Tony Valenzuela didn't have a business background when he opened Mobility Plus in March, but he learned about mobility aids firsthand when both parents had the need for scooters, walkers and wheelchairs.

"My dad used a scooter during a visit to Washington, D.C., and it really helped him. When we got back home, I bought him a scooter and it changed his life," Valenzuela said.

Now he wants to do the same for others. The shop in Green Valley Village sells and rents mobility aids to help people get around safely indoors and out.

As a former mine employee at Freeport McMo-Ran, he didn't think about being a franchise owner until he was furloughed when COVID-19 hit.

With a goal and mindset of being fair, honest and dependable, Valenzuela said although he has no business background, he has a knack for this.

"It's an opportunity to help people. I'm fair-minded and fair-priced. I like to cater to people. I want to get people what they need."

His small shop has walkers, wheelchairs, lift chairs, ramps, stair lifts and vertical platform lifts and specialty items.

Beyond mobility aids Valenzuela sells and will install grab bars for the shower.

For anyone with a recent injury or realizing the need for a mobility aid, he suggests renting as a start before deciding to buy.

"This isn't stuff people want. It's stuff people need," he said.

Mobility Plus is in the strip of shops with MOQAH, Friends of the Library and the Green Valley Barber Shop. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This article was published at Green Valley News