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THOUGHTFUL, INTENTIONAL GUIDANCE Written by: ROSA WALSTON LATIMER
A three-month temp job almost 20 years ago led Katie Stevens, CEO of Reliable Medical, to her calling in the Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) industry. “In 2006, I worked in marketing and communications for a large record label and decided the work was not fulfilling or meaningful. I went through the process of applying to and being accepted into the Peace Corps and was looking for a short-term job while I awaited deployment,” Stevens said. “At that time, my sister was with National Seating & Mobility, and that company needed customer service help in a The Stevens family: Katie, Corbin, Evelyn Bird and new office in Southern California. Corbin Bayr. She asked if I could step in.” Stevens intended for the job to help pay bills while she prepared for her deployment. However, while waiting for the Peace Corps assignment, Stevens began to see the possibility of the calling she sought in the CRT industry and took her career in a new direction.
WHAT ABOUT THIS INDUSTRY WAS APPEALING TO YOU? As I gained exposure to the clients at National Seating & Mobility and learned more about complex rehab, I recognized the positive impact of this work. Early on at National Seating & Mobility, I worked with an ATP whose focus was primarily on pediatric clients. I spent time with these little ones and their families and shared in the joy as they expressed gratitude for what their equipment meant to them. I fell in love with what we did and was immediately drawn to the passion and energy of the folks who work in this industry. Working with ATPs and the founders of National Seating & Mobility, I understood how much they cared about the work they did every day. That was such a breath of fresh air to me.
THAT TEMPORARY CUSTOMER SERVICE JOB HAS DEVELOPED INTO A SUCCESSFUL, FULFILLING CAREER. TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY. I expressed my desire to grow with the company to the then-leaders of National Seating & Mobility and was given a chance to gain experience within the industry. I had an opportunity to touch many areas of the business, from administrative and funding leadership to account management, business development and operations. All of
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that experience culminated in my becoming a regional vice president of operations, overseeing 15 states and having a wide span of responsibility. I worked with many great people, especially at the field level, and I have a lot of good memories from my time with the company. In January of 2020, I joined Reliable Medical as vice president of operations. A year later, when Debra Kalk, the former CEO, moved into retirement, I became the CEO.
WHAT PROMPTED YOUR MOVE TO RELIABLE MEDICAL? My husband, Corbin, and I had been married seven years and had two children: Corbin Bayr and Evelyn Bird, or “Bayr” and “Birdie” as they are known to most. After I became a mother of young children, I realized I needed to consider a different career path that would allow me to stay in this industry but achieve a better balance for my family. That reflection prompted me to look at opportunities with people-focused and culturecentric organizations. I connected with Debra Kalk, CEO at Reliable Medical, and Matt Pettit, Reliable’s financial partner at Seven Hills Capital. They were looking for Debbie’s successor and seeking someone who shared their values. After a lot of discussion with my husband, we decided to move to Minneapolis and explore a new opportunity with Reliable. That leap of faith has been one of the best decisions of my life. This is an incredible group of people. I have the opportunity to work with a company in its early stages of growth while remaining intentional about what growth looks like. We’re excited about our evolution but remain very committed to our culture and values. It is truly a group that still feels like a family.
I HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH A COMPANY IN ITS EARLY STAGES OF GROWTH WHILE REMAINING INTENTIONAL ABOUT WHAT GROWTH LOOKS LIKE.
