Gearheart Identifies Key To Successful CRT Career: Improving Patients' Lives, Building Strong Company Culture
Building a successful Complex Rehab Technology company begins with a clear mission: improving people's lives. Ethical business practices and a commitment to service provide the foundation for achieving that goal. Kevin Gearheart, president of Rehab Medical, embraces both principles. While leading the company's growth, he also focuses on fostering a strong culture that encourages employee development and collaboration.
Based in the Indianapolis, Indiana, area, Rehab Medical serves patients in 19 states. Founded in 2005, the company provides custom mobility solutions, including power wheelchairs, pediatric wheelchairs and bariatric wheelchairs. In addition to patient advocacy, Rehab Medical places a strong emphasis on employee engagement and community involvement.
Finding Reward in Service
As president, Gearheart spends much of his time focused on company oversight and strategic planning. In that role, he has the opportunity to see the impact Rehab Medical has on patients and communities. "Taking care of patients has become a very rewarding experience for all of us," he said. "We've managed to put offices in various locations across the country, especially in rural communities where access to CRT services may be limited. Being able to provide CRT to these patients who otherwise may not have had access to this equipment has given us all a sense of purpose."
Gearheart acknowledged that obtaining mobility equipment can be a complex process involving multiple stakeholders and equipment components.
"Navigating the challenging CRT journey becomes worth it in the end when we see how that piece of equipment gives a patient their independence back. It just reinforces our compassionate culture," Gearheart said.
He also finds satisfaction in building a strong organizational culture. "By looking at things from a team standpoint, we're able to build a culture that supports one another and are aligned around a common mission: improving lives."
Fostering a Strong Company Culture
Gearheart believes Rehab Medical's culture directly supports the company's ability to serve patients. "We are committed to building a strong company culture and advocating for our customers as we carry out our mission of improving lives," he said.
According to Gearheart, employee support is a cornerstone of that culture. "I think it's about supporting our employees in a lot of different ways," he said. "We have a program called RISE that integrates professional and personal development. We also invest in programs that focus on employee well-being. Promoting a healthy workplace culture is incredibly important."
Those initiatives also help create an environment in which employees can pursue individual growth while working together to achieve common goals.
"We want a culture where everyone is working hard together," Gearheart said. "At the same time, we're supporting one another as employees focus on growth and development."
Looking more broadly, Gearheart said the company's mission extends beyond patients. "We're trying to take care of people," he said. "Sometimes it's taking care of patients. Sometimes it's taking care of employees. Sometimes it's taking care of people in our communities."
RISE's Community Impact
The RISE program also encourages employees to support their communities.
"We set aside a certain amount of money every year to give back to communities," Gearheart said. "But we don't want to just write a check. We also encourage employees to donate their time. The more employees become involved, the greater our impact."
One example is Rehab Medical's partnership with Servants at Work, a nonprofit organization that builds wheelchair ramps for people with mobility challenges. "Many of these individuals can get around inside their homes, but they can't access their communities because they don't have a ramp," Gearheart said.
In addition to providing financial support, Rehab Medical employees volunteer on ramp-building projects throughout the year. "We support SAWS through donations, but we also send teams to participate in builds," he said. "While we're giving back to the community, our team members are supporting one another and helping someone else at the same time."
Gearheart said those experiences often leave a lasting impression. "Team members realize it's about something bigger than themselves," he said. "That helps build a strong company culture. I've participated in a couple of those ramp builds, and they always end in tears."
Three Remarkable Success Stories
Since its founding in 2005, Rehab Medical has helped improve the lives of thousands of individuals and families. Three memorable stories stand out:
A Disney Princess Dream Come True
Rehab Medical partnered with Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana to help a young girl spend more time outdoors with family and friends. Together, the organizations provided her with a custom off-road wheelchair featuring a backup camera, hydration station and sunshade. To make the experience even more special, they embroidered her name in sparkling pink lettering that complemented Disney princess dresses donated for the occasion.
Cevin's High-Tech Cubby Bed
Rehab Medical's Houston team partnered with Cubby Beds and Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana to provide 5-year-old Cevin with a specialized Cubby Bed. Designed to enhance comfort, safety and sleep quality, the bed addresses Cevin's unique needs while providing his caregivers with greater peace of mind.
Juan's Custom Wheelchair
Juan Jr. was born with cerebral palsy and brain damage. Without the resources to purchase a custom wheelchair, his parents carried him wherever he needed to go. A nonprofit organization, Sam's Wish, raised funds for the equipment. When months passed without progress, the organization contacted Rehab Medical CEO Patrick McGinley. The company stepped in and provided Juan with the custom manual wheelchair he needed, helping improve his mobility and independence.
Vision for Growth
Rehab Medical has clear strategic plans centered on continued growth.
"First, if we're growing, we believe we're taking great care of patients," he said. "That allows us to continue serving more people. Growth also means expanding into markets where there are still CRT access challenges."
According to Gearheart, growth benefits employees as well.
"If we're growing, we're creating jobs," he said. "If employees want to advance and take on more responsibility, growth creates those opportunities. I want to continue doing that."
Innovation is another key component of his long-term vision. "I want to figure out how we can continue to innovate and create opportunities for exceptional patient care," Gearheart said. "Whether that's better communication with patients or the integration of new technologies, how do we ensure everything we do delivers service excellence? How can Rehab Medical set the standard for patient care in this industry? We're constantly challenging ourselves to improve."
A Collaborative Industry
Gearheart believes collaboration is one of the CRT industry's greatest strengths. "I want people asking, 'How are you doing this?'" he said. "Then we can share ideas so everyone
gets better. Hopefully, that helps the industry as a whole. A rising tide lifts all boats."
He regularly sees providers, therapists and manufacturers working together to achieve the best outcomes for patients. "The thing I like about the CRT industry is that there's a lot of collaboration and support," Gearheart said. "Everyone is trying to work together to make sure we achieve the best outcomes."
Life Beyond the Office
Gearheart is a devoted family man. He, his wife and their three sons spend much of their free time outdoors, hiking, exploring and creating memories together. Many of their favorite vacations center on visits to America's national parks, where they enjoy new trails, scenic landscapes and outdoor adventures.
In addition to his professional responsibilities, Gearheart is active in his community as a youth sports coach. He also serves on several boards, contributing his leadership and expertise to organizations and causes he supports.
