Tootl Transport Targets First Arizona Locations to Kick off Exciting New Growth Journey
Non-Emergency Transportation Brand Expresses Interest in Phoenix Expansion on the Heels of Newly Announced Franchise Opportunity
NORTHBROOK, Ill. –Tootl Transport, the non-emergency medical transportation company looking to provide the country with reliable wheelchair accessible rides, is thrilled to announce the next steps in its growth plan by offering franchise opportunities in the greater Phoenix area. After recently launching its franchise program, Tootl is eager to begin expansion into this high demand area, with the intent of awarding franchise licenses to passionate entrepreneurs looking to own their own business and provide a valuable service in the community.
Tootl Transport recently launched its franchiseprogram at the end of February after operating successfully in Chicago for over eight years. Tootl’s founder and President Michelle Dacy, along with her husband Tom Dacy, Vice President of Operations, decided they wanted to bring Tootl to more communities throughout the country. The husband-and-wife duo decided to expand using the franchise model and are now working towards their goal of improving as many lives as possible by providing access to quality and reliable transportation for people of all abilities.
According to a report by the CDC, 24 percent or one in four people in Arizona have a disability. Large cities such as Phoenix come with a higher percentage of people who are looking for dependable, safe, and comfortable transportation. With a 2023 population of 1,656,892, Phoenix is the largest city in Arizona and the 5th largest city in the US. The booming metropolitan area has seen strong and consistent growth in population ranging from 1.18% to 2.53%, positioning the region as the perfect area to incorporateTootl’s services.
“We’ve seen a high demand in markets across the nation, and we are excited about bringing Tootl to as many communities as possible to fill this need,” said Michelle Dacy. “Our mission is to improve the quality of life of our passengers, and offer peace of mind to those who utilize our services for themselves or their loved ones. As we begin our expansion, we look forward to being able to provide vital and secure transportation to those who need it and help people in the communities we serve.”
The booming Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) sector was $8.6 billion in 2021, and is projected to nearly double and reach over $15 billion by 2028. The market growth is primarily driven by the country’s increasing aging population and an expanding need for routine medical treatments and care. Tootl also fills the niche by offering specialized transportation services to anyone (youths, adults and seniors) with temporary or permanent mobility or cognitive challenges, transporting them safely anywhere they need to go, including doctor appointments, rehabilitation sessions, school, grocery shopping, family gatherings, rides home from the hospital and more.
Tootl’s roots go back to 2012, when Michelle Dacy noticed how challenging it was to get her own grandmother to the numerous doctor’s appointments and other necessary errands. She later established her own wheelchair accessible transportation company, which grew each year in revenues with clients across the entire Chicagoland area.
With no direct competitors at the national brand level, strong growth potential and low-overhead in the booming Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) sector, the innovative concept caught the attention of well-known experienced franchising industry veterans Steve Greenbaum and Brad Fishman, who are backing the franchising effort as investors and advisors. Greenbaum and Fishman helped the Dacy’s rebrand to Tootl and launch a second location in Milwaukee in 2021, which exceeded all business expectations even during the peak of COVID.
“Tootl is a brand founded from the heart,” said Greenbaum. “We feel confident that our values, purpose, and mission will speak for itself as we begin our growth journey and attract strong franchisees who will share our goals to bring our services to new communities.”
Tootl is seeking both single and multi-unit franchisees with an entrepreneurial spirit, great interpersonal and organizational skills and a strong desire to serve their communities. Experience in the health care industry is a benefit since Tootl works with a variety of senior care facilities, case managers and healthcare professionals but it is not a requirement. Unlike more expensive traditional brick and mortar businesses, including the franchise fee, the initial investment for a Tootl franchise is between $78,400-$97,400.
For more information about franchise opportunities, visit tootlfranchising.com.
About Tootl Transport
As the nation’s first special needs non-emergency transportation concept, Tootl is committed to providing individuals with temporary or permanent mobility and cognitive challenges with the reliable and comfortable rides they need. The brand has seen success with their two corporate locations in Milwaukee and Chicago, and are looking to award up to 20 franchise territories in 2023, choosing to focus on streamlining operations in their first year of franchising. Tootl approaches their business, employees and customers through TREK, which stands for their core values of Trust, Respect, Empathy and Kindness. With a low-risk low investment business model, Tootl is the perfect opportunity for entrepreneurs who are looking to break into the franchising space while providing a necessary and meaningful service to the underserved members of their community. For more information, visit www.ridetootl.com.
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