Healthcare Commercialization
We bring medical
technologies
to the market
Fair Winds Medical provides comprehensive strategic, operational, and distribution support to innovative medical device companies. From concept to global market presence, we are the commercialization engine that transforms breakthroughs into patient outcomes.
How We Help
Built for the people who build healthcare
Whether you are a surgeon evaluating new technology, a startup seeking a commercialization partner, or a distributor looking for world-class products, Fair Winds Medical has a path for you.
Clinics & Physicians
Access the newest innovations in orthopedics, spine, sports medicine, and pain management. Tested, regulated, and ready for your practice.
Technology Companies
Our "company in a box" model gives you end-to-end commercialization support: strategy, regulatory, distribution, sales, and revenue cycle.
Distributors
Join a global network of 76+ distribution partners with access to differentiated products, training, and a dedicated partner team.
Investors
Operational insight into medtech commercialization, market access, and portfolio company growth for investors and PE firms.
Our Portfolio
Technologies that redefine patient care
We are selective about who we partner with. Every technology in the Fair Winds portfolio solves a real clinical problem and has the data to prove it.
XO Armor
On- site 3D-printed custom orthotics. Same-day custom devices, simple splints in under an hour, fully custom braces same day. At one-fifth the cost of traditional custom DME. Trusted by NFL teams, collegiate athletics, and the U.S. military.
Plethy Recupe
Connected MSK recovery platform. Wearable sensor, mobile app, clinical dashboard, and bilingual coaching. Proven outcomes across orthopedic surgery, PT, and workers' compensation.
SURE Retractors
Sterile, single-use, radiolucent surgical retractors for orthopedic, trauma, and spinal surgery. No sterilization. No artifact on imaging. Used by DoD and VA Medical Centers nationwide.
Cambridge Orthopaedic Labs
PolyArmour™ the first innovation in fracture management in over 15 years. Non-invasive external fixation that achieves surgical-level outcomes without surgery. FDA cleared. Two global patents.
Our Model
The complete commercialization engine
Our "company in a box" model delivers the full infrastructure of a large medtech operation without the overhead.
Stage One
Research & Planning
- Strategic business planning aligned with market opportunity
- Regulatory guidance and compliance strategy
- Market analysis, competitive landscape, and pricing
- Financial projections and funding advisory
Stage Two
Development & Approval
- Product development and prototyping support
- Clinical trial design, management, and oversight
- Regulatory approval and multi-market submissions
- Post-market surveillance and compliance
Stage Three
Distribution & Growth
- Sales and marketing strategy execution
- Global distribution through 76+ partners
- Revenue cycle management and reimbursement
- KOL engagement and clinical adoption programs
Global Reach
76+ distributors across 6 continents
Our distribution network spans the globe, providing efficient market entry, broad product reach, and operational excellence for every technology in our portfolio.
Our Team
The people behind the platform
Fair Winds Medical was built by operators who have spent decades inside the medtech industry. We have navigated federal regulations, built global distribution networks, and placed technologies in the hands of surgeons and patients worldwide.
Founders
Michael Droege
Co-Founder & CEO
Michael Droege is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Fair Winds Medical. Mr. Droege has over 23 years of global medical device experience and expertise. At Fair Winds, Mr. Droege is responsible for advising clients in all aspects of their medical device businesses, including corporate mission, bespoke strategies, revenue-generating partnerships, worldwide distribution relationships, product management, and sales and marketing. Prior to founding Fair Winds Medical, Mr. Droege was Executive Vice President of Consensus Orthopedics/Tracpatch, a leading international manufacturer, and distributor of orthopedic solutions (implants and wearable products) to help surgeons deliver better outcomes. While at Consensus/Tracpatch, he was responsible for developing and executing the company’s market strategies, identifying and maintaining strategic business opportunities, and establishing and overseeing the company’s global distribution and trade routes. Earlier, Mr. Droege was the Co-Founder and General Manager of American Surgeons International (ASI), an international medical technology distribution and surgical services company headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. During his tenure, Mr. Droege designed and executed a global business plan, built an extensive network of industry relationships, and traveled globally to source leading-edge medical-device products from multiple distribution channels. He also established agreements and relationships with the Ministry of Health from all Gulf Corporation Countries (GCC). Mr. Droege’s career started at Encore Medical, an Austin, TX-based, Orthopedic medical device manufacturer. His entire sales, marketing, and business development career continued in this space with companies such as Don Joy Orthopedics (DJO) and Stryker Spine.
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Rob Nathan
Co-Founder & Chairman
Robert Nathan Is the Co-Founder and Chairman of Fairwinds Medical, an Advisory and Master Distribution company for Medical Devices, Diagnostics and Services in the field of Orthopedics, Spine, Neurological and Pain Management. With tier one partnerships, Fairwinds acts as an outsourced sales, marketing and distributer arm for bespoke emerging companies with cutting edge technologies. Mr. Nathan is a 30 year Investment Banking veteran. He is currently the head of Investment Banking at Revere Securities. His area of expertise includes sourcing equity and debt and financing. Mr. Nathan’s experience includes advising companies on navigating the capital markets along with strategic partnerships and acquisitions. He has worked in multiple industry sectors and has been associated with in excess of $1 Billions of transactions. His emphasis in Healthcare. Mainly Medical Devices, Diagnostics, Healthcare IT and Services. He maintains a series 79, 7 and 63 license. He started his career with Shearson Lehman Brothers and held senior level positions at boutique Investment Banks including but not limited to Josephthal and Company, HC Wainwright and Co and Aegis Capital. Previous Mr. Nathan was the Co-Founder of Psybio Therapeutics. He was instrumental in facilitating Psybio’s receipt of a global exclusive license from Miami University of Oxford Ohio. Mr. Nathan was instrumental in providing the company infrastructure, opening channels to capital and obtaining the license. Mr. Nathan was previously the Co- Founder and Chairman of KJR Aviation, a Private Jet charter brokerage company and Co-Founded B Warrior Matial Arts School. He is passionate about his philanthropic charities which include: Animal Rescue, Child Hunger, in addition, Mr. Nathan is a member of the Community Police Response(CPR) Foundation and a Mentor to Soldiers in the Israel Heart to Heart Foundation.
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Partners
Norman Eckley
VP Sales
Norman Eckley is a dynamic business leader with 38 years of experience driving exceptional growth in the orthopedic joint reconstruction and trauma fixation space. Norman draws on his background as the former President of Medartis, Inc. and as a member of executive leadership teams in sales and marketing at Stryker Orthopedics and Conformis. An exceptional analyst, manager and communicator, Norman has helped start-up companies and established corporations develop the talent, networks and structures necessary to maximize market opportunities, sustain growth, and build stronger connections between clinicians and industry. Norman has a decade of experience in delivering the value proposition of disposable instruments and the clinical promise of patient specific implants for orthopedic surgery in the hospital and ASC environments. As a consultant for the Medical Device industry, he focuses on corporate strategy, business development, market penetration, sales training, medical education and improving operational metrics. Norman studied Advanced Leadership at the Wharton School of Business/ University of Pennsylvania and earned his BS in Marketing from Bloomsburg University.
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Bob Kolbe
CCO
With over 35 years of experience, Bob Kolbe has established himself as a dynamic leader in healthcare and technology. He began his career as a product development engineer with Kimberly-Clark’s healthcare division, advancing into executive roles with Biomet and Zimmer Biomet, where he demonstrated exceptional ability to drive revenue growth and market penetration. As Head of Sales and Development for Heraeus Medical, Bob oversaw U.S. and Canadian operations, managing direct, indirect, and third-party distribution channels while spearheading business development and licensing initiatives. Bob excels in strategic planning, market expansion, and fostering high-performance teams. His ability to scale businesses, from start-ups to Fortune 50 companies, underscores his deep understanding of both innovation and execution. At Fair Winds Medical, Bob’s expertise will drive commercialization efforts, ensuring clients benefit from his extensive industry knowledge and strategic insight. He holds a BA in Mathematics from Hamilton College, an MS in Bioengineering from Clemson University, and an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Based in Tampa, FL, Bob’s leadership is a cornerstone of our mission to transform healthcare.
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Courtney Todd
VP Marketing
Courtney Todd is a seasoned marketing leader with more than fifteen years of experience. As the founder of Umlaut Agency, Courtney has provided expert marketing services, creative direction, and strategic planning to more than 25 brands across B2B and B2C sectors since 2018. At Umlaut, she works as a Fractional CMO and Creative Director, helping brands who need strategic marketing leadership and creative vision. Prior to founding her own consultancy, Courtney held leadership positions at prominent organizations. As Vice President of Marketing at Dallas Morning News and Belo Media Group, she led the B2B marketing services division, leading two extensive rebrands. At Distribion and Vertical Nerve, Courtney built and standardized robust marketing frameworks, orchestrated rebranding initiatives, and launched content-focused marketing campaigns that significantly boosted revenue generation. Throughout her career, Courtney has demonstrated a talent for revitalizing brand identities, developing data-driven marketing strategies, and maximizing ROI. Her expertise spans various areas including creative direction, copywriting, digital marketing, SEO/SEM, and public relations. Courtney’s academic background includes a Master of Fine Arts from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts from Southern Methodist University. Her exceptional work has been recognized with awards including Marketer of the Year for B2B Branding from the DFW American Marketing Association.
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Paul Cruz
National Sales Director
Paul, a former Marine Corps Officer, transitioned his leadership skills seamlessly into the corporate world, focusing on mentoring and fostering growth within teams. With over 32 years of experience, he excelled in specialty distributorships, becoming a top sales rep for various manufacturers. Joining Biomet, he played a key role in scaling revenue from $3 million to $54 million, leading multiple divisions. During his tenure at Heraeus Medical US, he consistently ranked as the top Area Vice President and was subsequently promoted to Head of Sales. Under his leadership, the company achieved remarkable revenue growth, reaching $58.4 million in 2023 with an average yearly growth rate of 17%. Paul’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of leadership, dedication, and strategic vision in driving organizational growth and success. His track record speaks volumes about his ability to excel in challenging environments and inspire teams to achieve their fullest potential.
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Fair Winds Medical Team
Ben Carr, MD
Spine Specialist
Board-certified spine specialist based in Baltimore, MD. Over 25 years of experience. Johns Hopkins residency. Host of Healthcare Unscripted podcast.
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Blair Wood
National DME Account Manager
Blair Wood leads Fair Winds Medical's durable medical equipment vertical, bringing three decades of DME industry experience to the company's commercialization platform. As President of Capital Medical Corporation, a nationally expanding HME/DME provider, a company that was founded in 1994, Blair has built deep expertise in payer contracting, reimbursement strategy, and multi-state fulfillment across Medicare, commercial insurers, and third-party administrators. His background spans revenue cycle optimization, payer network development, and scalable billing infrastructure, making him uniquely positioned to accelerate FWM's DME product lines from clinical validation to full commercial distribution. Blair works directly with FWM's portfolio companies and distribution partners to ensure reimbursement readiness, payer alignment, and operational execution at scale. Blair is instrumental in building the payer and reimbursement infrastructure behind XO Armor's national rollout, ensuring provider partners have a clear path to coverage from day one.
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Josh Wachs
Regional Sales Manager, NE
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Logan Droege
Manager, Operations and AI Strategy
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Jody Samuelson
Legal
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Rafael Marta
Finance
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Holden Droege
Healthcare Unscripted Coordinator
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Medical Advisory Board
Dr. Chris Leslie, DO
Dr. Chris Leslie specializes in sports medicine, orthopedic trauma, and adult hip, knee, and shoulder reconstruction. He has practiced in Durant, OK for the last 6 years, but previously founded Leslie Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Lake of the Ozarks, MO, where he practiced for 26 years. Dr. Lesliee was inducted into the Missouri Sports Medicine Hall of Fame in 2014. Dr. Leslie has been on multiple orthopedic design teams for hip and knee reconstruction, and has served as the Lead Design Surgeon for two different orthopedic companies. He has also served as the lead surgeon presenter for multiple orthopedic companies, including lectures at the American Association for Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS). Additionally he has lectured and performed surgeries around the world including Vietnam, England, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Australia, and the United States. Dr. Leslie attended and swam competitively for Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX where he graduated with a B.S. in Biology. He attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha medical honors society. He became an orthopedic surgical resident in St. Lous, MO at Normandy Osteopathic Hospitals, and graduated in 1991.
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Hunter Greene, MD
Dr. Greene is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine physician, holding dual board certifications in Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine. He specializes in adolescent and adult sports medicine, with a focused expertise in hip, shoulder, and knee arthroscopy, as well as shoulder arthroplasty. Among the most experienced hip arthroscopy surgeons in the region, he offers patients a minimally invasive approach to diagnosing and treating a wide range of hip, shoulder, and knee conditions — a distinction that reflects his commitment to providing the highest level of specialized surgical care. Dr. Greene's academic training is among the most rigorous in his field. He earned his medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine, completed a general surgery internship at UC Davis Medical Center, and went on to complete an orthopedic surgery residency at Yale New Haven Hospital. He subsequently completed fellowship training in sports medicine and adolescent sports medicine at the University of California, San Francisco — one of the nation's leading academic medical centers. Dr. Greene has served as a physician for multiple professional sports organizations throughout his career and currently serves as a team physician for the Athletics of the MLB. He has served as Chief of Orthopedics at Mercy San Juan Medical Center for over a decade and has held positions on the Medical Executive Committee at two Ambulatory Surgery Centers, demonstrating a sustained commitment to clinical leadership and institutional excellence. A fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, Dr. Greene is also an active member of the California Orthopaedic Association and the Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine. He serves as a peer reviewer for the American Journal of Sports Medicine, contributing to the advancement of evidence-based care in his specialty. Dr. Greene currently serves on the Medical Advisory Boards of Plethy and FairWinds Medical, and previously served on the board of the Positive Coaching Alliance, an organization dedicated to building character and life skills in young athletes through sport. Dr. Greene is deeply passionate about education and mentorship at every level of surgical training. He actively works with medical students, residents, fellows, and practicing surgeons, sharing his expertise to help advance the next generation of orthopedic care. Dr. Greene believes that truly exceptional patient care extends beyond the operating room. He is committed to helping each patient achieve the highest level of health and fitness possible, and takes great pride in educating patients about exercise, nutrition, and recovery as essential components of long-term well-being. He works closely with every patient to develop individualized treatment plans designed to support the safest and most effective return to the activities they love. On a personal note, Dr. Greene has been happily married for over 30 years and is the proud father of three sons. Family is at the heart of everything he does. Outside of medicine, he and his family enjoy traveling, staying active and healthy, mountain biking, gardening, and reading.
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Mark Schultzel, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon and Health Technology Innovator Dr. Mark Schultzel joins Fair Winds Medical’s Advisory Board as a highly esteemed orthopedic surgeon with over a decade of experience. Recognized regionally for his expertise in complex shoulder and elbow surgeries, Dr. Schultzel has established himself as a forward-thinking leader in the fields of orthopedic surgery, health technology innovation, and medical education. In his current role as Director of the Orthopedic Surgery Division at United Medical Doctors, Dr. Schultzel has significantly expanded his division, growing it from a single-practitioner practice to a team high-volume surgeons. His leadership has driven rapid practice growth, now managing over 500 patients and performing over 40 surgical cases monthly. With a keen focus on operational excellence and strategic innovation, Dr. Schultzel has implemented various revenue-generating programs, including DME, RPM, and surgery center services. Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Schultzel holds multiple leadership roles across hospital, local, national, and international orthopedic surgery committees. His work in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within healthcare underscores his commitment to fostering an inclusive and dynamic environment in the medical field. As a clinical professor at UC San Diego and Touro University, he continues to mentor the next generation of medical professionals, focusing on practical skills development and mentorship. Dr. Schultzel’s entrepreneurial acumen is evident through his role as the founder of several startups, ranging from novel product development to health technology, with multiple successful acquisitions. His deep knowledge in medical technology and healthcare management has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Castle Connolly Top Doctor and San Diego Top Doctor awards, among others. He holds certificates of specialization in transformational leadership, marketing, and international supply chain, and has an interest in international consulting, focusing on the Far East, Europe and South American markets. At Fair Winds Medical, Dr. Schultzel’s insights and leadership will contribute to strategic planning, operational efficiency, and the continued expansion of innovative medical solutions.
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Brian Polsky, MD
Dr. M. Brian Polsky is a board-certified, fellowship-trained Orthopedic Surgeon. Dr. Polsky earned his medical degree at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia. He completed his surgical internship and orthopedic surgery residency at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, followed by extra-institutional rotations at Shriners Hospital for Children in Philadelphia. He then performed a sports medicine (https://www.mdbonedocs.com/services/sports-medicine/) fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. In addition to being an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Polsky is a clinical instructor in the Department of Orthopaedics at the University of Maryland. His experience includes the position of Associate Team Physician for the Philadelphia Eagles and Philadelphia Flyers and Associate Team Physician for the Philadelphia KiXX indoor soccer team and Camden Riversharks baseball team. Dr. Brian Polsky is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, and his research is published in several peer-reviewed medical journals.
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Michael Leighton, MD
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Dr. Harpal Paul Khanuja, M.D., F.A.A.O.S.
Chief, Adult Reconstruction – Hip and Knee Replacement Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery I am currently the Chief of Adult Reconstruction, Hip and Knee replacement surgery for the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. I am also the Chair of the Orhtopaedic Surgery Department at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. Areas of interest are developing a comprehensive system wide program for Hip and Knee replacement surgery. Research interests include Team Work, Minimizing infection, and Robotic and Computer Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery. I completed my fellowship training in Hip and Knee Reconstruction Surgery at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore Maryland. I stayed on as an Assistant Professor in Orthopaedic Surgery. There I directed the Hip and Knee training program and was involved in research. I left a full time faculty position at Johns Hopkins in July of 2009 to become Director of Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery at The Rubin Institute at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore and Chief at Northwest Hospital. In 2013 I returned to Johns Hopkins to be the Director of Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery. In 2007 I co-founded Operation Walk Maryland, a non-profit to take the expertise of Hip and Knee Surgery team to impoverished parts of the world. We have done over 300 free joint replacements and traveled to Peru, Ecuador, India, and El Salvador. We are also actively involved with free surgeries in the United States.
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Dr. Jose Rodriguez, MD
Dr. Rodriguez is a graduate of Harvard College and the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Following an internship at the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, he completed his residency at Hospital for Special Surgery. His fellowship in Arthritis and Joint Reconstruction at Lenox Hill Hospital was completed under Chitranjan S. Ranawat, MD and followed by the Maurice E. Muller Fellowship in Hip Surgery in Bern, Switzerland, under Professors Muller and Ganz. He began his practice at Lenox Hill Hospital in 1995 and became an attending at Hospital for Special Surgery in 1996. Prior to returning to HSS full time, Dr. Rodriguez was Chief of Adult Reconstruction, and Director of the Fellowship in Minimally Invasive and Complex Hip and Knee Surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital, and was appointed Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Hofstra School of Medicine. Dr. Rodriguez is the recipient of numerous awards, including the James Rand Award for Outstanding Paper in Knee Surgery, the Maurice Cowan Award for Excellence in Medical Education for four years, and the Chitranjan S. Ranawat Mentorship award. Dr. Rodriguez maintains an active research program; with 73 peer-reviewed publications, five ongoing prospective studies and two ongoing randomized studies in the field of hip and knee surgery. He serves on the Editorial Boards of the Journal of Arthroplasty, Bone and Joint Journal, Clinical Orthopedics and Related Research, and the HSS Journal. Dr. Rodriguez is also a retired US Army Reserve Major, having served two tours of duty in Iraq.
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Dr. Stephen Silver, MD
Dr. Stephen Silver, MD is an orthopedic surgery specialist in Hackensack, NJ and has over 29 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Silver has extensive experience in shoulder, elbow and knee surgery. He graduated with honors from New York Medical College in 1994. Dr. Silver is Chief, Department of Sports Medicine, at Hackensack University Medical Center.
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Dr. Andrew Ehmke
Dr. Ehmke is a fellowship-trained joint replacement surgeon specializing in invasive hip, knee, and shoulder. He completed his fellowship at the world renowned Rubin Institute of Advanced Orthopedics in Baltimore, MD. Dr. Ehmke utilizes the latest techniques and minimally invasive surgery including robotic assisted joint replacement, anterior approach hip replacement, 3D printed custom knee replacement and outpatient joint replacement. These advanced techniques give his patients a joint replacement that feels more natural with a shorter recovery and less pain. In addition, Dr. Ehmke has specialized training in evaluating and treating previous joint replacements that are painful. Dr. Ehmke also performs complicated initial joint replacement cases, such as patients with prior fractures of their hip or knee, or born with unique anatomy. Dr. Ehmke has published research, presented at national meetings, and instructed national courses to teach residents about hip and knee replacement techniques.
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Strategic Advisory Board
Andy Krakauer
Renowned medical device industry leader. Director at Teleflex since 2018. Former CEO of Cantel Medical Corp. (NYSE: CMD), a leader in infection control products and services.
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Brian Zucker, CPA
Finance and Accounting
CPA and his incredible team at CFOPartners. Navigating the financial complexities of the healthcare industry requires not only expertise but also innovation and foresight. This is where Brian excels. His guidance has been a lighthouse for us, ensuring that our financial journey is as smooth as the clinical pathways we strive to optimize for our clients. The milestones we have achieved are a testament to Brian’s acumen in crafting a financial framework that is resilient, dynamic, and tailored to our mission. His team’s dedication and excellence echo in the corridors of Fair Winds Medical, laying the groundwork for a future where financial sustainability and healthcare innovation go hand in hand.
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Jay Lawson
Market and Distribution
Mr. Jay Lawson has over 30 years of experience in in a variety of medical device and healthcare segments. Mr. Lawson has held various leadership positions, most notably, as division President of Stryker Corporation. Mr. Lawson specializes in the areas of sales, marketing, product development, channel development, and strategic execution. As an entrepreneur, Mr. Lawson has served as President/CEO of Doctors Research Group and has co-founded many ventures in the healthcare space including: Lawson Group, SurgiCor, HealthCor, and EnaHealth. Mr. Lawson currently serves as a Board Director for Fetal Life, Inc. and Plasmology4, Inc., and as a Board Advisor for several emerging healthcare companies. With a track record of high achievement, accountability, and innovation, Mr. Lawson brings a broad knowledge base to Fair Winds Medical. Mr. Lawson is an alumnus of Temple University and Harvard Business School.
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Ross Carmel
Legal
Ross is an experienced securities attorney and founding partner of Carmel, Milazzo & Feil. Ross has extensive experience representing public and private companies, start-ups, investment banks and investors in all aspects of corporate transactions, including corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, private equity financing transactions, registered direct offerings, public offerings and other securities offerings. Ross regularly advises entrepreneurs and start-ups from entity formation, to funding, to exit, acting as outside general counsel to many small and medium sized businesses. Ross also assists and advises brokers and broker-dealers in all aspects of broker-dealer compliance, including both SEC and FINRA rules and regulations, helping them navigate through the ever evolving regulatory landscape. Ross is a pragmatist, believing in cost-effective and practical solutions for his clients.
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John Gargaro
Regulatory and Manufacturing
John Gargaro’s career trajectory is marked by a steadfast commitment to leadership and strategic growth. His journey commenced in the U.S. Army Reserve and ascended to the role of Company Commander within the Special Operations Command, underscoring his leadership and operational expertise. Transitioning to the corporate realm, John’s strategic acumen blossomed at QVC, Inc., where he played a pivotal role in the network’s rise to prominence. His journey continued at Exel, Inc., which later integrated with DHL GmbH, where he honed his skills in operational management, contributing to the success of clients like Kimberly Clark, Clorox, General Mills, WD40, 3M, P&G, and Becton Dickinson. Ascending to the role of Vice-President at Diamed-Caribbean, Inc., John expanded his expertise into the healthcare sector, distributing critical medical supplies throughout Latin America and the Caribbean for BioRad and DiaSorin. His strategic initiatives significantly enhanced operational strategies and company growth. John’s insight into the challenges faced by companies seeking to establish a presence in the U.S. led him to establish RAF Solutions USA in 2017, providing a much-needed platform for smaller entities to gain market entry efficiently and affordably. With a proven track record across multiple high-profile companies and a keen eye for innovative market strategies, John Gargaro’s biography is a testament to his role as a vanguard of operational excellence and market innovation.
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Michael S. Brewster
Government Grants and Contracts
Co-Founder, Triad Interactive Media Dr. Michael S. Brewster, a distinguished co-founder of Triad Interactive Media, offers unparalleled expertise at the nexus of digital innovation and educational science. With a PhD in education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Dr. Brewster has dedicated over two decades to leading research and development of advanced digital solutions. His work spans across critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and training, making him a pivotal asset to organizations aiming to integrate cutting-edge digital strategies. Dr. Brewster’s extensive experience in spearheading projects that blend technology with educational methodologies positions him uniquely to enhance the offerings of Fair Winds Medical to its potential clients. His history of developing impactful digital applications—including web and mobile applications, wearable technologies, and interactive training platforms—aligns perfectly with the needs of healthcare providers looking to advance patient education, engagement, and outcomes. Having successfully led the research for more than 25 federal and foundational R&D grants, Dr. Brewster has a proven track record in not just envisioning but actualizing innovative solutions. His efforts have secured over $30 million in R&D funding from prestigious bodies such as the NIH, NSF, DoD, HRSA, and the Department of Education. This experience is invaluable for Fair Winds Medical’s potential clients seeking to navigate the complexities of funding and implementing technological advancements in healthcare. As a serial entrepreneur, Dr. Brewster’s most recent venture, Hats & Ladders, underscores his passion for empowering future workforces, a vision that extends to mentoring startup founders. This entrepreneurial spirit, combined with his commitment to fostering a results-driven corporate culture, ensures that Fair Winds Medical’s potential clients can benefit from strategic guidance in realizing their missions. Dr. Brewster’s expertise can help them to not only envision but also implement effective company strategies, cultivate a robust corporate culture, and achieve sustained results through accountability to their core mission, values, and goals. In partnership with Fair Winds Medical, Dr. Brewster is poised to deliver transformative digital solutions and strategic insights that propel healthcare entities forward, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the challenges of modern patient care and education.
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Brian Alleman
Finance and Operations
Seasoned operating C-level executive providing leadership in finance, capital raise, operations, mergers & acquisitions, turnarounds, early stage, manufacturing, profit improvement for both public, private equity and venture owned companies in the role of COO and CFO. Industry experience includes semiconductors, robotics, industrial services, commercial printing, medical devices, satellite communications, intellectual property, technology, manufacturing, consumer products and aerospace. Served on five public company boards, including roles as Audit Committee Chairman and Member, Valuation Committee Chairman, Compensation Committee Chairman, Nominating Committee Member. Specialties: Finance, private equity, managing highly leveraged situations, reverse mergers, turnarounds, finance and operational improvement, mergers and acquisitions, early stage, strategic planning, operations, finance, capital structure, capital raises, SEC reporting, investor relations.
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Chris Lyons
Musculoskeletal Industry
Chris has 36 years of experience in the Musculoskeletal Industry, almost half of his career has been entrenched in sell and buy-side M&A, fundraising, start-ups, and growing established corporations. Beginning in 2018, Chris launched Southern Metrics Consulting (SMC) which has a vision of enriching medical device organizations’ awareness of the expectations of multi-national corporations to advise on how we collectively “exit well.” Chris remains focused on serving several disruptive client technologies in the medical device space, strategic planning, fundraising, due diligence planning, and exit. Since the inception of Southern Metrics, Chris has successfully led 3 clients through exit, totally a cumulative valuation of $625MM Before focusing on sell-side M&A, Chris worked for Medtronic Spine and Biologics, leading the Business Development operation for the company for 10 years. Chris began his career at Smith & Nephew after graduating from The University of Memphis. Chris served as the past chairman of the board for the Southeast Medical Device Association (SEMDA) and is a present board member of SouthEast Life Sciences. Leveraging 36 years of experience in the musculoskeletal industry to help medical device organizations achieve their growth and exit goals. Proven track record of leading and supporting M&A, investor relations, start-ups, and product launches in this dynamic and competitive field. The Mission is to enrich the awareness and readiness of my clients to the expectations and opportunities of multi-national corporations engaging in an exit process. Serving organizations with disruptive technologies or business models in the medical device space, providing strategic work, fundraising, due diligence planning, and exit guidance.
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Joel Kanter
President of Windy City, Inc., a privately held investment firm, since 1986. Former CEO of Walnut Financial Services, a publicly traded company with a primary focus on financing small and medium-sized businesses.
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Andy Rock
Strategic Advisor
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Healthcare Unscripted
Real conversations meet real innovation
Our podcast dives into the ideas, people, and technologies shaping the future of healthcare. Hosted by Dr. Chris Leslie, each episode features candid conversations with the leaders building what comes next.
Reimagining Recovery with Raja Sundaram
Dr. Chris Leslie sits down with Raja Sundaram, Co-Founder and CEO of Plethy, to explore how patient engagement and connected technology are reshaping the future of musculoskeletal care.
What Our Partners Say
Trusted by clinicians and innovators
Fair Winds has opened the door of opportunity for growth within my practice, allowing me to collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs and enthusiasts in the health technology industry. This has helped cultivate networking relationships and ultimately products that serve the greater good of advancing healthcare.
The team at FWM is incredibly knowledgeable and has consistently gone above and beyond. They work seamlessly with my team, ensuring clarity and support on the value of the products they represent. They are not just pushing new technology; they are redefining standards in healthcare.
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Industry analysis, regulatory updates, and commercialization strategies from our team.
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With Fair Winds Medical, you have a strategic partner truly invested in the success of your business. Your innovative technology paired with our industry expertise charts a course for unprecedented achievements in healthcare.