Two Decades of Purpose: How Rehab Medical Built a Culture of Meaningful Work

Story written by Rehab Medical President Kevin Gearheart

When I joined the company, it was during the time the original business branched off into two companies with different focuses. Rehab Medical changed its core product offering, and a new corporate infrastructure was needed.

My experience in healthcare management and my thirst for a challenging opportunity was what attracted me to Rehab Medical. I was also fortunate enough to work alongside Patrick McGinley, a great leader who has a clear vision of what he wants and an unwavering drive to lead us there.

Despite the challenges we faced we knew we were building something great that would impact so many lives down the road.

The Team That Built Our Foundation

Much of our early growth can be traced back to the dedication of the employees who were here from the very beginning. These foundational team members—Senior Insurance Biller Rachel Day, Payer Relations Manager April Tischler, Vice President of Operations Jarrad Rankin, Chief Sales Office Keith Hawkins, Western Region Sales Director Kenneth Flaming, Great Lakes Region Sales Director Jason Neu, Midwest Region Sales Director Ryan Commings, and Gulf Coast Region Sales Director Paul Martin—were deeply aligned with our mission from day one.

From left to right: Rachel D., April T., Jarrad R., Keith H.

From left to right: Kenneth F., Jason N., Ryan C., Paul M.

They believed in delivering exceptional care to patients and embraced a “do whatever it takes” mentality to make that mission a reality. What made these early employees so impactful wasn’t just their work ethic, but the trust they built together over time. They trusted one another to follow through, stay focused on the right priorities, and act in the best interest of the patients we served.

That level of shared belief and mutual accountability created speed. When you don’t have to second-guess the people around you, you can focus fully on what comes next. Their contributions cannot be overstated. Many of these individuals have dedicated their professional lives to this organization, taking on more responsibility each year while continuing to operate with humility and commitment. They embody the mindset of leaving egos at the door and doing whatever is necessary to support patients and position the company for long-term success.

Using Service Excellence as Our Differentiator

Service excellence has always been at the heart of our growth. In an industry where we don’t manufacture our own products and pricing is largely determined by insurance contracts, the one true way we can stand apart is through the level of service we provide. It’s our differentiator—our competitive edge—and ultimately, the reason patients and partners trust us.

For us, service excellence extends far beyond the patient. It touches every interaction—from caregivers and referral sources to the insurance partners we collaborate with. Every relationship we build is rooted in the same goal: to make the process as smooth, transparent, and as supportive as possible.

Two pillars guide our approach—speed and communication. Speed matters because the faster we move; the sooner patients receive their equipment and regain their independence. Communication is just as vital—reducing frustration and keeping everyone informed every step of the way. With so many moving parts involved in delivering a single piece of mobility equipment, clear and consistent communication ensures that the entire process feels seamless.

By staying committed to these principles, we’ve built more than a reputation for service—we’ve built trust, loyalty, and lasting impact across every corner of our organization.

Creating Strong Cultures to Drive Meaningful Work

A meaningful workplace isn’t created by products or services alone—it’s built on culture. While the impact we have on patients is incredibly important, the environment employees experience every day is just as meaningful. A strong culture gives people a sense of belonging and purpose that goes beyond any single task or challenge. When someone feels connected to a mission bigger than themselves, they’re able to push through tough moments because they know what—and who—they’re fighting for.

Great culture is also clarifying. It should be so strong and clearly lived out that anyone walking through the door instantly understands what we stand for, how we work together, and the values that guide our decisions. That level of clarity naturally attracts people who align with it—and just as importantly, encourages those who don’t to self-select out. That isn’t a weakness of the culture; it’s proof that it’s working. Culture doesn’t have to be for everyone; it just needs to be right for the people who will help it grow.

One of the most powerful reminders of the culture we’ve built comes each year at our Annual Conference. It’s a chance for employees from across the organization to come together, learn, celebrate, realign, and reconnect. Seeing people form new relationships, strengthen old ones, and feel reenergized by the shared mission is a living example of why culture matters. It is in those moments that the true meaning of our work, and the community behind it, comes to life.

Overcoming Challenges Through Meaningful Work

Meaningful work isn’t just about the tasks we perform; it’s also about the obstacles we face along the way. Challenges and struggles are an inevitable part of any career, and while they can feel frustrating in the moment, they are what make work truly fulfilling. Without hurdles to overcome, success can feel empty, and the day-to-day grind can quickly become monotonous.

When confronted with challenges, our natural response is often “fight or flight.” We either rise to the occasion or step away. Over time, most successful people develop the mindset of “fight and find a way,” learning how to navigate obstacles, solve problems, and even remove barriers entirely. The key isn’t trying to eliminate struggle altogether—its understanding which challenges are worth tackling, and which will lead to meaningful growth.

From a company perspective, it’s equally important to recognize this dynamic. If employees can’t see the connection between their work and the organization’s mission, they may disengage either by leaving or staying without true motivation. Organizations have a responsibility to make that connection clear from day one, defining not only what the company does, but why it matters and how everyone’s contributions make a difference. When employees understand the purpose behind their work before frustration sets in, they’re empowered to rise to challenges, persevere, and find fulfillment in what they do.

Continuing Meaningful Work Beyond 20 Years

Now, 20 years later, I am humbled and proud to see the impact of our mission come to life every day. Our commitment to a growth mindset, doing meaningful work, and intentionally shaping the kind of organization we want to be, has touched countless lives—from patients gaining independence and partners achieving their goals, to employees finding purpose in what they do.

The journey hasn’t always been easy. It’s been defined by the challenges we’ve faced, the moments that tested our resolve, and the perseverance of a team that refused to give up. Yet it’s precisely through those struggles—and through our unwavering dedication to service, culture, and meaningful work—that we’ve been able to create something truly remarkable.

Looking ahead, I am more inspired than ever. The foundation we’ve built allows us not only to continue improving lives today, but to push further, dream bigger, and ensure that every patient, partner, and employee feels the difference we can make together. Our mission isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are—and it will continue to guide us for the next 20 years and beyond.