Derrick Dufresne has been involved in the field of developmental disabilities for the past 45 years, and when a work contract ended in 2020, he started investigating the next steps in his career. By Elice Morgenson
Derrick Dufresne has been involved in the field of developmental disabilities for the past 45 years, and when a work contract ended in 2020, he started investigating the next steps in his career.
“From the first time I heard about Mobility City and talked to the founders, Vinny and Diane Baratta, I realized that this was a business focused on passion and not just profit. I was attracted to the idea that it was mission-driven,” Dufresne said. Mobility City provides comprehensive services for mobility devices, such as wheelchairs and scooters, including repairs, rentals, sales and sanitization services.
Dufresne, president of the St. Louis and Southwest Florida Mobility City locations, attributes the brand’s success to the immense passion the founders have for their business. “It all starts with the passion of the founders,” he said. “A lot of our success is simply because we listen to people, don’t push a product on them and are patient and kind. Everyone that is involved with the brand naturally believes in that core mission.”
The team at Mobility City challenges the conventional style of mobility device sales by focusing on providing advancements for available devices and new devices they can offer. In the past, many of the mobility devices were heavy and difficult to move from location to location, providing another set of restrictions on mobility. “They are always looking for innovative products that are lighter, more transportable, durable and able to break down so people can bring them with them and be truly independent,” Dufresne explained. Mobility City tirelessly looks to help its customers maintain control and independence over their lives, no matter their physical disability.
While it can be difficult for many individuals to accept that they need assistance, Mobility City offers the tools they need to maintain their independence. “We explain that this can be an extension of who they are rather than a physical product that limits mobility,” said Dufresne. “Think about it like a coat or a hat; it helps you maintain your life.”
Every person who walks through the doors of Mobility City has a story to tell, and Mobility City’s employees embrace the opportunity to get to know each customer, share their experiences and form a friendship. Dufresne explained that this kind of customer service doesn’t cost anything, and he gets more out of it by giving back. “On a daily basis, I get to see someone come in that may be upset about their current situation, and then they fall in love with the idea that they will be able to get out of bed and do the things that they want,” he said.
This past August, Dufresne opened the doors to his 4,000-square-foot Southwest Florida location. The community’s response to the new facility has been phenomenal. “People tell us that they have never seen a store like ours and have never had such wonderful customer service,” said Dufresne, whose location is close enough to corporate headquarters that he has been able to expand his services and better meet the needs of the community.
Elice Morgenson