On the Go
This franchisee uses her own disability to her advantage.
Why did Audrey Ribero, 41, leave her job as a systems analyst
for a biotech firm in Northern California to become the owner of
three wheelchair- and scooter-accessible van-rental franchises? A
paraplegic as a result of a car accident, Ribero understands the
challenges disabled people face when traveling. "If I can make
it easier for them when they get here, that's what I try to
do," she says.
Ribero first discovered Wheelchair Getaways on a business trip
to Boston. It was her first time traveling as a disabled person,
and Ribero was able to rent a wheelchair-accessible van and travel
in comfort like anyone else. "I was impressed that it was so
easy for a disabled person to travel and thought 'This would be
great in the Bay area.'"
Having no prior entrepreneurial experience hasn't hindered
Ribero's success. Since opening her first Wheelchair Getaways
in Millbrae, California, in 1998, Ribero has expanded to two more
locations-in Hawaii and Southern California-and sales have nearly
quadrupled. The transition from corporate worker to franchisee
hasn't slowed her down, either-Ribero loves being her own boss.
"I work more now than ever," she says, "but it
doesn't feel like it because I'm satisfied with the
work."
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Managing this franchise isn't a one-woman show. Ribero works
alongside her parents, children, cousins and in-laws. Working with
her family is only one of the joys she has experienced. "I get
more pleasure doing this job than I would [doing] any other,"
Ribero says. "I'm giving back to the disabled community,
and it's a good feeling. What more could you ask for?"
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