Wheelchair Getaways Inc.
At a Glance
Products & Services: Wheelchair-accessible van rentals
Number of Locations:
Total Investment: $40K - 112K
Founded: 1988
Began Franchising: 1989
About Wheelchair Getaways Inc.
In 1921 the Pennsylvania-based Van Artsdalen Express was a successful freight company. By 1972, it had been restructured to operate school buses instead of trucks. While working for the company, J. Edward Van Artsdalen noticed that people using wheelchairs were some of the most poorly served individuals in the transportation market. Motivated by this discovery, Van Artsdalen founded Wheelchair Getaways Inc. in 1988. The company rents wheelchair-accessible vans to individuals and groups. The company began franchising in 1989 and was purchased by J. Stewart and Jean Gatewood in 1994. Wheelchair Getaways is now based in Versailles, Kentucky and owned by Richard Gatewood and Moon Ko.Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing
Total Investment: $40,000 - $112,000
Franchise Fee: $25,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: $550/van/yr.
Term of Franchise Agreement: 10 years, renewable
Franchise Fee: $25,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: $550/van/yr.
Term of Franchise Agreement: 10 years, renewable
How This Franchise Supports Franchisees
Training: At existing franchise location : 2 days.
Ongoing Support: Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives,
Marketing Support: Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising,