What inspired you to create Mobility Rules?

In 2000, my wonderful grandfather and mentor, Harold Abner Eggen, passed away. His motto, “Always do the right thing and help others,” lit a spark in me. I already had a blessed life with a loving family and a fulfilling career, but I kept wondering with childlike curiosity: How can I make a real difference?

For over 25 years, I’ve worked as a licensed residential mortgage loan officer, helping families achieve the American Dream of homeownership. Creating Mobility Rules was my joyful next step, a way to combine my passion for homes with a deeper mission of compassion and independence for everyone.

Was there a specific moment or experience that led you to start this mission?

Yes, one unforgettable afternoon with contractor Dave Bearson. We visited a kind woman in a wheelchair who had lived in her condo for over a year. The home had some ADA features, but her bathroom wasn’t accessible. Every single day she faced the exhausting struggle of transferring to the toilet, lifting her legs into the tub, and maneuvering onto a shower chair.

When Dave showed her how her second bathroom could become a beautiful roll-in shower with a pedestal sink, her whole face lit up with hope and excitement. Watching him kneel down to speak with her eye-to-eye, full of respect and kindness, moved me deeply. That moment wasn’t just about renovations — it was about restoring dignity, freedom, and joy. It filled me with wonder and determination: This is what’s possible when we truly care.

Before founding Mobility Rules, what was your professional background, and how did it prepare you for this work?

I’ve spent many joyful years as a licensed Mortgage Loan Officer. What keeps my heart full is knowing how profound homeownership can strengthen families, build pride, and create stability in a community. That experience taught me how to listen deeply to people’s needs and guide them toward practical, life-changing solutions, skills that now power everything we do at Mobility Rules.

What problem did you identify in the marketplace that was not being addressed?

Finding homes with accessible features was surprisingly difficult. In 2004, I learned that Oregon’s Realtor Multiple Listing Service had the ability to highlight up to 19 accessibility features, yet most realtors had never been trained to use it.

I reached out to offer education and outreach, but the response was that it wasn’t a priority. With support from the Fair Housing Council of Oregon, I kept advocating because withholding this information excludes people. That gap lit a fire in me to create real solutions.

Looking back, what were some of the biggest challenges you faced when launching Mobility Rules?

The biggest challenge wasn’t the work itself, it was hearing “Give it up, no one cares.” Many viewed accessible housing only through a financial lens and didn’t see strong return on investment.

But I cared deeply. And I still believe with all my heart that when we put people first, the rest follows. That belief has carried me through every step.