- Home
- Why FXBG?
- Get To Know Me Small Business Appreciation Month May 2024
- All American Mobility
All American Mobility
Chris Hawkins is the owner of All American Mobility.
Let's get to know Chris.
What branch of the United States military and why?
United States Marine Corps- I wanted the challenge that the Marine Corps offered. Knowing that they were elite and the hardest boot camp to make it thru had me locked in from day one. Plus we have the best looking uniforms.
What were some of the reasons that you joined the military?
My home life and environment didn't lend itself to the opportunity of college out of high school, and I just wanted something to get me out of Fredericksburg and to give me a future. I was able to score well on their entrance testing and they offered me a preferred MOS. (Military Occupation Specialty) So I chose Aviation Electronics.
How did you choose your business?
This is a long one. After coming home from the Marine Corps (medical discharge from injury) I kind of bounced around jobs. I eventually wound up working for a home medical equipment provider here in Fredericksburg. While there I became friendly competitors with the people at Pat Grimes, Inc. Pat Grimes was a local retired nurse who started her own, family owned, home medical equipment company to serve the local needs. -She, Pat Grimes, would be a whole story in herself. Awesome woman! Eventually the offer came up to work for Pat as the company I was working for was closing their Fredericksburg branch. Pat was just starting to offer scooters and powered wheelchairs so my background from the Marine Corps in aviation electronics was useful. While working for Pat we began to dabble into providing ramps and minor accessibility products. As the primary focus of the company was home medical equipment and providing services typically billed to health insurance providers, the access side of the business was more of an after-thought. Pat, being the amazing person she was, saw the interest and knack I had for the home access side of things. She encouraged me to pursue this aspect of business and even whole heartedly supported me to venture out and do this for myself. Her guidance, support, and belief in me gave me to nudge to try it on my own. From there on I have worked every day to make her proud of what she saw in me that I did not see in myself.
How did serving in the military prepare you for opening and running your business?
The Marine Corps has a uncanny way of instilling into you a confidence and determination that you carry with you and apply to life on a daily basis. That self knowing of, I know I can and will do this' never let me doubt what was going to be. I didn't know exactly how I was going to accomplish it, I just knew I was. The Corps also taught me about leadership and team building. As my business started, sputtered a little then gained some traction it grew. My greatest accomplishments in this business going on 18 years now, has been the team we have built within it. The Corp taught me how to cultivate and grow what is called Esprit de Corps within our family. Esprit de corps is a feeling of loyalty and pride that is shared by the members of a group who consider themselves to be different from other people in some special way.
What services does your business provide?
Together we provide solutions for customers with varying levels of abilities with options to live at home safely and independently. This might be as simple as a grab bar or two properly placed and installed. It could be a stairlift or a ramp to make navigation more secure. We offer vehicle lifts to transport mobility devices, custom bathrooms designed around independence and safety, porch lifts, portable ramps. Our greatest service is just that though, our service behind what we offer. We stand behind what we offer and do.
What is your favorite part of your business?
The relationships we build with our customers obviously. I love getting to know someone on a first name basis and continuing our relationship past a basic transaction. I love running into them at Wawa getting coffee and catching up with them. I love knowing that what we do on a daily basis makes their lives better, safer, longer, and happier.
What motivates you?
Fear- fear of letting Pat down. Fear of letting my family down as my 'hobby' has turned into a business. Fear of my employees relying on what we've built to provide for their families and their futures. Fear makes me appreciative of where we are now, where we could be now, and what we are building.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you have ever received? From who?
Easy one here- It's tattooed on my left arm.
"Two roads diverged in wood, and I- I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." - Robert Frost
What I take from that is, in everything, just do right. It may be the less traveled path and definitely not the easiest option sometimes, but it will never lead you astray.
What is one life lesson that you think everyone should know?
Tough one now. There are so many...
Your thoughts and beliefs are powerful, make them positive.
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right." Henry Ford
For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
Meeting my wife Angela and the family we have built together. Without her and her unwavering support I truly do not know where I would be in life right now. She has supported me and always seems to know just when I need that kick in the pants to keep going.
Where are you from originally?
Here in Fredericksburg. Raised in Spotsylvania and graduated from Courtland High School in 1995
Why Fredericksburg, VA? It's home...
Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.