How Exactech is building a winning workplace

Source: Healthcare Exec

Date :10/03/2008 02:15:36

Exactech’s executives explain how the company has grown from a small operation in 1985 to become today’s multi-million dollar success story.

Written by Emmet Cole and produced by Pat Harlow

Exactech’s commitment to improving the quality of life for every patient is highlighted by the story of a twelve year-old girl with arthritis so severe that she was confined to a wheelchair. When the time came for custom orthopedic implants to be fitted, she told her surgeon that her goal was to walk into school on the first day. But orthopedic companies turned the surgeon’s rush order request down, citing cost.

Not Exactech. Despite the short lead-time and likely cost, a company-wide team sprung to action to rally around the cause. An Exactech engineer flew to the operation site and delivered the implant himself to ensure on-time delivery. He even developed a close relationship with the family as they all awaited the outcome of her surgery. A short time later, the little girl walked into her first day of school.

“Of course this type of direct involvement with a patient is not typical, but it just struck a cord with us. So many people throughout the company wanted to make it happen,” says Priscilla Bennett, director of marketing communication and public relations. “That’s what makes Exactech different.” A customer-centric corporate culture permeates everything about Exactech, and it’s paying huge dividends as revenues have nearly tripled since 2001.

Patient and surgeon focus

Founded in 1985 by orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Bill Petty, his wife Betty Petty and biomedical engineer Gary Miller, Ph.D, Exactech strives to make each day “A Great Day in the O.R.”

“Dr. Petty was directly involved treating patients every day and he never wanted us to be one of those ‘me too’ companies that comes out with new products just to make a sale, or just to follow some market trend…

March 10, 2008

Click here to read the case study on Exactech