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WILMINGTON, N.C. — 101 Mobility proudly unveils an impactful partnership with the esteemed “Divine Renovation” TV series, hosted by television icon Erik Estrada, best known for his role as Ponch in the 70s California Highway Patrol TV show, CHiPs. This strategic collaboration aims to enrich the lives of families in need by providing crucial mobility solutions that foster independence, safety, and freedom.

“Divine Renovation” serves as a beacon of communal support, spotlighting modest yet significant home modifications that profoundly improve lives. Each episode showcases a different family or individual in need, emphasizing compassion and tangible assistance.

The genesis of this partnership stems from a personal connection between 101 Mobility and “Divine Renovation.” John Macdonald, a franchise owner of 101 Mobility based in Connecticut, was featured on season 2 of “Divine Renovation,” installing a ramp for a special family with a young child with a disability. This prompted Brooke Bloomquist, the Director of Marketing at 101 Mobility, to reach out to the producers to explore a national partnership.

“We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to cultivate this partnership with Valerie, Monty, Erik, and the entire Just Do Good Entertainment group. Their dedication to uplifting communities mirrors our mission here at 101 Mobility, and working together has been truly inspiring. We look forward to the positive impact we can create together as we continue to share our commitment to enhancing lives,” remarked Bloomquist.

As the national partner for Season 3, 101 Mobility eagerly anticipates the opportunity to impact lives through the collaboration with “Divine Renovation.”

At the recent 101 Mobility Annual Conference, Monty Hobbs and Erik Estrada engaged with franchise owners, further cementing the groundwork for this partnership. Hobbs expressed, “The conference offered invaluable insights. Witnessing the dedication of franchise owners like John Macdonald to effecting positive change was truly inspiring. With 101 Mobility’s support, we’re extending the reach of ‘Divine Renovation,’ transforming more lives profoundly.”

Following a meeting with Bloomquist and 101 Mobility President Joe Loch at the Wilmington, NC headquarters, Valerie Smaldone and Monty Hobbs spearheaded the launch of Just Do Good Entertainment, a venture dedicated to creating compelling content while giving back to communities and causes. Inviting 101 Mobility to feature in a forthcoming children’s book centered on a disabled parent, with a character reminiscent of Erik Estrada’s iconic police officer, underscores the depth of this collaboration. The book is slated for release in Fall 2024.

“Divine Renovation” is available for streaming on Prime Video, Tubi, Plex, and Apple TV, reaching a diverse audience with its uplifting narratives.

WILMINGTON, N.C. — At its recent Annual Conference, 101 Mobility, a leader in mobility and accessibility solutions, proudly introduced the Royce Barnhardt Excellence Award. This prestigious award is named in honor of Royce Barnhardt, the father of the company’s co-founder Keith Barnhardt, whose vision, passion, and relentless determination have significantly influenced the foundational principles of the franchise system.

Royce Barnhardt’s commitment to excellence continues to inspire the core values and operations at 101 Mobility. “Royce has always embodied commitment, loyalty, and an extraordinary dedication to customer care. He was never just about finding what was needed; he was always there offering how he could help,” said Keith Barnhardt, co-founder of 101 Mobility.

Luke Sampson, co-founder of 101 Mobility, highlighted Royce’s profound impact: “Royce was instrumental in forging the path for our industry. His foundational work and dedication have deeply influenced our operations and the way we serve our customers. His legacy is embodied in the service we provide and the lives we improve every day.”

President Joe Loch also commented on the significance of the brand’s heritage, stating, “Honoring pioneers like Royce Barnhardt is essential to our brand’s identity. It’s through recognizing and celebrating these visionaries that we not only preserve but also build upon the rich legacy that has set the foundation for our success. Royce’s spirit of innovation and service continues to inspire our entire team.”

Michel Ragland of 101 Mobility in Reading, PA was honored as the inaugural recipient of the Royce Barnhardt Excellence Award. Joining the company in August 2010 as its first franchise owner, Michel has been a driving force in the company, propelled by a genuine passion for 101 Mobility’s mission and vision. Starting in a small office, his franchise quickly grew, necessitating relocation to a larger facility in Morgantown, PA. Michel’s entrepreneurial drive and commitment to superior customer service truly reflect the values advocated by Royce Barnhardt.

Michel’s influence extends beyond business achievements; he has made a significant impact on the community by improving mobility and life quality for 4,566 individuals to date. Michel is recognized for his expertise and reliability, providing services that customers depend on. His approach involves thorough follow-ups, effective problem-solving, and a commitment to advocating for enhanced accessibility in the community.

The award presentation was a highlight of the conference, with Royce Barnhardt attending to witness the first recipient named in his honor. “Seeing the award presented for the first time and having my father there to experience it was profoundly moving,” remarked Keith Barnhardt.

The establishment of the Royce Barnhardt Excellence Award introduces a new tradition at 101 Mobility to honor and promote the values of vision, passion, and customer-oriented service that Royce Barnhardt has championed. This award celebrates his ongoing contributions and dedication to excellence.

WILMINGTON, N.C. — 101 Mobility, a leading provider of mobility and accessibility solutions, is thrilled to announce the return of Chris Diehl to its Home Office Team. Chris rejoins 101 Mobility in the role of Director of National Accounts, where he will focus on expanding relationships with key entities such as the Veterans’ Administration, the Medicaid Waiver program, and Worker’s Compensation opportunities across 101 Mobility markets.

Having previously served as Franchise Business Development Manager at 101 Mobility from April 2014 to April 2021, Chris brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new position. Over the past three years, he held a similar role at Next Day Access. Chris is excited to “return home” to 101 Mobility and continue his mission of driving revenue growth for franchisees while fostering relationships beneficial to the entire system.

Joe Loch, President of 101 Mobility, expressed his enthusiasm about Chris’s return, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Chris back to the 101 Mobility family. His proven track record of success and deep understanding of our industry make him an invaluable asset to our team. We look forward to the continued growth and success that Chris will undoubtedly bring to our organization.”

Chris Diehl will officially rejoin 101 Mobility on Monday, April 22nd, 2024. His extensive background in business development, marketing, and sales, spanning over three decades, uniquely positions him to drive strategic initiatives and further enhance the company’s position as an industry leader.

PHOENIX — During its recent Annual Conference in Nashville, TN, 101 Mobility introduced an important new component to its awards program: the Franchise of the Year Award. This award honors franchise owners who demonstrate a strong commitment to the brand’s core values of commitment, collaboration, and excellence, recognizing franchisees for outstanding performance in execution, support, advocacy, and engagement. These contributions significantly enhance the resilience and growth of the 101 Mobility system.

This year, the Franchise of the Year Award was proudly presented to Larry Wright, the owner of the 101 Mobility franchises in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona. Wright’s exceptional leadership has not only led to remarkable business growth but has also had a significant impact on the lives of individuals in his community.

As a respected veteran and former executive at Accenture, Wright has overseen a substantial sales increase in his franchises, achieving a remarkable 27% growth from 2022 to 2023. Since assuming control of his franchises in April 2016, he has instilled a culture of excellence, innovation, and support, thereby raising service and operational standards across the 101 Mobility network.

In addition to his leadership at the local level, Wright is an active member of the Franchise Advisory Council (FAC), where he contributes valuable insights and leadership that help propel the brand forward. He also plays a crucial role in the Vehicle Wrap Task Force, which focuses on rebranding the company’s fleet of vehicles. His participation in this initiative has been key to enhancing brand visibility and ensuring consistency across all franchise locations.

Wright’s efforts extend beyond achieving financial success. He has been pivotal in building a community spirit and support network among franchisees, proactively offering employees enhanced training opportunities, including advanced sessions at 101 Mobility’s headquarters. This underscores his commitment to the professional growth of his team and to providing exceptional service quality.

Joe Loch, President of 101 Mobility, expressed his admiration for Wright’s work, stating, “Larry Wright’s efforts in Arizona perfectly capture the essence of our mission. He has built a team that is committed to enhancing the lives of community members through increased freedom, independence, and safety. His invaluable support guides our brand towards a bright future.”

Beyond his business endeavors, Wright is deeply committed to giving back to the community. He supports various local organizations, including NPH USA, which transforms the lives of orphaned, abandoned, and disadvantaged children in Latin America and the Caribbean through healthcare, education, and spiritual formation. He also supports Ability 360, which offers comprehensive programs empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve their goals. Wright’s involvement extends to the Direct Advocacy & Resource Center, advocating for people with disabilities, and the Foundation for Senior Living, which is committed to providing home and community-based services and developing energy-efficient, affordable housing to assist seniors and adults with disabilities in living independently.

WILMINGTON, N.C. — 101 Mobility a leader in Mobility and Accessibility products, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Joe Harrison as the new Vice President of Operations. Joe is a recognized executive with an impressive history of elevating operational standards, steering high-growth endeavors, and leading teams towards achieving their best performance.

“We are very pleased to have Joe on the team.  He has a proven record of helping franchise owners grow profitable sales by providing them the needed support, resources, and tools,” says President Joe Loch. 

Prior to joining 101 Mobility, Joe delivered significant accomplishments at uBreakiFix, where he served as the Vice President of Operations and Strategic Initiatives. While there, he managed operations for a vast network of 150 franchise owners, encompassing 450 stores and 600 vans across the US and Canada. Under his stewardship, the company witnessed a surge in warranty subscription rates, a more efficient onboarding process, and enhanced franchise margins.

His extensive tenure at Asurion, the parent company of uBreakiFix, is also commendable. With 14 years under his belt, Joe held pivotal roles in Continuous Improvement, Call Center Operations, and Retail Operations, manifesting positive changes at every turn.

The experienced franchising executive brings a growth-oriented mindset to the nation’s leader in accessibility sales, service and installation.

WILMINGTON, N.C. — 101 Mobility, the leading national provider of mobility and accessibility solutions, announced today that Joseph Loch has joined as President. Mr. Loch is a seasoned franchise executive with experience at Hickory Farms, United Franchise Group and Jovie. Mark Baker is no longer with the company.

“I am thrilled that Joe has joined us as President of 101 Mobility,” said Steven Dawson, CEO of Mobility Holdings, parent of 101 Mobility. “Joe has an outstanding track record of working closely with franchisees and rapidly growing and developing franchise networks.”

Prior to joining 101 Mobility, Loch served as President of Jovie, a professional childcare services franchise network with 260 international locations. During his tenure at Jovie, Loch increased US brand sales by 46% and national account revenue by 67%. He also served seven years with Hickory Farms in senior franchise and operations roles supporting and managing 800 retail locations in North America.

Loch’s extensive experience as a franchising executive combines a growth-oriented mindset with leadership in business development, supply chain integration and streamlining corporate operations. He boasts a track record of sales growth, expanded market coverage, increased product quality, and improved profit margins.

“I am really excited about joining the 101 Mobility team. It’s an impressive network that serves the important aging-in-place community. I look forward to working with the corporate team and franchisees to serve more customers in more markets and grow profitable sales,” said Loch.

Seasoned executive with over 20 Years of franchise leadership experience

WILMINGTON, N.C. — 101 Mobility, the leading national provider of mobility and accessibility solutions, announced today that Mark Baker has joined as President. Mr. Baker brings over 20 years of franchise leadership experience, having worked at Remax International, Inc. and Clockwork Home Services. Mark is succeeding Dave Pazgan, who has led 101 Mobility and served as President since 2008.

“I am thrilled to have someone of Mark’s caliber take over leadership of 101 Mobility,” said Pazgan.  “Mark has a long and established track record of leading and developing franchise businesses, and I am very confident he is the right individual to take the 101 Mobility system to another level of success.”

Prior to his career in franchising, Baker served on active duty in the U.S. Army and recently retired from the U.S. Army Reserve, at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. “After two decades in the franchising industry and a similar amount of time in the military, I’m confident in my ability to work with and lead a great team,” says Baker. “I’m so proud to be a part of 101 Mobility, helping Americans of all ages, including many who are veterans.”