Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sue Carr, President of CarrTech Corp, located in Frederick, MD, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
CarrTech is a medical device company that has developed patented and prototyped FROG (Filter Removal of Glass). FROG is a novel all-in-one package one-needle medical device for filtering ampoule-based medication. FROG improves safety for both the patient and the healthcare by simplifying a complicated, unsafe process involving multiple needles and needle exchanges. FROG reduces the risk of glass shard contamination to the patient's bloodstream, decreases needle stick injuries, and takes half the time to prepare. CarrTech is working with strategic partners who have expressed interest in marketing and sales, so they would most likely be CarrTech's customers. CarrTech will sell to hospitals first, then surgery clinics, oncology centers, veterinarians, infusion centers, DOD, and drug companies that utilize glass ampoules, just to name a few.
Tell us about yourself
I am a pharmacist by trade. I first noticed the filtering problem while attending pharmacy school and working at a local hospital. After college I worked for CVS as a retail pharmacy manager for 17 years, opening a new store near my house. My passion was hospital so I returned as a clinical hospital pharmacist specializing in ICU, NICU, Oncology, ER, and Med Surg. I kept seeing my pharmacy technicians and nursing staff struggle to filter properly, and I decided to come up with a simple solution. I am now just a few months away from FDA submission and can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel. If I can save just one life, then my journey has been worth it.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is probably raising $2.2 million to prepare for FDA and building an awesome team. I'm really not sure how I did it, but we are almost at the finish line.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing for me is to discipline a coworker who stepped out of line. I have an extensive carrier in management and have never had to raise my voice. I did not raise my voice but did have to provide disciplinary measures. It all worked out in the end, and I am pleased to say CarrTech has a positive culture.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Believe in your why. It has to be your whole life, and you have to really want it.
- Build a good team and surround yourself with people smarter than you and create a village of supporters.
- Be coachable, willing to pivot, and have patience; everything takes twice as long and costs twice as much. (really 10x as long and 10x as much).
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.carrtechcorp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carrtechllcFROG/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sue_carrtech/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/carrtechllc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/carrtech-llc/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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