The next time you’re at your doctor, dentist or vet’s office,
take a look around the exam room. Chances are you’ll find a piece of Midmark
equipment. For nearly 100 years, Midmark has become the most trusted name in
medical, dental and veterinary health care equipment solutions working primarily
out of a large manufacturing facility here in southwest Ohio.
Under the current leadership of Dr. Anne Eiting Klamar, the fourth
generation of the Eiting family to serve in a leadership role, the company
maintains a very caring, family-like culture even through a period of tremendous
growth and acquisition. “Because We Care” is more than just a tagline for the
company. It resonates by how they treat customers and in its philanthropic
initiatives.
Currently located in the small community of Versailles, Ohio,
Midmark has become a staple in the area. It employs many residents, owns and
maintains the local airstrip, hotel and supports many of the community’s
renovation and charitable efforts.
So how does a company maintain this caring culture by moving their
executive team to a new headquarters over an hour away?
In 2012, Midmark officials announced that they would move its
headquarters consisting of executives, corporate support staff and other
strategic positions, roughly over 50 jobs, to Dayton. The
newly named Midmark Center will be located at the University of Dayton-owned
former NCR campus.
While a surprising move to many, Klamar believes it’s the best for
the company. “Health care is one of the most disrupted and changing markets in
the country,” states Klamar. “We need to position ourselves in an area where we
can more quickly access and capitalize on emerging technologies. We believe
we’ll be able to accomplish this in Dayton.”
Midmark considered many options, but determined
that Dayton was the best place to retain current teammates and allow access to
the disciplines and talent needed for future growth. “The move to Dayton will
provide us with enhanced opportunities to fulfill our vision of becoming a
global leader in health care products and services,” Klamar adds.
Klamar is a member of the U.D.’s Board of Trustees, and her
decision to move to the campus was influenced by U.D.’s values (to learn, lead
and serve) that align with Midmark’s values. U.D, brings opportunities through
its intern and cooperative education programs, and the learning environment will
also provide opportunities for Midmark employees. “The move benefits all Midmark
teammates because we’ve found the right home for our company. It’s not just
about a building ... it’s about Midmark, our culture and our future,” adds
Klamar.
While Versailles will remain the largest Midmark
location – housing manufacturing, other support functions and customer
experience groups – communication between locations will become key.
According to Sharyl Gardner, Midmark’s chief administrative officer, teammates
will go to the location where they can best accomplish their work that day. “We
have a culture that adapts to new opportunities together, that will serve us
well,” says Gardner.
Midmark is also known for its philanthropic support of health care
practices around the world. “We want to make a positive difference. All people
deserve accessible, quality healthcare, and Midmark is committed to doing our
part to make this happen,” shares Klamar. And that desire to help doesn’t change
just because Midmark’s headquarters are moving to a new location.
Klamar visited Kenya at the beginning of August with the “Free the
Children” organization helping to build schools and seeing patients at the newly
opened Kishon Medical Clinic, which she says was an incredible experience. “It
all starts with a philosophy that embraces “learn, lead, serve,” which we
believe that all of Midmark can and will embody.”