VMI Honors 20-Year Employee with Surprise Van Presentation

PHOENIX, Ariz. (July 9, 2015)—Vantage Mobility International (VMI) recently honored Tiger Desmarais with a Lifetime Achievement award for his 20 years of service to the organization and the mobility industry. Along with a key to the company, VMI surprised Tiger with a new silver 2015 Toyota Sienna with their patented Northstar Access360 conversion.

“I had no idea this was coming,” said Tiger. “I knew I was going to be a part of the meeting, but presenting me with a van for my time at VMI was a complete shock.”

Tiger has made a significant impact in his position as technical expert and trainer, both for the company and the customers. He developed the training curriculum, which he’s used to train more than 5,000 dealer technicians, established the technical documents that are still used today and solved more than 30,000 dealer and customer problems. But, that’s only a fraction of what he’s accomplished in his 20 years at VMI.

“I love being a member of the VMI team,” says Tiger. “Our company makes products that really change lives. I’m proud to have been able to use my automotive background to help. It’s a reward by itself to be a part of the impact that our vans and lifts make in the lives of the wheelchair users.”

Tiger was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2002. In a wheelchair himself, he is able to convey exactly what VMI’s customers need. His perspective as a wheelchair user has given VMI the opportunity to continuously improve the product and bring more value to dealers and customers.

“The Sienna couldn’t have come at a better time for our family,” said Tiger. “We’ve owned a full-size van with a RICON lift since 2005, and we needed to find something more reliable. I’m really looking forward to easier parking, greater maneuverability and even better gas mileage. The Northstar conversion is really going to give our family more independence and freedom than ever. I’m overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity they’ve shown my family with our own VMI van.”

Tiger reminds everyone at VMI to focus on their core value: “Never forget the challenges faced by our customers.”

For a video of Tiger’s story on Sonoran Living, click here. For more information, visit vantagemobility.com.