Bringing Compassion and Reliability to South Jersey
Blackwood, NJ Christian Mansaray, a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in logistics, administration, and information technology, founded Assurance Medical Transport with a passion for helping people. After moving from Sierra Leone to the United States, Mansaray honed his skills at organizations like Inspire Tech and Comcast. It was his deep-rooted desire to create a positive impact in the lives of others that led him to launch his own business. Based in Turnersville, NJ, Assurance Medical Transport specializes in providing compassionate and reliable medical transportation for individuals with mobility challenges. With a commitment to customer service, a focus on hiring empathetic drivers, and a dedication to making every client feel valued, Mansaray is building a company that puts people first—ensuring each ride is more than just a trip, but an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s day.
In an exclusive interview with the nation’s premier faith-based and professional newspaper for winners, Anointed News Journal, Christian Mansaray illustrates his passion for serving others through his company.
Collins II:
Who is Christian Mansaray?
Mansaray:
Well, Christian Mansaray is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in administration, logistics, and information technology. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Logistics. I have worked overseas, particularly in Sierra Leone, where I was in charge of a company called Naxo, focusing on logistics and transportation. I worked for the National Commission for Social Action in Sierra Leone at that time before immigrating to the United States. When I arrived here, I focused on my IT career, working for Inspire Tech. Inspire Tech is a non-profit organization that works with people with mobility challenges, which aligns with my passion for transportation. Before launching Assurance Medical Transportation, I worked for Comcast as a Senior IT Engineer for two years. I am also a family man, with three children, and I have been married to my wife for ten years. In my downtime, you might find me playing soccer, watching soccer, or spending time with my kids.
Collins II:
So you have an extensive educational background and have worked in corporate jobs. What got you into the business you started, Assurance Medical Transportation?
Mansaray:
I’ve always wanted to create an impact and help people. I’ve always wanted to start something, to build something. My wife and I have been working over the years, looking for the right time to launch. But I’ve always had a passion for helping people. Even back in Sierra Leone, I would help people and donate items to underprivileged kids. That has always been my passion. In my corporate job, I didn’t feel fulfilled. The money was good, we were comfortable, but I didn’t feel like I was making an impact. I looked at my experience in transportation and logistics, and my time at Inspire Tech, which employed individuals with mobility challenges. I was the network administrator, but I interacted with all of those people. Helping them and seeing them walk again made me feel fulfilled. However, when the pandemic hit, I was at home with my newborn daughter, and I thought, “I don’t think I’m going back into the corporate world.” I had become so involved with my daughter that I didn’t want to go back. That’s when I switched to Comcast, but I still felt the corporate life wasn’t for me. It was just too impersonal. I wasn’t interacting with people, and I didn’t feel like I was bringing real value.
Yes, I fixed things and worked on a fiber team, handling complex issues for large institutions, but you spend hours on the phone, and I didn’t feel connected. I am a people person—I like to meet people, shake hands, and create value. So that’s when I decided it was time to launch Assurance Medical Transportation. I thought, “It’s time to bring this dream, that’s been in my heart and mind for so long, to life.” That’s how Assurance Medical Transportation was born. I started putting the pieces together, and now it’s its own thriving entity.
Collins II:
So, what do you feel makes your company, Assurance Medical Transport, unique? What sets your company apart compared to other medical transport companies?
Mansaray:
That’s a good question. What makes us unique, and what will make us stand out, is the passion and compassion that I bring. As I mentioned, I am the face of my business, which means I am out there helping people—putting them in wheelchairs, getting them into the van, having a conversation, and seeing the joy on their faces. That joy is contagious, and it brings me joy as well. So I believe the customer service we provide, along with the passion and compassion we bring to our clients, is what will make Assurance Medical Transport stand out.
When it comes to my drivers, I spend a lot of time handpicking them. I don’t just choose someone because they can drive or have the proper transportation license to operate a wheelchair van. It’s about how they interact with people, how respectful they are, how they present themselves, and how they make others feel comfortable. This job is not just about driving someone and dropping them off like an Uber ride. Anyone can get an Uber, but medical transportation is unique. It requires that extra level of care. For example, I may walk someone into their appointment or take the time to chat with them, making them feel comfortable.
Imagine someone like Miss Julie, who may have been in a wheelchair for a week and hasn’t spoken to many people. That simple conversation could make her feel valued, despite the challenges she faces. This is the impact we aim to have on our clients. That’s why Assurance Medical Transport will stand out: because I’m not in this business just to make big profits. Profit is important, of course, but it’s not the main focus. The focus is on providing value. The money will follow, but what matters is creating a positive, welcoming environment—for the clients, the drivers, and everyone involved. I want people to feel like, “This is a company we can rely on. This is a company that brings joy and energy when they show up.” That’s why I’m so focused on choosing drivers who share this compassion and commitment to our clients.
Collins II:
Where are you located, and what areas do you service?
Mansaray:
I am based in Turnersville, which can be a bit confusing because the zip code is 08012, and it’s sometimes referred to as Blackwood. But I am in Turnersville, and my main focus is Gloucester County. I also serve the surrounding areas, and I may travel up to 50 miles depending on the needs of the clients.
Collins II:
Were you born and raised in Africa, Sierra Leone. You have a family, a wife, children, you’ve got degrees, you’ve had a magnificent work experience, and you started a business. What advice would you have for someone who has migrated to a new country and wants to be successful, in America specifically?
Mansaray:
Well, I would say, in all of these things, whatever you believe, you’ve got to “seek ye first”. That’s always my thing, even with starting anything—seek ye first, and everything follows. But you’ve got to follow what you want to do. You might want to become something, right? You cannot say, “I want to become this,” if you’re not practicing and putting yourself in a position where, when the opportunity arises, you’re able to do it.
For example, my wife and I have been married for ten years now. Even when we were dating, she was in London, and I was in Sierra Leone. We were going back and forth, and we decided to settle in Philadelphia. We had a son, who is now eight years old. But when I moved here, it was challenging. Everything was new. I wasn’t used to it. Back home, I had the comfort where you have a driver, a nanny, and all sorts of people serving you. Here, it was challenging. But I didn’t let that time define me because I knew I had to go out there, do my work, save some money, and build a family. I had a dream, which was to build a business where I could, in turn, help people. But I had to do things in order.
It’s funny, because when I actually started at Inspire Tech, no matter where you come from, if you have extensive education outside the U.S., sometimes people don’t value it until you step in. I was hired as an IT helpdesk employee, and I was happy and appreciative of the opportunity. It was $60 an hour, and I was like, “Oh, babe, look at this, we get the calls.” But within six months, doing what I was doing, an opening popped up for the network manager position. The manager had resigned, and the IT director, Peter—who is still a good friend of mine—asked me, “Hey, do you want to go for it?” I was like, “Why not?”
So, within six months, I went from being hourly to salaried, and I stayed there for about six or seven years before the pandemic hit. I didn’t come here and just sit around waiting for the perfect opportunity because of what I had done back home. I took the opportunities that came to me, but I also knew what I was walking into. I knew what I was looking for. I knew what I was dreaming of. But I was also putting the pieces together. You can’t just sit around and say, “I’m unemployed and waiting for that perfect opportunity.” You can still do something during that time.
During that time, we were able to grow our family—our son is now eight, our daughter is six, and the youngest is four. I was able to create a stable family environment while also positioning myself in a good place to start a business like Assurance. My wife also has a great job—she works at the children’s hospital as a doctor—which helps support the family and creates a stable foundation.
Collins II:
So what’s next for Christian Mansaray and Assurance Medical Transport?
Mansaray:
Well, Assurance is just starting. And what’s next for me is, I can already see it growing and flourishing. I know Assurance is going to be one of the names out there when it comes to medical transportation. For me, it’s about building on this foundation—hiring the right people, getting the right connections, and getting the right people to put it out there. Because in all of this, if your path is not directed to the right people, you’re basically in the dark. For example, with you having Henry, and knowing a guy who knows a guy, who knows the Almighty, you know what I mean? That’s how I see things. I just feel like Assurance, with the right connections and the right people, is going to be one of the names that people go to when they need transportation for someone who’s waiting or has been facing transportation issues. They’ll say, “Hey, let’s call Chris. He’s from Assurance; he can get your grandma where she needs to go and do it consistently.” I believe in consistency.
It’s funny, my work ethic, even from back home, my wife will tell you that we didn’t complain back then; we got everything we needed. So when I was working, I think that’s why when I don’t just miss a day or call out, we’re not used to that. We go to work, we put in all we’ve got. That’s the same energy and attitude I want to bring into Assurance with everyone who comes in. Even if you’re just making the calls, talking to people, just show respect and create an atmosphere where people want to be. Even the drivers should feel that this is a place where they can relax. That’s my goal for Assurance moving forward.
Collins II:
How can people acquire your services? Who specifically would use this service, and how can they access it?
Mansaray:
Yeah, so everyone can use the service. If you’re mobility challenged, maybe you need an ambulatory ride, just a comfortable ride to your appointment, dialysis, or regular doctor’s visits. You can check out our website at www.assuranceNemt.com, where you can book your ride directly. Or you can call us at 856-644-5880, and we can schedule your ride. We’ll gather all the necessary information, and if you visit the website, you can input everything there and we’ll get the details and schedule the ride for you.
Collins II:
In a final word, what would you like to say to the readers of the Anointed News Journal?
Mansaray:
I’d say, spread the word. Let people know that Assurance Medical Transport exists in Turnersville/Blackwood. We’re located at 4551 Route 42, Suite 1. You can check out our website. Spread the word, and let people know we’re here for anyone who has a mobility challenge. We’re focused on helping people, not just on the money. I say this with all seriousness. When we scale, we do it in a way that doesn’t overwhelm us. We scale to continue helping people. And I’ve told myself, I’ll jump in a van and go pick up Miss Cole if I need to. If one of my drivers isn’t bringing the right level of compassion or energy, I’m not going to settle for that. I take my time with hiring because I want people who can bring the same energy and passion that I bring to the job. So spread the word, especially for readers of the newspaper. Let them know that we’re here. There are other competitors in South Jersey, but Chris from Assurance is here to serve you.
Collins II:
The nation’s premier faith-based and professional newspaper for winners, Anointed News Journal, wishes Christian Mansaray and the Assurance Medical Transport team much success as the serve South Jersey’s medical transportation needs. It is more than just a business for Christian Mansaray; it’s a mission to bring compassion and care to those in need. With a focus on building relationships, providing exceptional service, and ensuring every ride is an opportunity to uplift others, Mansaray is poised to make a lasting impact in South Jersey. As Assurance continues to grow, Mansaray’s unwavering commitment to his clients and his community will remain at the heart of the company’s success.
By Christopher Collins II
