During International Women’s Month, Alberta Prime Times is celebrating women that are making a difference in our local business and community landscapes. Meet Melinda Thompson of Walk-in Tubs Alberta.
Walk-in Tubs is a family business that was started in Saskatchewan by Melinda Thompson’s uncle. The company provides a variety of walk-in bathtub styles, a barrier-free shower and two conversion kits (for existing bathtubs or showers). Thompson joined the business about 10 years ago.
“I'm all about helping others and I wanted to provide a product and service that offer seniors a way to stay in their own homes longer and a way to age in place; a concept that I'm seeing more and more of over the years, especially since COVID,” she shares.
The benefits of a walk-in tub are numerous. Thompson is happy to elaborate.
“Many people crave to confidently have a bath again and find relief when soaking in a warm tub. Owners say they believe they sleep better after a soothing bath. The warm air and water jets give a deep massage and help to stimulate circulation, thus carrying additional healing oxygen throughout the body to the hands and feet. This has shown positive results, increasing mobility and helping to relieve the pain of symptoms of such conditions as arthritis, chronic back pain, fibromyalgia, diabetic and peripheral neuropathy as well as various other acute and chronic conditions.”
Walk-in tubs help people regain independence.
“As years fly by, many seniors are faced with the reality of taking proactive steps today. Deciding to retrofit their homes with a walk-in tub can be one of the best investments they can make to help them age in place, comfortably and independently in the home they love,” says Thompson.
She credits “the products and service we provide” as factors in Walk-in Tubs Alberta’s success.
“There is nothing better than dealing with a real person; that's us, on the phone and in person, offering professional consultation and assistance. The most rewarding thing to us is being able to build genuine relationships with our customers.”
In addition to helping to spread the word across Alberta about the benefits of walk-in tubs, Thompson enjoys meeting and helping customers.
“Personally, I love meeting people! I have the best job because I get to meet some of the most interesting and nicest people, hear their stories and see the pictures on their walls in their homes of family and memories they have. It is a very personable and endearing experience.
What does being a woman in business mean to Thompson? She notes, “I think women gain more power and influence in the world of business because they bring fresh ideas and innovation. Across a wide range of industries, greater gender equality helps to create new products, services and the support of other women.”
She inspires other women entrepreneurs by living by example.
“We should empower the women around us to succeed and excel in every aspect of their lives,” Thompson says.
The greatest reward for the team at Walk-in Tubs Alberta is the glowing testimonials from happy customers. It makes their day when someone regains a sense of empowerment by being able to take care of their bathing needs once more, thanks to the safety and security of a walk-in tub.
“The future for Walk-in Tubs Alberta is to continue to go the extra mile for our customers, while integrating more social media so we can grow our online footprint.”
Learn more about Walk-in Tubs Alberta online and on Facebook.
