Achilles Prosthetics and Orthotics began in 1978 in Bakersfield, California, and has grown to add offices in Santa Maria, Templeton, and Santa Barbara. For the past decade the company has been an SPS customer.
“The relationship between SPS and Achilles thrives because of the people who work for SPS,” says Logan Newton, CP, BOCO, and vice president of Achilles, where he has worked since 2004. “Although she is no longer there, Chris Erbacher had a huge role in getting us on board with SPS and driving the relationship,” he says. “This field, like many others, is relationship driven. You buy from the people you like, and the people at SPS have always been friendly, provided excellent customer service, and are effective at solving challenging situations.”
One major feature at SPS is how purchasing integrates with the OPIE Software system, Newton says. “This helps us to easily place orders each day, manage our inventory, and know when we are going to be receiving products.” Newton says it is helpful that the SPS fulfillment centers are centrally located. “With the centers being so close, we generally get our products the next day, which helps us and helps get the patient their devices quickly.”
Newton says Achilles has also taken advantage of SPS’ clinical education program and works with Sam Brouillette, CP, CFo, the program’s manager. “I call Sam fairly regularly. He’s always willing to help me on the clinical side, sometimes even helping me with things SPS does not carry. He’s an awesome technician and geared to do what’s best for the patient, so we mesh pretty well.”
Brendan Erickson has been Achilles’ sales representative for about three years. It is a helpful and thriving relationship, Newton and Erickson agree. “Achilles is a wonderful partner,” Erickson says. “Not only are they genuinely nice people, but they really care for their patients and strive for the best possible outcome.”
“We have a great working relationship with Brendan,” says Newton. “He has always excelled at being there for us, asking questions, and solving problems. He’s always extremely positive and willing to help.”
Erickson adds the team at Achilles is knowledgeable and committed to giving every patient a successful experience. He has also observed that the Achilles staff is at the forefront when it comes to technology. “They are always learning, testing, and using the newest products,” Erickson says.
Newton is a second-generation practitioner following in the footsteps of his father, Daniel Newton, CP, and his uncle, Donald Newton, CPO. He believes the future of O&P is positive, and that the industry is going to flourish during the coming decade. “I am 34, and I have seen the field change so much in my short time,” he says. “Whether it be an increase in CAD usage, social network messaging, or even the updates in required documentation, the field is constantly fluid. For the older generation, this has scared them, which I believe has led to a vocal doomsday approach to things, but I think the O&P field is going to be booming in the next ten to 20 years.”
Learn more about Achilles Prosthetics and Orthotics.
View the original feature in SPS Xpress.
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