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Happy elderly couple having coffee near a Safety Grab Bar

About Us

Our Story

Paul’s Grab Bars has been dedicated to enhancing safety and independence since 1983. Founded by Paul Althoff and later joined by his wife Physical Therapist, Barb Ruedy, together they prioritized helping older adults and mobility-challenged individuals by providing expert guidance on grab bar placement and installation.

After decades of serving the Minneapolis/St. Paul and surrounding communities, Paul and Barb decided to focus on family and entrusted the business to the new owner, Nick Brinkhoff.

Meet Nick Brinkhoff

Nick's Family Photo

Raised on a farm, Nick developed a strong work ethic and hands-on skills from an early age. His background in interior construction and an Associate Applied Science degree in Nondestructive Testing laid the foundation for a 20+ year career in technical roles, sales, and marketing—equipping him with the expertise to run a successful business.

Before taking over the business, Nick trained directly under Paul on expert grab bar installation and learned optimal bar placement from Barb, a Physical Therapist. This hands-on experience ensures that Paul’s Grab Bars continues to provide the same high-quality, safety-focused service that customers have trusted for decades.

Nick’s passion for grab bar installation is personal. When his parents faced health challenges—including Parkinson’s and cancer—they were faced with the possibility of having to move out of their home.  It quickly became clear that the solution to their independence was grab bars but there was no one in the area to install them!  They did eventually get them installed which allowed them to stay in their home longer.  This experience fuels his commitment to helping families improve their home safety with expert grab bar installation.

Paul’s Grab Bars remains a family-owned and operated business. Nick and his wife, Karin, are proud to continue the company’s tradition of quality service and personal care. As a devoted family man, Nick enjoys spending time with his wife and their two sons, Mason and Russell. Whether he’s at the rink cheering them on at hockey games, camping, fishing, or serving as the president of his neighborhood HOA, family and community remain at the heart of everything he does.

At Paul’s Grab Bars, we are committed to the same principles that started it all—providing expert installation with care, integrity, and a personal touch.

Home Safety
Check Up

Every home and every client is unique. That’s why we conduct thorough assessments to determine:

  • The most beneficial placement of grab bars.

  • The appropriate bar lengths and finishes to match your décor.

  • The best solutions for homes without nearby studs or with challenging surfaces like fiberglass.

Our process is tailored to your needs, ensuring maximum safety and comfort.

Service Areas

We proudly serve the 7-county greater Minneapolis–St. Paul area and beyond. Additional travel charges may apply for outlying areas.

 

Contact us for a custom quote.

Call (612) 822-0756

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