Riverside’s Aleph Group is on the cusp of completing a big milestone as it drives five custom-built mobile health clinics to Kentucky.
The company, founded in 1999 by Jales De Mello, builds walk-in clinics atop large truck chassis.
The Kentucky order, with 12 mobile units in all, started as a pandemic relief contract and evolved into one helping victims of tornadoes and flooding in the region. The last five trucks in the contract represent the largest order Aleph Group Inc. and its 25 full-time employees have done simultaneously.
The mobile clinics, a year in the making, headed out of Riverside on Friday, May 30.
De Mello said he “couldn’t be prouder” of his incredible team.
“(Their) unwavering dedication, tireless commitment, and genuine passion for serving others are the driving forces behind everything we accomplish.” he said in a statement to the Press-Enterprise. “This moment is a testament to the importance of our mission and the powerful impact we are making in people’s lives every day.”
The name Aleph holds deep meaning for De Mello. The first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, it symbolizes beginnings, leadership and infinite potential. For the chief executive, it “embodies his commitment to building something greater than a company, a mission-driven organization focused on service, innovation and impact.”
We asked the company to share some details of this milestone shipment.
Q: Was this particular delivery substantial in a way that distinguishes it from other orders?
A: Yes, this project stands out as both unique and impactful. It was originally funded through a COVID-19 relief program and designated to support 12 healthcare centers (nongovernment organizations) across Kentucky. What makes it particularly significant is the flexibility and responsiveness built into the project.
As the build-out progressed, the mission evolved. In light of the recent tornadoes that devastated several communities in the region, the final five units from this order are now being redirected to provide urgent support and services to those affected areas. This shift highlights the adaptability of mobile infrastructure and the essential role it can play in both public health and disaster response.
Q: Can you tell us more about the vehicles and the clinics?
A: AGI specializes in the custom design and fabrication of high-quality mobile healthcare units, all built in-house at our manufacturing facility in Riverside.
Each vehicle is meticulously engineered to meet the unique needs of our clients. Our clinics support a wide range of mobile healthcare applications, including primary care, preventative services and outreach programs. Other uses include mobile hospitals, dental units, bloodmobiles, mobile mammography and labs.
Q: So, all of the necessary equipment is included?
A: Yes, each unit is delivered as a turnkey solution, meaning it comes fully equipped and ready for immediate deployment. Our builds include medical equipment tailored to the intended services; IT infrastructure, ADA accessibility features (wheelchair lifts and accessible interiors). And each one is climate controlled with its own power generation, and solar-assisted battery systems to ensure operation in remote or underserved areas.
Q: How long does it take to craft the clinics, start to finish?
A: The production timeline for each clinic typically ranges from 10 to 12 months, depending on the scope and specifications of the project. More complex units — such as those with advanced imaging systems, specialized laboratory equipment, or extensive customizations—may require up to 18 months to complete.
Pitch competition awards Highland students
Oya Femtech Apparel Inc. won first place in an inaugural pitch competition hosted May 28 by the Black and Brown Opportunities for Profit Center and Entrepreneur High School in Highland.
The apparel startup won $5,000 cash and a BBOP Grow Program membership worth $1,500.
Second place went to PADI for its “innovative menstrual health technology.”
“The talent displayed was remarkable, demonstrating our community’s entrepreneurial strength,” said Kim Carter, BBOP Center co-founder. “We’re thrilled to support innovative solutions.”
The pitch finalists and their concepts included:
—Oya Femtech: Breathable, antimicrobial sportswear that can be purchased using health of flex savings plans.
—PADI (Titilope Olotu): Eco-friendly menstrual pads made of banana agrowaste and infused with medicinal herbs.
—Amazing Family Child Care Learning Center (Sharon Doyle): A trauma-informed childcare that integrates mental health and tech-driven education.
—FeaturesFirst Auto (Lisa Bailey): Driver safety training that features 3D explainer videos.
—Same Day Embroidery (Erasmo Robles): Fast, local custom apparel using technology.
The competition included seven teams from Entrepreneur High School, each of which received a $250 investment and a chance to incubate their business alongside local entrepreneurs.
For more information on the center and its programs, go to bbopcenter.com.

Miguel’s matriarch earns her diploma
Mary Vasquez, co-founder of Corona-based Miguel’s Jr. and Miguel’s restaurant, received her high school degree on Thursday, May 22 at the age of 80.
After many years of running the family business, Vasquez opted to skip an honorary degree and earn it as a student, attending Corona Norco Adult School.
She and her husband Mike got started in the restaurant business in 1973 when they bought an existing eatery and renamed it Miguel’s after Mike’s grandfather. They served Mary’s home-cooked burritos and later grew the company by adding the fast-food concept Miguel’s Jr. The chain has its flagship restaurant at the Shops at Dos Lagos and 23 Jr.’s restaurants in Riverside, Orange, and San Bernardino counties.
Mike Vasquez died in 2020.
On the move
Eleni Christianson recently joined NAI Capital Commercial as a senior vice president in the firm’s Ontario office. She will focus on the Inland Empire industrial property and land sales. Most recently, she was at Chaparral Land Co., and before that, Christianson spent nearly 17 years in heavy civil engineering construction, specializing in large-scale development for public and private sector clients.
The business briefs are compiled and edited by Business Editor Samantha Gowen. Submit items to sgowen@scng.com. High-resolution images can also be submitted. Allow at least one week for publication. Items are edited for length and clarity.