Sunrise Medical’s former Head of Sales and Marketing launches new “mini-dealership”
Leaving the corporate world behind to focus on supporting his new family, popular industry veteran Ryan Hirst has departed Sunrise Medical and launched his own mobility retail operation.
Called 360 Wheelchairs, the new venture will see Ryan and his wife Jackie supply a range of products that the former Sunrise executive is au fait with, focusing on Active Manual, Q-Series (excluding, special controls, Sedeo Ergo & Up) and seating from Sunrise Medical.
As the business develops, Ryan confirmed plans to add powered add-on devices to the company’s product portfolio.
In a newsletter to the industry, Ryan explained that he was motivated to set up his own business to be able to be based from home and have more time to enjoy & support his new family life.
“Deciding to leave the luxuries of corporate life behind was not something that I took lightly,” he said.
“Since my daughter was born last July, staying away from home has caused an emotional stir that I didn’t think I was even capable of. That has been the driving factor in every decision I have made since.”
Expressing his love for working in the world of wheelchairs, Ryan said that having worked with “some of the very best service providers in the industry,” the decision to open his own “mini-dealership” was clear.
Defining his “mini-dealership” concept, Ryan stated: “What do I mean by, “mini-dealership”? Exactly that, me, myself and I! I will provide all of my services on client site with a lean infrastructure. My wife Jackie is running my accounts & administration.”
Emphasising that he appreciates there may be an overlap with other retailers that he worked with in the past, Ryan added that he sees the majority of 360 Wheelchairs’ leads coming through medical-legal business development in the future.
In addition, the former Sunrise sales professional suggested that the addition of 360 Wheelchairs to the mobility landscape could potentially help other companies in the sector.
“I think this could also benefit your own businesses as I am. I would love to talk about referrals for those times that I am unable to service these clients, so please get in touch.”
The new mobility specialist will work with another former Sunrise sales executive, John Fitzpatrick, to provide clinical assessments when required.
John previously worked for the giant mobility manufacturer as an area sales manager before creating his own company, Silverfern Therapy.
“John is able to provide independent Clinical Assessments for those that need peace of mind or a third party sign off for funding,” said Ryan.
“He is also able to provide Expert Witness services and clinical advice. 360 Wheelchairs has teamed up with John to offer more depth in the range of services that we are able to offer.”
360 Wheelchairs’ website is now live, providing more information on the range, as well as useful videos to end-users regarding wheelchairs.
Check out one of the videos below:
