2016 Year In Review
2016 was by far the most progressive and eventful year in our company's history.
We recycled and refurbished over 300 power wheelchairs and hundreds more manual wheelchairs, scooters, lifts and ramps that were all landfill-bound. We also expanded our product and service line to include new scooters in addition to used, and vehicle lifts - all the while saving customers on average of 50 - 90% off MSRP.
We improved the lives of lots of people and made many more happy by helping to restore their mobility (check out our testimonials page).
We can't wait to see what 2017 has in store for us! But first, how about a little walk down memory lane?
January 2016: A New Era Begins
The biggest thing we did in 2016 was move locations! We packed up our trailers and moved all of our wheelchairs and scooters from a 1,000 square foot office near Wickford to a 6,800 square foot facility about one mile north right in the heart of Post Road in North Kingstown - 6802 Post Road to be exact!
This proved to be a multiple month-long task, but totally worth the wait. We now have all of our equipment, tools, vehicles, parts and people all under the same roof.
June 26, 2016: The Grand Opening
North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce members welcomed Mobility Equipment Recyclers to town with a ribbon cutting ceremony in late June 2016.
After months of hard work putting up the offices and getting the workshop ready downstairs, we were finally ready to officially open our doors to the public, so what better way to do that than a ribbon cutting ceremony? Approximately 50 guests were on hand at various points throughout the day.
We had food, drinks, music and great prizes. Also, three individuals that signed up for our Grand Opening giveaway contest received free equipment.
It was a great time had by all who attended and really gave us some good momentum heading into the hot summer months.
August 2016: Paralyzed Man Stands For First Time In 5 Years
Hernan Musolino was paralyzed in a car accident in Argentina.
In late August, we were very excited to be a part of something truly special for one family. In January 2011, Hernan Musolino was involved in a rollover car accident in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Hernan injured his C6 spinal cord in the wreck, leaving him partially paralyzed.
Pictured above is the first time Hernan stood up in over 5 years! We were so honored that he and his family chose us to help him restore his mobility.
September 2016: Lieutenant Governor Daniel McKee Says Hello
Since being sworn in, Lieutenant Governor Daniel McKee has worked tirelessly to create more economic opportunity for Rhode Island. And as part of that job description, he tours the state and spends time with small business owners to hear how things can improve and what he can do to help.
The lieutenant governor also has a unique personal connection to the services our business provides. McKee's good friend became paralyzed years ago in a car accident, so he's well aware of the struggles that people with disabilities must endure - physically, mentally and especially financially.
In September 2016, we gave the lieutenant governor a tour of our facility, from the showroom upstairs to the workshop below, where hundreds upon hundreds of wheelchairs and scooters each year are transformed from landfill-bound machines to beautifully-refurbished equipment.
October 2016: Congressman Jim Langevin Pays Us A Visit
U.S. Representative Jim Langevin, of Rhode Island's 2nd congressional district, paid us a visit in 2016 to discover how we're helping Rhode Island's disabled and senior citizen community.
As many of you know, Langevin became at quadriplegic in 1980 while volunteering at the Warwick Police Department. Langevin has arguably been the biggest advocate in Congress for both the disabled and the elderly. We were honored to have hosted the congressman and his staff.
They offered us great advice, but more importantly, their support.
November 2016: Owner John Perrotti Featured On 'Advance RI' TV Show
Lieutenant Governor Daniel McKee, who we met just a few months prior to this, invited our very own John Perrotti to participate in a forum of young entrepreneurs for the second episode of his 'Advance RI' television program.
It was a great honor for our company to have participated. You can watch the video on YouTube by clicking here!
December 2016: Contest Winners Receive Free Equipment In 4th Annual 'Gift Of Mobility' Giveaway
To close out the year, we celebrated the only way we know how: by giving away free mobility equipment. Contest participants were asked to nominate either themselves or somebody they know that is in desperate need of mobility devices, like power wheelchairs, scooters, walkers and more, and once the entries were gathered and the nomination period closed, three winners were picked out of a hat.
On December 20th, Perrotti and general manager Andrew Celani delivered the presents in their diesel-powered sleigh. Ho-ho-ho! You can watch the video on YouTube!
So all in all, 2016 was a monumental year for us. We can't wait to see what the future holds. Happy New Year from all of us here at Mobility Equipment Recyclers!
