Omaha Franchise Earns National Honor for Redefining Accessibility Care

OMAHA, Neb. – March 26, 2026 – In a testament to local dedication and community-focused service, Tom and Donna Riedl, owners of 101 Mobility of Omaha & Lincoln, have been named the 2026 Franchise of the Year by their national parent company. The prestigious award recognizes the couple's exceptional impact on providing accessibility solutions across Nebraska and Western Iowa, highlighting a powerful combination of entrepreneurial drive and a deep-seated commitment to improving lives.

A Model of Community-Centric Business

Since opening their doors in April 2020, the Riedls have woven their business into the very fabric of the communities they serve. This national award is not merely for sales figures but for embodying a philosophy of service that extends far beyond the installation of a stairlift or wheelchair ramp. Their active participation in local chambers of commerce, business associations, and senior advocacy groups demonstrates a holistic approach to business. By immersing themselves in these networks, they gain firsthand understanding of the evolving needs of the region's residents, particularly its aging population.

This deep community integration allows them to be more than just vendors; they become trusted partners and resources for families navigating the complexities of mobility challenges. Their leadership and heart are consistently on display, whether through charitable initiatives or by simply taking the time to share their expertise with fellow business owners and community leaders. This commitment to local engagement ensures that their solutions are not just technically sound but also personally tailored to the homes and lives of their neighbors.

The Strategy Behind the Service

The Riedls' success offers a compelling case study in the effectiveness of the modern franchise model, especially within specialized service industries. While they operate as a locally owned and operated business with an intimate understanding of Omaha's unique landscape, they are backed by the formidable resources of a national leader. 101 Mobility provides its franchisees with a proven business model, extensive training, and access to top-tier products and manufacturer relationships, including a significant government VA contract. This national support structure handles complex logistics like marketing and web presence, freeing up local owners like the Riedls to focus on what they do best: building relationships and delivering personalized customer service.

The "Franchise of the Year" award itself is built on pillars of execution, support, advocacy, and engagement. Past winners have been recognized not only for impressive business growth but also for active participation in leadership councils within the franchise network. The Riedls exemplify this, consistently sharing their insights with other 101 Mobility teams, thereby strengthening the entire network. This synergy—national power enabling local excellence—is the strategic core of their achievement and a model for the specialized services sector.

Meeting a Critical and Growing Need

The recognition of the Omaha & Lincoln franchise comes at a pivotal moment. The United States is experiencing a profound demographic shift, with the number of seniors over 65 expected to double by 2030. An overwhelming majority—an estimated 90% of older adults—express a strong desire to "age in place," living independently in their own homes for as long as possible. This creates an enormous and growing demand for the very solutions that the accessibility provider offers.

The market for home accessibility, once a fragmented landscape of small, inconsistent shops, is now a multi-billion dollar industry requiring professionalism, reliability, and a wide range of sophisticated products. Companies in this space are filling a crucial gap, offering everything from wheelchair ramps and stairlifts to home elevators and platform lifts that transform a house with barriers into a safe and accessible home. The Riedls' work is therefore not just a business venture; it is a vital service that directly addresses a major societal need, empowering individuals with the freedom and dignity of independence.

A Testament to Purpose-Driven Leadership

At its heart, this award celebrates the human element of business. In a statement, 101 Mobility CEO Brian Belmont captured this essence, noting, "Tom and Donna exemplify what it means to lead with purpose at 101 Mobility. Through their strong leadership and dedication to the people they serve, they help individuals and families remain safe, comfortable, and independent in their homes." He praised their commitment to customers, their team, and the broader Omaha community as making them an "outstanding representative of the 101 Mobility network."

This sentiment is echoed by Tom Riedl himself, who views the award as a reflection of his team's collective effort. "Winning Franchise of the Year is a humbling milestone that reflects the heart of what we do," Riedl stated. "Together, we're not just providing mobility solutions; we're restoring freedom and improving lives. We are grateful beyond words for this honor." Starting their franchise in the spring of 2020, a period marked by global uncertainty, the Riedls' journey to this national recognition in just a few years is a powerful story of resilience, dedication, and an unwavering focus on their mission to serve others. Their success demonstrates that in the business of accessibility, a genuine commitment to improving quality of life is the ultimate measure of achievement.