At LIO Mobility we believe your independence matters, which is why our Michigan local stairlift and wheelchair ramp company prioritizes lasting relationships over transactional services. We are a veteran founded, family owned business committed to delivering home accessibility solutions that activate your independence with honor and dignity.
In 2008, Bill Gates, a US Air Force veteran, was seeking purpose during his “first retirement.” Driven by his passion for helping others, Bill was always ready to lend a skilled hand. The call that set this journey in motion came from his son’s friend, whose mother oversaw essential services at the local VA hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan. They urgently needed a reliable individual to install grab bars in veterans’ bathrooms – a crucial service for maintaining safety and independence.
“Absolutely!” Bill exclaimed without hesitation. He saw a perfect fit for his values: supporting veterans, helping people, and engaging in hands-on work. What Bill didn’t realize was the profound impact his dedication would have. His innate understanding of the veteran experience, paired with his unwavering commitment, instantly set him apart.
Bill’s exceptional service prompted the VA to ask about expanding his support to include power mobility repair and vehicle lift installations. Though initially unfamiliar, Bill’s service background and quick mastery of the technical skills enabled him to excel. Word of his reliable, dignity-centered work spread rapidly.
What began as a passion-driven endeavor quickly evolved. To meet the overwhelming demand and maintain his high standard of service, Bill enlisted the help of his own family. His wife, Suzanne, began running the office, and his three sons – Chris, Scott, and Brian – started pitching in.
Brian, the youngest, soon felt the depth of the mission. In 2014, making a leap of faith, he quit his full-time job to join his father. The commitment was soon cemented when Bill and Brian became official business partners in 2015. The right decision was evident in growth that soon required Brian’s wife, Emily, to join the team in 2016.
For years, this family team, now including Brian and Emily’s daughters, Olivia and Lauren, have helped thousands of veterans and their families, embodying the Team core value and growing the business from a local endeavor to one servicing the entire state of Michigan and beyond – veterans and civilians alike.
The growth of the company allowed Bill to return to his true passion – installing grab bars and, most importantly, visiting and connecting with customers. This was his path to eventual retirement. In December 2023, he officially sold his shares to Brian and Emily, embarking on a well-deserved retirement. Sadly, in May of 2024, Bill was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, and he passed away peacefully in March 2025, surrounded by his family.
Bill built a truly generational legacy. He created a company rooted in service, respect, and lasting relationships. In continuing that legacy, we turn the page to a new chapter: LIO Mobility.
The name LIO honors the next generation of service and family:
From the days of Bill handwriting work orders from a desk in the spare bedroom, we have modernized our technology, but out commitment remains unchanged. LIO Mobility is built on the belief that independence matters.
We continue to lead with relationships, applying our values to serve the entire community, home healthcare providers, and all those who need mobility freedom. Our mission is to build lasting relationships while increasing mobility, independence, and quality of life.
When you partner with LIO Mobility, you become family. Whether you started that way or not!
