Lifeway scales business

HARTFORD, Conn. – Lifeway Mobility will use a new investment from Cressey & Company, a health care focused private equity firm, to expand its footprint in markets throughout the Mid-Atlantic, Mid-South, Midwest and West Coast, says President Paul Bergantino. 

“Lifeway’s growth strategy will be through a combination of organic new market openings and complementary acquisitions,” he said. “Specific to acquisitions, we are seeking to partner with high quality organizations and operators with a shared commitment to providing the highest quality service to customers.” 

Lifeway currently has a presence in 18 states and Washington, D.C., according to its website. 

‘3 Ps and C’ 

Lifeway, which positions itself in the increasingly popular home access market as the leading “pure play” company, is relying on the “3Ps and C” to scale its business, Bergantino says: people, plan, process and capital partner. 

Of the company’s people and process, he said, “We have assembled a strong team at Lifeway, with significant experience and success in building and scaling similar businesses and are committed to maintaining a strong company culture and focus on delivering our mission. We have invested significantly in our processes, including developing a proprietary ERP operating system designed specifically for the accessibility industry.”  

Capital is king 

Of its capital partner, Bergantino says C&C is a long-time ally of not only Lifeway but also Bergantino and Tim Burfield, the company’s chairman. The firm, along with Lifeway’s founders, management team and other co-investors, recapitalized the company in April, and previously partnered with Bergantino and Burfield to build two other companies: Assistive Technology Group (ATG), now Numotion; and American Medserve, a provider of pharmacy services to long-term care institutions. 

“With Lifeway, C&C is energized to help build the highest quality market leader in the accessibility market,” Bergantino said. 

Lowe’s locked in 

Lifeway added another way to scale its business in the second half of last year, Bergantino says: In addition to continuing direct-to-consumer marketing initiatives, the company has struck a channel partnership with Lowe’s. 

“Lifeway partnered with Lowe’s to launch their accessibility home initiative, with Lifeway serving as a provider for Lowe’s,” he said. “Together, we are in the process of rolling out the accessibility program to Lowe’s stores across the country.”