Hamilton Embarks on New Consulting Venture

CARMEL, Calif.–After years of challenging HME audiences to
think big, be bold and take risks, industry icon Marilyn Hamilton
is herself doing just that.

Hamilton, who has been described as the “face and the force”
behind Quickie wheelchairs, has retired from Sunrise Medical,
through which the groundbreaking wheelchair is marketed, to start
her own business consulting company.

“For 28 years, I’ve been in a wheelchair,” said Hamilton, who
was paralyzed in a hang-gliding accident nearly three decades ago.
After reflection, she said, “I thought, ‘What am I going to do for
the next third of my life?’ Maybe it’s time for me to take the next
step.”

Hamilton’s roots in the HME industry go back to her 1978
accident, which left her a paraplegic. Dismayed at trying to get
through life in an unwieldy 60-pound wheelchair, she worked on
designing an ultra-lightweight chair.

Along with two friends, Jim Okamoto and Don Helman, Hamilton
started Motion Designs, which turned out the first Quickie in 1979.
The chair was revolutionary–it had a modular frame, was totally
adjustable and seemed to reflect a sense of fun.

“Fun–that’s what I’ve always tried to make the industry. Bring
that excitement to it, break the barriers,” said Hamilton, who has
long been known for her lively speeches that push listeners to take
risks and try new things. “When we started Quickie, the idea was
commonality of parts, total adjustability and customization. That
had never been done before in a streamlined base.”

In 1986, Hamilton and her partners sold the company to Longmont,
Colo.-based Sunrise Medical. She continued with Sunrise, serving in
roles ranging from marketing and public relations to advocacy and
corporate responsibility. She retired from the company as vice
president of global strategic planning, focusing on education,
consumer programs and issues affecting the wheelchair industry.

Hamilton’s new company, Envision, builds on the knowledge she
has honed in several areas, she said. It will focus on start-up
businesses, marketing and business development and universal design
for homes. She will also continue as a motivational speaker.

“I have some really fun experiences to draw on that can help
shape other people’s businesses in some dynamic ways,” Hamilton
said, noting that she is working with companies both within and
outside the HME industry.

Hamilton, who has been recognized with several state and
national awards for her work, said she is not leaving the industry.
“My experience with Quickie and Sunrise Medical has been an amazing
ride that has taught me so much, and it’s not over–it’s just
changing direction,” she said, adding that she will continue
consulting work for Sunrise.

“My heart is here,” she said, “but I know I need to stretch
myself. And that’s what I am trying to do.”