Lifeway Mobility stretches along I-95 corridor

HARTFORD, Conn. - Lifeway Mobility is headquartered in Hartford, Conn., but it took 10 years for the company to enter the nearby New York and New Jersey markets – and that was by design, says CEO Paul Bergantino.  

Lifeway Mobility bought Centerspan, a Deer Park, N.Y.-based national provider of home safety and accessibility products serving veterans and people with limited mobility, and Redispan, a manufacturer of patented wheelchair ramps, in June. It opened a location in Ho-Ho-Kus, N.J., in July. 

“New York and New Jersey represent two of the largest, most dynamic markets in the country,” he said. “Attractive, yet complex – shaped by a dense population, challenging logistics, high costs and strong competition. We’ve waited since our founding to be sure we had the resources to be successful. Lifeway now serves families in states along the I-95 corridor from Maine to Florida.” 

Lifeway Mobility also recently named Frank Sacco and Wayne Brown to lead its expansions in New York and New Jersey, respectively. 

Here’s what Bergantino had to say about “buy vs. build" and the baby boomer bomb. 

HME News: Why acquisition in NY vs. organic growth? Why organic growth in NJ vs. acquisition? 

Paul Bergantino: We approach each market with a “buy vs. build” mindset. If a high-quality acquisition target is available, we go for it. Otherwise, we build. What makes an acquisition compelling? Talent. Our top priority is finding professionals who will elevate Lifeway as the most trusted source in every market—and help propel us to the next level. Or, we build through a process that we call LFE (Lifeway Footprint Expansion). We've developed a proven playbook for launching greenfield startups in markets that have a need for our services. In the greater New York area, we did both: acquired a strong business and hired exceptional leaders to anchor our growth. 

HME: What does Centerspan bring to the Lifeway portfolio of companies? 

Bergantino: Centerspan brought what we valued most—talent. Their leadership and depth of expertise were clear during due diligence and have been continuously confirmed since closing. From day one, we've seen how effectively the team operates. A few days after the deal closed, we held a Town Hall with the entire CS team—the energy, professionalism and engagement were truly contagious. 

While Centerspan and Redispan will operate independently, the combined talent, strategies, processes and service areas enhance one another—demonstrating the powerful synergy of 1+1=3. 

HME: The Redispan acquisition must be the first of its kind for Lifeway, in that it's a manufacturer?  

Bergantino: Our focus was primarily on Centerspan’s consumer operations, especially their responsive service to veterans with home access solutions across the country. We're impressed by the design, versatility and cost of the Redispan ramp and are evaluating how it enhances our overall model. 

HME: What's Lifeway's take on the larger home access market? 

Bergantino: Most estimates predict that the home access market growth will accelerate as the first “baby boomers” turn 80 next year! That’s the age when most will need our solutions to live safely among their family at home. To meet this need, we expect increased funding from home/community-based health care plans to supplement personal financial resources. This increased coverage from third-party payers will drive both opportunity and complexity—especially around distribution channels, claims management and receivables. We're also championing the industry's transition from informal providers to credentialed professionals—certified evaluators and installers to raise the standard of care like the complex rehab industry.