Meet Our Founder
The heart and vision behind Wheels from the Heart
Steven Muschlitz
Founder & Visionary
Steven "Steve" Muschlitz founded Wheels from the Heart in 2011 after witnessing single mothers struggling to find reliable transportation while working in the car sales business. His simple yet powerful vision: when a single mom gets a set of keys, she gets more than a car—she gets a way forward.
"It's as simple as donating a car where it can give a second life. We ask the women to pay it forward: Give someone a ride when you can."
— Steven Muschlitz
The Founding Story
While working in the car sales industry in South Florida, Steve Muschlitz saw firsthand how lack of transportation created insurmountable barriers for single mothers trying to provide for their families. He witnessed women losing job opportunities because they couldn't reach workplaces beyond bus routes. He saw children missing out on after-school activities, tutoring, and sports because their mothers had no way to transport them.
These observations sparked a simple but profound idea: what if he could provide reliable vehicles to these struggling mothers? In 2011, Steve founded Wheels from the Heart as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Delray Beach, Florida. The mission was clear—give single mothers the gift of reliable transportation and watch them transform their lives.
Steve's approach combines practical business knowledge with genuine compassion. Wheels from the Heart acquires used cars, covers the cost of repairs, and provides them at little or no cost to qualified candidates. But the support doesn't end with the keys—the organization maintains relationships with recipients, referring them to trusted mechanics and ensuring they're not taken advantage of when repairs are needed.
202
Vehicles Donated Since 2011
600+
Lives Changed (Mothers & Children*)
2016
Men with Caring Hearts Award Nominee
Background & Experience
Education: Graduate of Penn State University; Harrisburg Academy (Class of 1982)
Professional Experience: Car dealership owner in Delray Beach, Florida, with extensive experience in the automotive sales and service industry
Community Connections: Originally from the Pennsylvania area (Harrisburg/Steelton region), Steve has maintained strong ties to his roots while building a life and business in South Florida
Recognition: In 2016, Steve was nominated for the prestigious Men with Caring Hearts (MWCH) Award, which honored 22 men making significant contributions to their communities
Steve's Philosophy
On Transportation as Freedom
Steve understands that for single mothers, transportation isn't just about convenience—it's the bridge to employment, education, stability, and independence. Without reliable transportation, opportunities remain forever out of reach.
On Simplicity of Helping
Steve emphasizes that helping single mothers improve their lives isn't complicated. It's as simple as donating a car where it can give a second life, creating a ripple effect of positive change throughout entire families.
On Paying It Forward
His message to recipients is straightforward and powerful: "Pay it forward. Give someone a ride when you can." This philosophy creates a community of support that extends far beyond the initial vehicle donation.
Celebrating 202 Vehicles Donated
Steve and the Wheels from the Heart team have now donated 202 vehicles to single mothers in need. The celebration event, "Simple as Black & White: 200 Keys to Freedom," brought together celebrity supporters including Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams, Coach Butch Davis, Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl Champion Thomas "Hollywood" Henderson, tennis pro Brenda Schultz, and UFC fighter Pedro Munhoz.
From one car in 2011 to 202 families transformed—the journey continues.
*Children: Defined as individuals under 18 years of age living in the household.