SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio Spurs’ Lonnie Walker IV is now an athlete-investor in the San Antonio-based company, Mach1 Services.
Mach1 Services is a new on-demand, roadside app created in San Antonio by Rick and Laura Narpaul.
The app brings roadside services quickly, safely, and with well-vetted service providers currently servicing Austin and San Antonio.
The app is found in all app stores and can be used across all devices.
“In the health, pandemic atmosphere that we’re living in, I think it’s important for people to realize that this type of service exists,” said Co-Founder and President Laura Narpaul. “People are looking for ways to save money. So we’ve had customers say they are canceling their memberships to other places just because they realize this on demand. They can get it now and it does not have any membership fees.”
With San Antonio being “Military City,” it is important that Mach1 reflect this.
“Rick is a veteran. We do a lot with veterans here in San Antonio and try to hire them,” Laura Natpaul said. “Some of our stakeholders are either veterans or active duty. So that was also a big part of being here in “Military City” and trying to grow a company here to support that.”
Said CEO Rick Narpaul: “It’s a double whammy. It’s a veteran-owned business. San Antonio-owned business. Minority-owned business. And a tech company.”
“And women led,” Laura added.
Mach1 has everything a roadside service app needs for customers. Whether it’s services for flat tires, dead car batteries, locked keys, local police, or non-emergency services, Mach1 has it all and is what drew the Spurs star to becoming an investor.
“I love technology, I love tech. I love how the app works,” Walker said. “Once I met the founder, I knew it was a great fit for me and for myself and my family. I truly thank Rick, Laura, and Rahul Patel (FSM Sports Marketing Group founder) for making this happen as well.”
And the feeling is mutual at Mach1.
“When he heard about Mach1, he knew it’s something to get behind because he would definitely use it. He uses apps for almost everything,” Narpaul said. “One of the things that Lonnie and I actually had a conversation about was, ‘You’re an athlete. You’re not going to be an athlete forever. However, whenever you retire, you still got a full life ahead of you.’”
Walker notes how impressive the app is and the services provided. He also appreciates that Mach1 is San Antonio-based and believes this can be the start of a technology revolution for the city.
“San Antonio has embraced me as a member of their community, and it’s only natural that my first company is based right here in San Antonio,” Walker said. “I think this is honestly a huge step, not just for my own, but also for San Antonio.”
As a new athlete-investor, Walker hopes he can show he is more than an NBA player.
And investing in Mach1 allows him to shine off-the-court.
“I would say it means everything. It’s very important to invest, just as a pro-athlete,” Walker said. “Just to show how diverse we are, other than just seeing us playing basketball the whole time. Sometimes, you have to find things that you’re passionate about.”
Investing in businesses can be tricky.
Fortunately for Walker, he is in good hands with Mach1. Both Rick and Laura are supporting Walker not just as an investor in Mach 1 but in all aspects of his life.
“We support him 110%.” Narpaul said. “Not just his amazing talent on the court, but also what he’s done in the community.”
“With his recent volunteer work that he did in helping clean up the city of San Antonio downtown to selling the artwork, the custom artwork and awareness for child abuse. I think we support him just as much as he supports us and we’re ready to see him do great things with his foundation.”
Mach1 is available now across all mobile devices at all app stores.
It is not a motor club. It is a free app providing an array of on-demand roadside assistance with reliable mechanics everyone can have at the tap of their finger.
“Being able to invest and be involved in this. I’m just truly blessed,” Walker said. “Being able to have an app like that and fully invested and you fully trust that they’re going to come and help you out, not only in a help situation, but also in a safety situation.”
Said Walker: “I think this is honestly a huge step, not just for my own, but also for San Antonio. I’m truly excited with what they’re doing as a brand.”
“Mach1, since the day we had this idea, the motto of the company has been people helping people and that will remain as long as we possibly can keep it,” Narpaul said. “With the on demand model, the free download, the no membership fees, it’s really accessible for just any person to go and get help when they need it.”
