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| Brian M. Watwood |
About SuperQuad Overview
SuperQuad was founded by Brian M. Watwood following his invention of the Wijit. Brian’s story is an inspirational account of his remarkable recovery.
Founder and Inventor - Brian's Story
Brian M. Watwood, a world-class athlete and professional skier, was hit head-on in an automotive accident while riding his bicycle. Brian was diagnosed as a C5 - C6 incomplete quadriplegic as the result of this accident and confined to a wheelchair he could not operate.
One day in rehab, Brian sat staring at the water fountain, unable to propel his chair forward to get a drink. He thought to himself, "If Archimedes could move the world with a lever, I should be able to move this wheelchair." It was then that his idea for the Wijit® (a lever actuated driving and braking system) was born.
Brian was successful in moving his chair. Although Brian's story is unique in the sense that his remarkable recovery resulted in his limited ability to walk, henceforth the nickname "SuperQuad" (the Superman of quadriplegics), his inspiration to help others in the disabled community began. This perseverance to help other people safely propel their wheelchairs, giving them the same feeling of freedom he felt, became the driving force behind his "chair mobile philosophy" and the mission statement of SuperQuad, the company.
Brian has won numerous awards and has been featured on "Dateline." He continues to be nominated for new awards in the disabled community.
Founder and Advisor - Robert J. Franco
 Robert J. Franco served as a senior corporate executive for over 30 years. At the age of 33 he was the youngest VP in American Railroading history with responsibility for over 15,000 employees and several hundred offices. For for the next twenty five years he was involved in turning around troubled companies --- joining firms as President and Chief Operating Officer. These firms include: The Hertz Corporation, Transamerica, Spector Industries and The Gilbert Company -- among others
As Sector President of ARA Services (now ARAMARK) he had responsibility for 5 corporations with annual revenues of over $700 MM. One of the units in his group operated school buses in 44 cities across the United States transporting 750,000 children daily. Mr. Franco’s commitment to children’s mobility continues today and is evident in his support of SuperQuad’s Wijit VOYAGER product.
He is the author of numerous articles and a college text and has served as a guest speaker at many universities in addition to teaching at Rutgers University.
In 1975 he was named one of the 25 most distinguished alumnus of the previous 25 years by the University of Maryland where he had done his undergraduate work.
Web Development & Internet Specialist - Michael W. Faggard
 Michael Faggard is a Computer Scientist who specializes in web design, programming, and database operations. Before working with SuperQuad, Michael designed and managed the Voterdigest.com website, an influencing factor in the nomination and acceptance of John W. Gillis (owner of the website) as Director of the Office for Victims of Crime under President George W. Bush's administration.
In 1987, Michael met Brian M. Watwood in rehab following a spinal cord injury. As a quadriplegic, Michael has firsthand experience in what the Wijit can do for people with disabilities. He now uses that insight as a guide for his work with SuperQuad and also as an advocate for the Wijit.
Michael has a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from California State University, Sacramento.
SuperQuad Background
The Wijit was first conceptualized by Brian Watwood in October of 1987. It was during his convalescence at the spinal cord injury rehabilitation center at the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center that Brian began focusing on his wheelchair driver and braking systems.
Honors and Awards
Wijit VOYAGER Wins Medtrade Spring 2007 Providers Choice Award
The Wijit VOYAGER was awarded Medtrade’s prestigious “Providers Choice Award International” at the Medtrade Spring 2007 home medical equipment industry event held in Las Vegas, NV. The Wijit VOYAGER competed with over 100 new home medical equipment products and won the award based on votes cast by the over 1000 show attendees. Go Wijit!
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Brian is inducted into the National Hall of Fame for Persons with Disabilities
Wijit wins Medtrade's top award |
Easter Seals gives
SuperQuad and NBC its
EDI award |
Wijit voted top product |
Wijit Featured on TV's Dateline
Dateline NBC featured Brian and the Wijit in early 1999. This prompted the National Hall of Fame for Persons with Disabilities to induct Brian.
Brian being interviewed by Margaret Pelly
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