrupted programming, helping push fitness and wellness forward.
But at the end of the day, what Cihan loves most is knowing they’ve done a job well — that’s the heart of DynaDome. “The most satisfying thing is when we get feedback from the customer after we have installed or even during installation and they talk about the product, our people on the ground and the overall transformation of their space in such a way that I can ‘feel’ their smile,” he explained. “That’s what makes this position, and our product and mission, so rewarding.”
For more information, visit dynadome.com.
