Alarmed by the growing number of kids effected by heart abnormalities, Eric Schroeder and David Kuluva designed a process for identifying at risk youth. Athletic Testing Solutions offers portable clinics at which youth (ages 10 to 25) can be screened for heart abnormalities. A typical screening, called the ATS Heart Check, includes review of the youth’s family history and health questionnaire, blood pressure and EKG, and an echocardiogram (ultrasound image of the heart). Within 10 days of the screening, a local cardiologist analyzes the tests and reports the findings to Athletic Testing Solutions, who in turn supply the reports back to the families as well as the child’s pediatrician. Equipped with these findings, parents and doctors can make informed decisions at keeping today’s youth heart safe.
When starting their business, Kuluva and Schroeder faced two significant obstacles: funding and awareness. The owners invested their own equity into startup operations, but sustaining positive cash flow was dependent on screening revenue, which they offer at a greatly reduced price. While the tests run by ATS Heart Check would typically cost up to $1500 at a doctor’s office or hospital, David and Eric were determined that cost would not be a barrier to any family wanting these tests. The business owners creatively partnered with two local nonprofits to reduce the cost to $99 per screening, while offering additional financial aid to those that qualify. These innovative partnerships, combined with corporate sponsorship’s, have allowed Athletic Testing Solutions to offer their services to the masses.
With regard to creating awareness, Athletic Testing Solutions faces the ongoing challenge of educating youth, families and organizations about sudden onset cardiac arrest and other heart abnormalities in asymptomatic children. Educating schools, community centers and parents about the possibility of these symptoms required a strategic marketing plan that informs people without frightening them. In 2013, Kuluva and Schroeder visited with Elisa Waldman of the KSBDC at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, seeking marketing support as well as help aligning operational tactics with their strategic vision. Kuluva and Schroeder describe Elisa’s role as ”providing constant support and assistance in keeping ATS Heart Check focused on priorities and headed in the right direction.” David explains that their work with the KSBDC provided them with the “confidence to move forward despite uncertainty.” Over the past three years, Kuluva and Schroeder’s persistence and passion have resulted in invitations to set up clinics in many of the school districts throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Kuluva and Schroeder exhibit exceptional entrepreneurial values and leadership through their commitment, dedication to quality and extreme attention to detail. They attribute their success to a strong belief in the services they off er. Since opening in 2012, Athletic Testing Solutions has completed over 3000 Heart Checks, finding abnormalities in approximately 8 percent (over 250) of those tested. Athletic Testing Solutions has recently launched national licensing opportunities, and David and Eric look forward to offering a mobile unit in the near future, so that they can help save lives in rural and smaller communities.
Written by Elisa Waldman
TOPEKA, Kansas — The Kansas Small Business Development Center (Kansas SBDC) statewide network has announced the 2016 Existing, Emerging, and Exporting Businesses of the Year. Each of the eight Kansas SBDC regional centers have selected one emerging and one existing business for the award. One exporter will be recognized for the first time this year.
In total, 17 Kansas small businesses will be recognized at a ceremony in Topeka on Tuesday, March 8. The businesses were selected from more than 2,000 businesses that received Kansas SBDC one-on-one business advising services in 2015.
“The selected businesses were careful consideration by our Kansas SBDC regional directors and consultants,” said Greg Panichello, Kansas SBDC state director.” Collectively, the KSBDC team believes these 17 small businesses are excellent examples of small business adaptation and success in challenging times.”
Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins will address the group to start the awards portion of the evening. The evening’s event will be emceed by WIBW-TV Anchor Melissa Brunner.
Existing Businesses of the Year
DV Enterprises, LLC, Don & Vicky Brunkhardt, Liberal
Colby Glass & Sign Co., Inc., Rod Rodenbeck, Colby
Eric Fisher Academy, Inc., Eric and Mary Fisher, Wichita
B&P, Inc., Brett & Carly Fletcher, Holton
Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, Amber Haag, Emporia
The Gun Guys, Tim VanLeiden, Ottawa
CTe Learning, Steve Waddell, Olathe
Progressive Products, Inc., Todd Allison, Pittsburg
Emerging Businesses of the Year
Duck Salt, Matthew Deighton, Greensburg
Sake2me Sushi Rolls, LLC, Michael Huskey and Stacie Rupp, Hays
Sleeptopia, Kevin Kunz, Wichita
Brickhouse Antiques, Tom & Mary Norskov, Topeka
Chisholm Trail Outfitters, LLC, Craig Dodd, Hillsboro
Kids Calendar, Beth McKeon, Lawrence
Athletic Testing Solutions, David Kuluva and Eric Schroeder, Overland Park
Sleep Inn & Suites, Bill Michaud, Fort Scott
Exporting Business of the Year
Custom Storefronts, Inc., Jon Roberts, Olathe
About Kansas Small Business Development Center
The Kansas Small Business Development Center (Kansas SBDC) is a statewide small business* advising, consulting, and training service funded by federal, state, and local partners. Funding through your tax dollars allows the Kansas SBDC to provide advising and training (i.e. cash flow, marketing, and market data) to businesses across the state at low or no-cost. The SBDC is part of a larger national association committed to helping small businesses reach their development, improvement, and transition goals. *A “small business” typically has less than 500 employees