It isn’t always easy being a small business retailer in the home medical equipment industry. Going up against the “big guys”, we have to compete against larger budgets, higher market visibility, a more robust supplier network, greater purchasing power and more.
But at Kootenay Columbia Home Medical Equipment (KCHME), we wouldn’t have it any other way. Helping individuals gain the accessibility and independence they deserve is an emotional journey, and we believe the personal touch we offer as a small business makes all the difference. The connections we make, and knowing that we are contributing towards building stronger and healthier communities in the East and West Kootenays, is easily worth whatever invisible uphill battles we face.
One of the major reasons we can think big and keep pace is our affiliation with the Ability Members Group. The Ability Members Group is a Canadian network of seasoned home medical equipment professionals that leverages its collective buying power to allow members like us to enjoy certain pricing benefits and other cost-saving advantages.
Launched in 2017, the concept was to bring together independent home medical equipment providers and enable the group members to better grow their business and provide exceptional client care. As the fastest-growing home medical equipment organization in Canada, Ability Members Group now boasts member locations across the country from British Columbia to Yukon to PEI.
“Our Members live in and support the communities they work in every day,” explains Kelli Vriend, General Manager with Ability Members Group. “Member organizations continue to invest in local neighbourhood programs that deliver a foundation to build strong and vibrant communities. They work with clients to support independence and healthy living today and for tomorrow.”
Being a part of the Ability Members Group is about more than just buying power. The group also connects us to the kind of reputable professional services that all small businesses require such as HR support, insurance providers, credit card processors, software suppliers and more. Additionally, one of the greatest benefits of the organization is that Ability Members Group hosts two annual events: a conference where suppliers and members meet to discuss strategy, and a members’ meeting where we can meet with our industry peers and have frank discussions on industry issues, new funding opportunities and equipment innovation.
Other benefits include sourcing and RFP assistance, lead generation, a bi-weekly newsletter that helps keep us informed and – our favourite – supplier webinars that communicate the latest developments across the home medical equipment industry.
“Kootenay Columbia Home Medical Equipment is one of our biggest supporters,” enthuses Stan Murray, President of Ability Members Group. “David and his staff attend everything: all the events, seminars and webinars. If there was a participation trophy, KCHME would get it. They are committed to the industry and helping people. They don’t just support us at Ability Members Group, they strive to support the industry in general.”
Our connection with Ability Members Group also allows us to pool resources, such as our experience earlier this year when we both shared a booth at REE BC. This tactic allowed KCHME to have a physical presence and “home base” at the event to grow new industry contacts, while experiencing hands-on all the latest developments in rehab equipment innovation.
“The friendships and member-to-member support we enjoy have been an invaluable benefit to Kootenay Columbia Home Medical Equipment over the years,” says David Stokes, co-owner of KCHME. “We have spent many evening hours at conferences and member meetings socializing with colleagues, all of whom have valuable insights, often dealing with the exact same issues. As independent operators, we don’t have the deep pockets of the national corporate players in our industry, but by sharing best practices between members, we have been able to stay competitive, while holding true to our local community business, client-focused values.”
Make sure to support your local small businesses and enjoy the friendly, personal touch that contributes so much to healthier communities. If you or a loved one is in the market for home medical equipment or simply looking for some honest advice, book an appointment with us online or call now and arrange a one-on-one consultation. Experience the hands-on service you deserve, backed by big-business-style product selection and pricing, thanks to our affiliation with Ability Members Group.