David Bowman: Embracing the hi-tech future

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Before starting his own HME company, David Bowman was a successful surgical sales rep. Eight years ago, he made the transition from med/surg to home care, in part because he saw an opportunity to become more involved with helping people. "With med/surg I brought in new technologies that helped surgeons treat patients, but I felt disjointed from the people I was serving," said Bowman, chief manager for A&D Healthcare. "Now I have direct contact with patients and that is very rewarding." And because he had sales management experience, he'd already proven himself as a self-motivated, entrepreneurial-minded person and figured it would naturally translate into his new business venture. It turned out to be a misjudgment that comes with youth. "I wish I knew then what I know now because I learned a lot of things the hard way," he said. "The intricacies of billing were especially challenging, not to mention all the business management issues I never had to deal with before. "But I brought in some industry veterans who helped us turn the corner. We spent a lot of time and money on developing our staff to make sure they had all the tools they needed to be effective." Bowman's surgical experience did prove helpful in developing professionalism among his sales staff, however, and made him unafraid of new medical technology and markets - key factors in propelling his company forward. "We're certainly embracing new high-tech respiratory technology like transfilling systems and portables as well as providing solutions to the sleep market," he said. "Because we haven't been around as long as some of the established companies in the Memphis area, our success depends on the service we give." "One of the things we're doing in our sleep business is providing programs that ensure patients are continuing their therapies. We're offering good service on the front end, but we are following up to make sure patients are compliant on the back end, too." --- DAVID BOWMAN Ages: 37 Company/position: A&D Healthcare/Chief Manager Headquarters: Memphis, Tenn. Annual sales volume: $10 million Years in HME business: Eight Membership in professional organizations: MED, AAHomecare, TAHC Business motto: "Doing what's best for the client...always"