Interview of the Month with VMI

Patriot Mobility recently spoke with Joe Chesna, the Business Development and Regional Account manager for the Eastern Region of VMI who explained just why the partnership between Vantage Mobility International (VMI) and Patriot Mobility works so well and brings such value to our shared customers.

Patriot Mobility and VMI’s core values align perfectly with a single goal to help people, and the mobility industry is ideally placed to help others. Every team member at VMI ingrains the mantra of “never forget the challenges faced by our customers” starting on their first day and Patriot Mobility supports those values as well. Patriot Mobility signed on with VMI as Signature Dealer in March of 2018 and to quote Joe, “we couldn’t ask for a better partner”.

Joe shares with Patriot Mobility the reasons VMI is a pioneer in the mobility industry, starting with their ability to listen to their customers’ feedback and adapting and innovating their products for customers’ specific needs and challenges. VMI was the first manufacturer to successfully develop an in-floor ramp on their Northstar Conversion. This gives the vehicle more interior space since there is no need to store a folded ramp. VMI actually leads the way with the most interior space inside accessible vans in the mobility industry. In addition to their “claim to fame”, in-floor ramps,  VMI was the first to market with their interchangeable front row seats. This allows a driver to switch to the passenger side in cases of emergency or relief during long trips. The only two vehicles in the market with this option are the VMI Honda Odyssey and the VMI Chrysler Pacifica, both of which are available through Patriot Mobility. VMI is also leading the way with its maintenance and warranty plans. They have a program called VMI Assurance what all-new VMI conversions purchasers receive a one-year complimentary membership through Mobility Roadside Assistance. This program is considered a AAA for wheelchair vehicles and there are no other wheelchair accessible vehicle manufacturers that offer this.

One of the biggest goals of VMI is to put a wheelchair accessible van in the driveway of every wheelchair user. Currently, about 10,000 baby boomers turn 60 every day and by 2030, all boomers will be at least 65. While not all will be in wheelchairs, but if even 1% does over the next 10 years, then the need is obviously increasing.

As a veteran-owned business, Patriot Mobility is honored to partner with a veteran-centric business like VMI who even offers a Veterans Advocate Center for their veteran customers. Their team of specialized advocates are composed of fellow veterans who understand the system and can work with the VA and Patriot Mobility to help customers get the most of their veteran benefits.

As a team, Patriot Mobility and VMI continue to offer the highest quality products and services to our customers seeking independence and mobility accessible lifestyles.

Thank you to Joe Chesna of VMI for speaking with Patriot Mobility about our current partnership, your products, assurance programs and values.