Pride Mobility certainly has a lot that they could boast about. This NEPA company touches lives all over the world with their lift chairs, power chairs and scooters. Their iconic Jazzy is practically a household name.

But even with their tremendous success, the company stays true to their values. “Wisdom flows only to the humble” is a favorite quote for Chairman and CEO Scott Meuser. It’s a reminder of Pride’s small-town roots and a driving factor as they help people with mobility impairments live their lives to the fullest.

Pride Mobility is known globally for their cutting-edge technology and vibrant workplace culture. Their story is one of passion and dedication, and it all started right here in NEPA.

A Local Company with a Life-Changing Impact

Pride puts NEPA on the map with their advanced technology and products.

Pride Mobility started in 1986 when the Meuser and Kretchik families began making lift chairs out of a small facility on Main Street in Pittston. These recliner-like chairs could help people into a standing position if they couldn’t get up on their own.

But the need didn’t end there. Pride realized that once a customer got out of their lift chair, they might still need help getting around. They continued to evolve their product line with scooters and power chairs. By 1996, they introduced the famous Jazzy, which would become one of the most recognizable names in the industry.

Pride celebrated another defining moment in 2000 when they formed Quantum Rehab, a division dedicated to complex rehab technology.

“In the Pride Mobility lineup, we have standard power chairs, power scooters, and lift chairs. On the Quantum Rehab side, we create advanced power chairs that are special designed for each specific individual’s needs,” explained Rhonda Perko, Vice President, Marketing at Pride.

Quantum Rehab creates advanced power wheelchairs that are specially designed for each individual’s needs. They can specifically tailor the product for conditions such as ALS, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy and more. Quantum not only fulfills people’s medical and clinical needs, but also helps them pursue what they love, whether it’s taking a ride around the neighborhood or going out with friends and family.

Building the Way Toward the Future

Pride Mobility combines high-tech innovation with hands-on skills.

The technology has come a long way since the early days of making lift chairs. One of Pride’s breakthrough innovations was iLevel. Introduced in 2015, this technology can elevate a chair to the height of 12 inches while traveling up to 4.5 miles per hour. This allows individuals to be literally eye-to-eye with others around them at walking speed.

In 2020, Pride released another incredible advancement, the Edge 3 Stretto, which is one of the narrowest chairs in the industry. The chair can make sharper turns and fit through narrow halls and doorways.

“A lot of our consumers need something to be mobile, navigate tight spaces and move around on uneven terrain with ease,” explained Perko.

Behind Pride’s incredible technology is a highly skilled team that assembles each product with care. The company hopes to encourage the next generation of skilled craft workers, especially for students considering their career options.

“There’s so much to be said about designing or building something,” said Denise Truesdale, Senior Vice President, Human Resources at Pride. “I think that’s a huge part of what our future holds— trying to educate our community and the upcoming workforce and to say, ‘We’ve got a place for you here. Come join our family. There’s so much that we offer.’”

Making a Difference in NEPA & Beyond

Pride Mobility is passionate about helping others in NEPA and all around the world.

The latest chapter in Pride’s history was renovating their corporate headquarters in Duryea. They have transformed the former Topps baseball card building into a 400,000-square-foot facility that reflects the company’s passion for innovation. Set on 48 acres, the impressive campus will have special features like a fitness facility, outdoor walking trails, a two-floor cafeteria and more. They have also built their own 100,000-square-foot distribution center.

Accessibility was at the forefront of the design process. The new facility will go above and beyond with accessible kitchenettes, adjustable desks, wider corridors, plentiful accessible parking spaces and much more.

“We wouldn’t have made such a significant investment if we weren’t firmly rooted in Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Truesdale. “From these roots, we can expand ourselves and get our products throughout the world, but we won’t forget where we came from.”

Although the company is based in Duryea, they have additional facilities in Florida, Mississippi and Nevada. They also have a subsidiary, Stealth Products, in Texas. In the States alone, they employ over 900 people, with 621 working here in NEPA.

Internationally, Pride has built a presence in several countries with Germany being the most recent addition. The team researches the laws and regulations in each country to make sure they can provide advanced mobility products to as many people as possible.

Committed to Putting People First

Pride Mobility is not only a trailblazer in technology, but also in workplace culture.

In addition to caring for their customers, Pride Mobility is also committed to their employees. They’ve created a fun, team-oriented atmosphere, which shows in every aspect of the business, from their friendly customer service to their entertaining, award-winning commercials.

“Being humble and being friendly is at the very core of our culture. The rest of it then comes naturally,” explained Truesdale. “We’re able to then show our passion for innovation and our enthusiasm for customers.”

The company has fostered a family-like atmosphere, and it shows in their tenure. In fact, the company boasts 348 employees that have served for 10 years or more.

“We’ve realized so much success in our company,” said Truesdale, “and it’s because of our employees.”

To learn more about Pride Mobility, you can visit their website and find them on social media, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Photos provided by Pride Mobility Products.