We carry thousands of medical & accessibility products through our physical stores in Prince George and Quesnel - if you don't see something listed here, please stop by or contact us.

About MEDIchair

Our Story

MEDIchair was started by Phil and Charlene Gobbi and their silent partners George and Hilda Lipke in 1996. Phil left a long-time position at the Prince George Citizen and Charlene, the School District. None of the partners had any background in the field but were very fortunate to get a lot of support from the Franchiser at the time.

In 2014, The Gobbi’s bought George and Hilda Lipke out, and in 2015, they sold the company to their children, Chris Gobbi and Heather Hawes. During the same time the MEDIchair franchise saw some substantial changes and after the dust settled, MEDIchair Prince George became the last remaining MEDIchair in Canada. Now a Licensee of Birch Hill Equity Firm, MEDIchair North BC has a close working relationship with Motion, one of Canada’s largest Medical Suppliers. Although MEDIchair remains fully locally owned and operated, having a relationship with Motion allows us to take advantage of Motion’s buying power and expertise.

Our Team

The Staff at MEDIchair NorthBC have been integral in its success over the years with three employees celebrating over twenty years with the company and several others nearing that benchmark.

Chris has worked in the business since his parents bought it in 1996, starting off with tedious jobs like inventory, and getting to participate in the fun activities like the annual MEDIchair staff golf tournament. In 2013 he joined the company full-time and in 2015, along with his Sister Heather, bought the business and is the General Manager.

He is proud to be the Chairperson on the City of Prince George Advisory Committee on Accessibility and a board member of the Home Medical Equipment Provider Association of BC.


Chris’ Fun Facts

What do you enjoy about the work you do?

Being able to help someone regain their independence or their ability to do tasks or activities that they enjoyed before their illness or injury. That by far the most rewarding part of this job.

Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about?

In my own mind I have many talents! However that view may not be shared by others. One thing about me that surprises many people is that I was a Nationally Ranked cross-country skier when I was younger and was ranked as high as 4th in Canada when I was in my early teens.

If you weren't at work right now, what would you love to be doing?

Camping, spending time with my family – my wife and my 2 wonderful children, being outdoors or playing sports.

Tell us something interesting about yourself that most people wouldn't know or guess:

I like hardcore rap and heavy metal.

What is the most memorable thing about your time with MEDIchair?

Our 20th Anniversary Celebration where we had a learning day with Occupational and Physical Therapists from all over the North and a wonderful customer appreciation day. That was followed by a private party for family, friends, and colleagues where some great memories and stories were created.

What do you like most about the people you work with?

We have amazing staff who make coming to work fun each and every day. I also get to work with my sister everyday, which has been great.

Heather Hawes

Owner

heather.hawes@medichair.com

Heather officially started working at MEDIchair in 2015 when she and her brother, Chris, purchased the company from their parents. She holds the role of Operations Manager. Heather is a certified Fitter of Sigvaris and has also obtained her certificate in Writing and New Media Management. 

Heather’s Fun Facts

What do you enjoy about the work you do?

I love working with customers. I strive to make the customer experience and the staff experience a positive one. I also really enjoy getting to work with my brother. We have the opportunity to see each other daily and share in the stress as well as the good times.

Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about?

No...I am completely skill-less, the skills I do have, I share constantly, with everyone...

If you weren't at work right now, what would you love to be doing?

Spending time with my amazing family. Either my extended family, my mom and dad who started the business, my brother and his family, my in-laws or my immediate family which consists of my wonderful husband and three great kids, Jaxson, Cooper, and Sacha.

Tell us something interesting about yourself that most people wouldn't know or guess:

Although others feel I am an open book, I am actually super private.

What is the most memorable thing about your time with MEDIchair?

I think for me the transition of Chris and I taking over the business is the most memorable. It was something we both planned for a long time with my mom and dad. During those first few months, realizing the end goal that we had been working toward was being achieved was pretty amazing.

What do you like most about the people you work with?

Everything! We have the world's greatest staff. They are kind and helpful and a tremendous amount of fun. Every one of them has a great sense of humour and we laugh loud and often.

Eric Bittner

Technician/Outside Sales

eric.bittner@medichair.com

Born and raised in Prince George, Eric is the longest-term employee at MEDIchair. Eric has been with us since 1996 as a Technician and Outside Sales Rep in Prince George. The thing he loves most about his job is the diversity it provides. 

Eric’s Fun Facts

Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about?

Of course

If you weren't at work right now, what would you love to be doing?

Snowmobiling

Tell us something interesting about yourself that most people wouldn't know or guess:

I like to cook

What is the most memorable thing about your time with MEDIchair?

Phil's Birthday cake

What do you like most about the people you work with?

Their happy demeanor

Kayla Shelley

Product Specialist/Certified Fitter

kayla.shelley@medichair.com

Kayla has been a Product Specialist and Certified Fitter at our Prince George store since 2016 and moved to Quesnel when we opened the store there. Originally from Ontario, Kayla and her husband moved to the Lower Mainland and Alberta before making their way to Prince George and ultimately Quesnel. She has a Recreation and Leisure Services Diploma as well as a Sigvaris Certificate. She loves connecting with people to figure out solutions that will make their lives easier and that promote independence.

Kayla’s Fun Facts

Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about?

Sewing.

If you weren't at work right now, what would you love to be doing?

Reading, hiking, canoeing.

Tell us something interesting about yourself that most people wouldn't know or guess:

I love chickens and currently own horses and chickens.

What is the most memorable thing about your time with MEDIchair?

Having someone cry when receiving their equipment, saying it was like Christmas morning and they were so blessed to have access to it so they could finally get out of their house.

What do you like most about the people you work with?

They make me laugh, and get my sarcasm.

Dayna Elmquist

Product Specialist/Certified Fitter

dayna.elmquist@medichair.com

Dayna has been part of the team at MEDIchair since 2019 where she is a Product Specialist and Certified Fitter in Prince George. The best part of Dayna’s job are the customers!

Dayna’s Fun Facts

Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about?

No.

If you weren't at work right now, what would you love to be doing?

Social events with my girlfriends.

Tell us something interesting about yourself that most people wouldn't know or guess:

I had the New Year's baby in 2006.

What is the most memorable thing about your time with MEDIchair?

Festival of Trees Senior’s Lunch.

What do you like most about the people you work with?

Easy going, fun and great to work with.

Terri Ploeger

Service Coordinator/Purchaser

terri.ploeger@medichair.com

Terri has been with MEDIchair since 2000, first in sales and now as the Service Coordinator/Purchaser. Terri’s favourite part of the job is helping make people’s lives easier and working with the team at MEDIchair.

Terri’s Fun Facts

Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about?

Gardening, especially my flowers. I love to cook and bake especially on a cold winter day.

If you weren't at work right now, what would you love to be doing?

Walking my dog or golfing. Doing some type of work around the house.

Tell us something interesting about yourself that most people wouldn't know or guess:

Amateur handy woman. I can change faucets, replace water pumps on a washing machine. Minor electrical, changing exhaust fans. I can build a fence all by myself. It's a good thing my dad lives across the street so I can borrow his tools.

What is the most memorable thing about your time with MEDIchair?

Way too many to count. Working here is family to me so how do you pick one thing?

What do you like most about the people you work with?

Who says I like them LOL. They get my sarcastic sense of humor.

Henry Sluggett

Technician/Outside Sales

henry.sluggett@medichair.com

Henry has lived in various locations throughout the region and has worked at MEDIchair since 2009; first in Prince George. He worked hard at developing a strong presence for MEDIchair in Quesnel and Williams Lake. Recently he volunteered to move to Quesnel for six months to help run our Quesnel store when an unexpected leave created some staffing issues.  

Henry’s Fun Facts

What do you enjoy about the work you do?

Helping nice people and seeing the smiles on their faces getting out and around.

Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about?

For 3 years I was a heavy-duty mechanic and I was also a foreman’s assistant/chargehand for 3 years.

If you weren't at work right now, what would you love to be doing?

Drinking beer, hunting, out walking Ted, sleeping, cleaning, visiting friends, watching Graham Norton clips or other comedy on YouTube.

Tell us something interesting about yourself that most people wouldn't know or guess:

I am secretly a millionaire!

What is the most memorable thing about your time with MEDIchair?

Starting to work there.

What do you like most about the people you work with?

I can't say.. I guess they are niceish!

Allan Wall

Service Technician

allan.wall@medichair.com

Allan has been with MEDIchair in Prince George since 2012 and has spent the majority of his life in Prince George. Allan is MEDIchair’s Service Technician and has his certificate for Pride lift chairs. Allan loves assisting clients with setup and maintenance of their mobility products.

Allan’s Fun Facts

What do you enjoy about the work you do?

The smiles and gratitude from customers and I love working with my hands.

Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about?

I used to be an auctioneer.

If you weren't at work right now, what would you love to be doing?

Camping or playing golf.

Tell us something interesting about yourself that most people wouldn't know or guess:

I learned how to auction at 15yrs old and have been on my own since I was 14.

What is the most memorable thing about your time with MEDIchair?

The learning, laughs and the feeling I get when people are so appreciative for helping them.

What do you like most about the people you work with?

I get along with everyone and I get the upmost respect from everyone. The other staff is so helpful and patient in my learning of the company and I feel right at home.

Cory Culham

Technician/Outside Sales

cory.culham@medichair.com

Cory was born and raised in Prince George and has worked at MEDIchair since 2001. Starting off in Shipping and Receiving and as a Technician, he has now moved into Outside Sales and continues his work as a Technician. Cory’s favourite part of the job is helping clients.

Cory’s Fun Facts

Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about?

Wood work

If you weren't at work right now, what would you love to be doing?

Golfing

Tell us something interesting about yourself that most people wouldn't know or guess:

I’m a big Star Trek Fan.

What is the most memorable thing about your time with MEDIchair?

The people I got to help.

What do you like most about the people you work with?

All have great attitudes and most are pretty funny!

Customer Love

Several years ago, my husband became a paraplegic after a simple fall. After several months in Vancouver, we were able to return to our home in a small northern community.

Along with adapting to life in and with a wheelchair, we were now facing challenges of making our home accessible and safe for a wheelchair. That is when MEDIchair came into our lives.

The first day the owner and two of his staff arrived to install a 3-stage elevator in our home. Even with 4 hours of travelling time, they stayed until it was fully operational, and we understood how to use it. From that day on, we have found the owners and staff of MEDIchair to always be there for us. It never seems to matter what the question or the need is, one of them is certain to come up with a solution. I am sure there were numerous times we tested their limits, but they were always there. It did not matter whether it was teaching one of us about a care issue or an equipment issue, everyone has always been very kind and helpful.

I have trusted MEDIchair Owners and staff with the most precious person in my life, and they responded by keeping him totally safe.

- Del