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Jover
SUCCESS STORIES
INITIAL SITUATION
Mary Schuleri, founder of Jover, came to Widener SBDC Consultant, Bill Pearce, in 2021 with a novel product, called a “Jover” (pictured left), and a desire to make the product available to the world. A Jover is a decorative fabric cover (complete with handy pockets) designed to dress up and individualize the ordinary, institutional-looking, gray metal walker prescribed around the globe to millions experiencing mobility challenges. Jover’s purpose is to put a fun and positive spin on the walker, making the device more appealing to users.
Mary first recognized this need while helping her always-outgoing mother, Jo, through a difficult post-surgical recovery. Jo’s prescribed walker was bringing her down, instead of lifting her up as she felt it stigmatized her and erased her individuality. She did not want to use it, which interfered in her recuperation. Jover is named in honor of Jo, whose experience, sense of style, and indomitable spirit, inspired Mary to create the walker cover.
HOW THE SBDC HELPED
Quote:
“Bill has been absolutely integral to Jover’s development. We would not be at this point without his help” - Mary Schuleri | Founder
Mary consulted with Bill on business decisions and connected her with successful industry entrepreneurs and community resources. In their meetings, Bill worked with Mary to prepare financial plans, create a launch strategy, and discuss the viability of the many options regarding the development of Jover into a go-to-market product. “Bill worked tirelessly with me through the early stages and continues to be a trusted advisor and an invaluable sounding board and supporter—even attending Jover’s debut trade show appearance,” says Mary.
SUCCESS
Since 2021, Jover has been awarded several patents and has grown as an organization, to include Mary’s college roommate and long-time collaborator, Kristen Hyatt, as co-founder. Jover officially launched with a wholesale push in November of 2023 and is now available for purchase in over 20 retail pharmacies in the Mid-Atlantic area and via Jover’s website at www.jovercover.com. The next major goal is to build the direct-to-consumer channel, which Jover plans to launch in the second quarter of 2024.
Jover’s hope is to spread Jo’s spirit of positivity to as many people as possible throughout the world. “Hearing that a Jover cover has changed someone’s life for the better is what keeps us motivated”, says Mary.
BUSINESS LOCATION
Sold Online & in 20+ Retail Locations across the U.S.
