From a Nurse's Vision to a Mobility Empire
The story of Hoveround begins with its founder, Thomas E. “Tom” Kruse, a former nurse with a passion for innovation. During the late 1980s, Kruse observed that many of the motorized wheelchairs available were bulky and difficult to maneuver, especially in tight indoor spaces. He had a vision to create a more compact and user-friendly power chair that could improve the quality of life for people with restricted mobility.
In April 1992, Kruse, along with his brothers George and Robert and his stepfather Gerald Ewing, officially founded the Hoveround Corporation. The first prototype was a result of practical engineering, with Kruse reportedly seeking advice from long-haul truck drivers for comfortable seats and using insights from NASA for materials. The distinctive name “Hoveround” was created by blending the word “hover,” for the chair's smooth appearance, with the Beach Boys' song “I Get Around,” which Kruse was listening to at the time. The direct-to-consumer sales model began in 1994, and the company quickly became profitable.
The Shift to Corporate Ownership: Jordan Industries Acquisition
While Tom Kruse was the visionary founder, he is not the sole or current owner. The first major shift in the company's structure occurred in 1998 when private holding company Jordan Industries purchased an 80% stake in Hoveround. The Kruse family retained the remaining 20% of the company's stock. This move marked a transition from a strictly family-owned enterprise to one with significant corporate investment. Despite this change, Tom Kruse remained a public face of the company, often appearing in its recognizable television commercials for many years.
The 2020 Acquisition by Healthcare Products Group
For a long time, the name Tom Kruse was synonymous with Hoveround due to his visible role in marketing. However, the company’s ownership underwent another significant change in 2020. According to business data provider PitchBook, Hoveround was acquired by Healthcare Products Group on April 11, 2020. This transaction officially ended the Kruse family's partial ownership of the corporation, completing the transition to full corporate control.
Following the 2020 acquisition, Hoveround underwent a strategic repositioning of its business model. While it was once primarily a manufacturer, it has now shifted to being a provider of mobility solutions through its new division, Hoveround Mobility Solutions (HMS). The company entered into a new agreement with Merits Health Products, Inc. USA, allowing it to outsource manufacturing and focus on distribution and customer service. This change was explicitly stated by CEO Adam Frerichs, who noted, "Our specialty is not manufacturing... what we're good at is being a mobility company".
Who is the Owner of Hoveround Today?
So, to directly address the question, the ultimate owner of the Hoveround brand today is Healthcare Products Group, which completed its acquisition in 2020. The day-to-day operations of Hoveround are now led by CEO Adam Frerichs, with a focus on providing mobility products and services under the Hoveround Mobility Solutions (HMS) banner. This leadership and strategic focus are a far cry from the garage-based operation started by Tom Kruse in the early 1990s, though the company's core mission to serve those with mobility challenges remains.
Comparing Hoveround's Business Models: Then vs. Now
| Feature | Founder-Led Era (Pre-2020) | Corporate-Led Era (Post-2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership Structure | Primarily owned by founder Thomas E. Kruse and his family (after 1998, 20% Kruse family, 80% Jordan Industries) | Fully owned by Healthcare Products Group |
| Core Business Model | Manufacturer and direct-to-consumer seller of proprietary power wheelchairs | Provider of mobility solutions; primarily distribution and service via Hoveround Mobility Solutions (HMS) |
| Product Focus | Primarily the Hoveround power chair, known for maneuverability | A wider array of mobility products, including partner-manufactured chairs from companies like Merits |
| Key Executive | Founder, President, and CEO Thomas E. Kruse | CEO Adam Frerichs |
| Sales Strategy | Heavily reliant on television commercials and direct mail for direct-to-consumer sales | Evolving digital and retail strategy through the HMS division |
The Impact of Ownership on Health Mobility
The changes in Hoveround's ownership and business model reflect broader trends in the durable medical equipment industry, where market consolidation and competitive pressures have altered operations for many companies. For consumers, the transition means that while the Hoveround name is familiar, the company behind it is fundamentally different. This can influence everything from product selection and repair services to eligibility for insurance coverage, such as Medicare. The move away from manufacturing allows the company to potentially focus on logistics and customer support, but it also means the direct, hands-on approach of the founding inventor is no longer a factor.
Conclusion
The question of who is the owner of Hoveround? reveals a multi-stage corporate journey rather than a single individual. While the brand was built by founder Thomas E. Kruse, it has been under corporate ownership for decades, first with Jordan Industries and since 2020, with Healthcare Products Group. The company's business model has evolved from manufacturing its own signature chairs to distributing mobility solutions from other partners, reflecting a strategic shift in the competitive healthcare market. The Hoveround story, therefore, is a prime example of how even a well-known brand can undergo profound changes in its structure, ownership, and operational focus over time, all while maintaining a recognized name in the general health and mobility sector. For more information on the company's offerings, you can visit their official website at www.hoveround.com.
