The 10 Best Performing CEO’s of 2020 Profiles Archives

Marc E. Rippen: Creating A Path Towards An Enhanced Blood Sugar Monitoring With Alertgy

According to the International Diabetes Federation’s last count in 2017, 425 million adults and over a million children are living with diabetes. A further 325 million people are at risk of developing the disease. Luckily, emerging technology makes it easier than ever for patients to take control of their diabetes.

The commitment towards delivering an excellent tool to dietetics with highest standards of quality that prevents borderline diabetes from getting the disease has been the philosophy that has always guided, Alertgy. A frontrunner in diabetes prevention, Alertgy is a name synonymous with groundbreaking and world-class value-centric health solution that is focused on transforming how we monitor blood sugar to improve the lives of diabetics.

The 30 years experienced and highly skilled technical engineer, Marc Rippen has taken the foundation of Alertgy in February 2016. He has worked for multiple fortune 500 companies, Department of Defense (DOD), NASA, SOCOM, and DARPA commercializing dozens of ground-breaking and revolutionary technologies. Marc holds various degrees across multiple interrelated disciplines including: Microbiological Sciences and Immunology, Biophysics, Analytical Chemistry, Masters of Aeronautical Science, Management of Engineering and Technology.

“I started Alertgy after I saved my wife Sue from going into a coma from a low blood sugar attack finding her nearly unconscious on the living room couch. I knew then that I had to do something to find a solution to this life or death problem. I was amazed how many people today face the challenge of managing their blood sugar effectively, and the worry their loved ones and caretakers have not known if they are suffering from a low or high blood sugar attack,” Marc shared.

DIVERSIFYING ORGANIZATION’S OFFERINGS TO APPEAL TO THE TARGET AUDIENCE

Alertgy has started with a large wrist cuff sized system for hospital applications. This is being used to gather clinical data to further optimize the performance of the technology and provide third party validation. The team is developing a smaller consumer-friendly wristband more practical for use outside of a clinical or hospital environment.

COMPANY’S FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

The number of diabetics worldwide is 422 million and increasing every day. At this time1/3 of the world’s population is borderline diabetic Alertgy can help people modify their behaviours to avoid becoming diabetic. Like DEXCOM the world’s first Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) company. Alertgy could be a multibillion-dollar company in a short time.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT

The greatest accomplishment so far in this journey has been the overcoming multitude of roadblocks that have faced team at Alertgy in the last few years. Throughout the research and development process of their non-invasive monitor, there have been hindrances that would have stopped others in their tracks. The goals that Marc and his people have been able to accomplish as a team, and the problems that they have solved give them all more belief that they will be able to accomplish the mission they set out to do, which is to save the lives of diabetics and dramatically enhance their quality of life.

PREPARED FOR THE UPCOMING CHALLENGES?

Being a CEO in this environment mean staying above the competition in the industry, by always working to develop state-of-the-art technologies to bring to consumers. This demands that Marc pushes Alertgy to always be on the cutting edge of innovation, leading the way on the path towards revolution and not falling behind.

LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES EXECUTED BY MARC

Some of the core leadership principles are to lead by example, encourage effective communication, facilitate a positive work environment, and work smart to get the most out of every workday and reward hard work.

BIGGEST HICCUP SUFFERED ON THE WAY

Marc shared, “The biggest failure I ever had was doubting in my gut what the best solution to a problem was, and not acting on that. In this case, in my first start-up, I felt that I could raise venture money myself, but got convinced to use a shark tank investor that claimed they could raise capital, I wound up raising 80% of the capital, but we had given away most of the company to this dishonest investor. I did not repeat that mistake this time.”

MARC’S LEADERSHIP STYLE AND SKILLS

“My team at Alertgy would say I am demanding but an encouraging and supportive CEO. As a former military officer, I always practice what I preach. I believe in the mantra: lead, follow or get out of the way. Being mission-focused, I don’t look for faults, but look for solutions. I do not expect anything from anyone that I would not do myself. I believe in motivation through example and opportunity,” explained Marc while taking about his leadership.

MAJOR DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THE JOURNEY

The main drive in this journey with Alertgy is developing a solution so that in the future no family has to go through what countless do every day, and what Marc went through with Sue; the feeling of helplessness that comes with blood sugar attacks when there is no one around to help.

“My ultimate life goal is to save lives by providing millions of diabetics with automated life saving high and low blood sugar level alerts, as well as a means to improve their management of diabetes in real-time,” Marc wrapped up.

Marc Rippen founded Alertgy in 2016 to provide non-invasive real-time blood sugar monitoring and alerts to over 400 million diabetics throughout the world. The brand has been uniquely positioned as a leader in advanced solution for healthcare. It is an excellent solution to improve people’s live who are suffering for diabetics.

A Fine Example Of Dynamic Leadership: Jade Clinics’s Jennifer Desloges

In this modern age, women are not only flocking to the world of entrepreneurship- they are trailblazing it. Be it healthcare, education, technology, retail, women are trooping out of their comfort zones and emerging as leaders and change-makers. And Jennifer Desloges is the perfect reflection of the world’s emerging business leaders.

Not everyone secures a well-cushioned position and a family business; some invest their dreams, visions, and seat to drive their entrepreneurial realm. Jennifer Desloges is the CEO of Jade Clinics, a renowned name of franchising for permanent hair removal, and helping people to end the torment of unwanted hair and leave them feeling thrilled.

The foundation of her leadership journey was taken in 1983 when she gave birth to her first child at the age of 19. Being a mother at such a young age helped progress her life cycle and thrust into owning her own business at 27 years old. But business didn’t fall into her lap; she had to seek it out because of a condition that started to develop throughout her pregnancies. Polycystic Ovaries is a condition in which women can develop male-type hair growth on their faces and bodies. She was ashamed of the hair and felt unaccepted by society until she found electrolysis.

For the first few years of her career as an electrologist, she just worked 1-on-1 with clients before she opened a government-approved vocational electrolysis school in 1996. From recruiting, hiring, to teaching, passing/failing a lot more went into her day-to-day routine then just greeting, working on and taking payments from a client. Now she was in command of a group and training put her in this position to lead, developing skills and mindsets. At this point, she learned to lead by example.

Just as the transition to teaching electrolysis was a big jump so was the transition to franchising in 2010. She was now selling individuals on what she created for herself, was a viable option for them to financially support their lives. At this point, she wasn’t just teaching them how to do electrolysis; she was teaching them how to sustain a business.

Throughout the years, she has spent numerous hours reading and listening to audiobooks related to business, leadership, and marketing to gain insights. She is a member of a Business Networking International chapter in Richmond; the connections she has made have been another great resource for her business.

Differentiating Factors

Unlike other hair removal services, electrolysis is a permanent solution for any person with a hair problem and a desire to change. It doesn’t matter the colour of the hair, the colour of the skin, all that matters is the desire.

“I’ve also spent 30 years developing and redeveloping how we do electrolysis. Never being satisfied and always on the lookout for a better way, I would put my skill or the skills of any of our Jade practitioners against any hair removal method or practitioner in the world. I know we can deliver to levels not found anywhere else,” asserts Jennifer.

Vital Attributes For Business Personnel

“Know your strengths and weaknesses. Fill the gaps you are lacking and lean on the strengths you possess. And most importantly have the tenacity to work through the hard times and never give up and don’t forget to celebrate when things are great. Specifically, in my industry you have to be a perfectionist,” states Jennifer.

Major Hurdle And Advice To Tackle Them

Sharing your vision and people buying into it is the biggest roadblock. Jennifer’s advice for overcoming it is to hire a business coach and branding specialist to help nail down your vision and present it understandably. If the goal is accomplishment people will automatically want to be part of your business.

“Our strategy is through educating the client to get them in the door and provide great service when they are a client”, Jennifer wraps up.

Pickup USA Fitness: Revolutionizing The Monotonousness Of Fitness While Satisfying The Demands Of Basketball Admirers

PickUp USA Fitness, a true basketball paradise came into existence in 2011 under the leadership of Jordan Meinster. A pioneering concept, Pickup USA Fitness emerged out as a niche player as a basketball-focused fitness club with multiple basketball courts, a full weight room, a brand new cardio room, a luxurious lounge, a retail shop, towel service, and much more.

Situated in Irwindale, CA, the company has been providing Full Service Fitness Club, Cardio & Weight Rooms, Group & Private Basketball Training, and Officiated Games of pickup basketball since inception. The concept of franchising was introduced in the year 2016. Now, it is working in 7 locations- Chandler, AZ, Coppell, TX, Houston, TX, Irwindale, CA, Madison Heights, MI, Tampa, FL, and Towson, MD.

VITAL ATTRIBUTES THAT EVERY BUSINESS PERSON SHOULD POSSESS

Business ownership is a challenging endeavour, and no doubt the most important factor when choosing a franchise is finding something you are passionate about. When you believe in the work you are doing, you will have almost endless energy to grow and develop your business, and you will feel good selling your product and services to your customers.

Successful PickUp USA franchisees are 100% bought into the concept, offerings, and operating methods of our brand. Franchisees should possess the ability to build a team and properly coach and develop their team to implement our services and meet customer satisfaction goals.

PickUp USA has a clearly defined playbook for franchisees to follow. The game plan has been developed and franchisees that put in the work, implement the plan and stay focused on growing their club have a high likelihood of success within our system.

THE INFANCY STAGE

Jordan Meinster played PickUp basketball his entire life, and always envisioned a gym that would improve the basketball experience for the millions of players across the country. After close to a decade in financial services, he launched PickUp USA Fitness in 2011 and began franchising the concept in 2016. There is currently PickUp USA Fitness’ operating across the country, including multiple locations owned by NBA athletes. Jordan aims to deliver “A Better Way to Play” to communities across the country and to drive strong financial returns for PickUp USA Fitness franchise owners.

JEWELS IN THE CROWN

Voted a top emerging franchise for 2017 by Franchise Gator
Voted the fastest growing & emerging franchise for 2018 by Franchise Gator
Voted the fastest growing & emerging franchise for 2019 by Franchise Gator
Voted the fastest growing & emerging franchise for 2020 by Franchise Gator

VOLATILE TECHNOLOGICAL OR BUSINESS TRENDS

PickUp USA Fitness is for basketball lovers. The company aims to provide a better basketball experience – complete with referees – for enthusiasts of the sport who might otherwise have to deal with a tense pickup experience.

“That was a unique concept at the time and we just wanted to create a business and a gym that provided a better basketball experience for people,” PickUp USA Fitness president and founder Jordan Meinster said. “There are millions of people across the country play PickUp basketball but typically the experience isn’t great for them. It’s just kind of a scene of arguments and it’s intimidating for people and it’s inefficient, things of that nature. So we created our business to be PickUp basketball with referees. Its timed games. It’s more organized. It’s more efficient. It’s more fun. There are refs out there.”

BATTLES WON IN THE CORPORATE BUSINESS

“The development process that brought us from an initial concept to where we are now has been a challenging yet valuable journey. We’ve learned countless lessons through the rough road of trial and error as to how to best meet our customer’s needs and thrive as an independent gym. Name an obstacle and we’ve probably overcome it. From site location to construction, to scheduling, to staffing, to training, to sales; we’ve encountered the whole gamut of challenges and can now confidently implement our tried and true system to fitness entrepreneurs looking to avoid those same pitfalls,” Jordan Meinster shared.

“Most importantly, we have learned from the customers and always structured our services based on what the consumers are demanding. After seven years of operating experience, we have a business model in place that has been crafted through experience and adapting to consumer preferences,” he further added.

GAME PLANS TO TACKLE THE COMPETITION

“What set PickUp USA Fitness apart are its unique basketball-focused offerings. It provides a fun yet challenging basketball boot-camps and results-oriented private training sessions for their athletes to learn and develop their skills to achieve their goals. Another key differentiator is their organized and officiated PickUp Games. Here, members have the opportunity to play in daily competitive PickUp Games that retains all of the fun aspects of pickup basketball yet cuts out all of the hassles. They combine these basketball services with full weight/cardio rooms and deliver a true full-service fitness club to our members.

THE JOURNEY AHEAD

Today, PickUp USA Fitness is less than four years old as a franchisor and can now boast sites in 6 states with additional sites pending in 3 other states. The sky is the limit because basketball is a truly global sport. They envision themselves to be a nationwide brand that will be operating in all 50 states and possibly beyond. The company is focusing on delivering strong unit-level economics at each franchise location and continuing to refine the model to ensure PickUp USA Fitness delivers world-class service to the customers and strong economic returns for the club owners.