The Suit Magazine

How an entrepreneur with a mind for business adapted her skills to the field of healthcare

As the first female Vice President of a Providence, R.I. bank, Linda M. Schlossberg wasn't thinking about medical supplies. But when the bank announced its closure in 1989, she was faced with the tough question: "Now what?" That's when Ms. Schlossberg and her pharmacist husband decided to combine her business expertise with his healthcare savvy to start New England Medical Supply. Twenty-two years later, Schlossberg knows she found her niche.


New England Medical Supply boasts an impressive product range, from over-the-counter drugs to vaccines and controlled pharmaceuticals. "We serve private physicians and group medical practices," Schlossberg says. "We provide products to the 24-hour urgent care centers, city and town fire and rescue companies, and the armed forces. We distribute gloves, syringes, bandages, disposable paper products—anything that would be needed in a facility that is treating patients."


While she says the economy has made marketing more important and more difficult, Schlossberg attributes their sustainability to exemplary customer service and a strong vision for the company's growth. "You have to set your goals high, see yourself succeeding, and then do it. Before you know it, you're there and looking for something new."


Schlossberg explains the economic pinch on New England Medical Supply as a trickle-down effect. "The general population is not able to spend money as freely as they once did. They are even curtailing medical care. All we can do is treat our customers well, have the products they're requesting, and make them feel like they are not just a number. Our customer base has remained steady even though sales have dropped. The medical field doesn't need as many supplies if they have fewer patients coming in to be treated."


In a marketing strategy to expand their client base, Schlossberg revealed plans to develop a shopping cart for their website. "No matter what the economy is doing, perhaps we can reach clients in rural areas that don't have ready access to small-quantity items. It is a close-to-my-heart goal to develop this, but there is a lot that goes into it because we're selling controlled substances. We have to make sure all the bells and whistles are in place to stop attempted purchases from those who are not eligible to buy those products."


Schlossberg also has plans to expand internationally; however, she knows the regulatory processes will take extensive research and monitoring. While she always looks toward broader horizons, Schlossberg has no intention of relocating from their R.I. facility. "We are in the hospital district," she says. "Even though we don't have people walking up to our door, I like being in the heart of the medical community." And that community is growing. Brown University is currently building a medical training facility just one block away.


Schlossberg's husband past away in 2000, which makes the business even more important to her. "I want it to be as successful as possible. I built it with my husband, so it is my past, present, and future."

Located at:
365 Eddy Street
Providence, RI 02903-4252
800-322-5887  401-831-8030 
Fax 401-831-8032
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.nemed.com

< Prev		Next >