ATS Medical: an Entrepreneurial Success Story

The owners of Acute Transport Specialists Medical Services (ATS) made the right decisions from the beginning, and it reflects in their tremendous growth. Like many with the entrepreneurial spirit, Andy Schultz and Brad Bull realized how they could make an existing product better and have never turned back. They also learned to be flexible in executing their business plan. Their product, delivering superior medical assistance through their highly-qualified paramedics and ambulatory service to the rural areas in Northern Illinois, has grown from two employees and one ambulance in 2005 to 75 employees in three states.

Their first meeting was with John Phelps of Rockford Local Development Corporation to acquire operating capital. They still seek him out when making important business-related decisions. Their next step was to consult with Dan Cataldi of the Rock River Valley Entrepreneurship Center, located at the EIGERlab. Cataldi assisted them with business plan insight, and securing a $5,000 DCEO matching grant, which they used to fund their marketing campaign.

In addition to offering a better product, they understood that returning their good fortune and networking would exponentially enhance their growth. According to Andy, “It’s important to give back.” They elected to participate in assisting victims during both hurricanes Gustav & Ike (2008). It was the largest ambulatory deployment in US history and ATS was the only company that participated from this area. Since then, it has opened many doors.

In 2010, at WestPoint’s graduation when President Barack Obama was the commencement speaker, ATS was part of the medical assistance team. Due to the heat, medical assistance calls started soon after the program began. ATS received kudos from WestPoint’s commanding officer, commending them for their professional level of service. SSG Michael Bird stated, “…we would like to incorporate them [ATS] into every major event that West Point holds.”

ATS also attributes its success to investments in technology; most of which is green—paperless and efficient. The result of their choices, including assembling the right team, has saved them thousands of dollars annually and has distinguished the company as a trendsetter.