Patrick Clark of Meridios
Meet Patrick Clark, founder of
Meridios, a software development company specializing in a healthcare quality tracking application.
What is Meridios?
Meridios analyzes over four million patients nationally on a daily basis for gaps in their healthcare. The results of this analysis is then given to the over 2,500 providers utilizing our software. For instance, our software would analyze every diabetic patient for a specific provider for any potential gaps in their healthcare. Missing tests are then presented to the provider in our web-based application, and providers can communicate with those patients with a click of a button.
Meridios has been recognized by InfoGard as a Certified Technology for Meaningful Use as outlined by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and ONC (Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology). Meridios has also been chosen for several national grants.
How did you come up with the idea?
I worked at a local health system as a technical analyst and was given the task of generating quality reports for the physicians in the system. 10 percent of each provider’s patient charts were being audited on a quarterly basis, giving the provider a general sense of the quality they were giving each patient. A newly implemented Electronic Medical Record (EMR) gave us the ability to audit 100 percent of providers’ patients, while also saving weeks of processing. And feedback could be given to the provider on a daily basis instead of quarterly.
What was the biggest surprise in starting your business?
The biggest surprise in starting my business was that running a business had less to do with the product that we produce and more to do with the process of running a business. The understanding of Human Resources, Finances, Taxes, and Legal issues were overwhelming. It took a lot of time to learn the extra items while still keeping track of the actual product we produce. I think the biggest surprise has been that I had to learn to be a better salesman. I have to sell employees, current customers, bankers, investors, and future customers.
Where did you find your first employee?
I found my first employee at church. We both attended the same church and he was looking for full-time work.
What does a typical day in your business look like?
I start my day by sitting down with a cup of coffee and making a list of the goals that I want to accomplish that day. Then I check my email and calendar for any pressing issues that could derail my day. I am currently our lead sales person and business developer, so I spend the rest of my day working sales leads and business leads. I also review all financials on a weekly basis touching base with my internal team on any issues that might come up.
What are some of the advantages to doing business in Ohio?
Ohio is a decent climate for doing business. The main issues that face Ohio face most of the rest of the country.
What resources or organizations in Ohio did you take advantage of and how did they help?
I have worked with the
Voinovich Center in Athens, Ohio on business development and grant funding opportunities. Working with the Voinovich Center has opened us up to many opportunities. They assisted us with grant funding to enhance our marketing and business development. We also have participated in programs that have given us a reduction in our business loan percentage in order to keep jobs here in Ohio.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by watching other entrepreneurs that started as ordinary folks and built a successful business. I love hearing about how they were able to be in the right place with a great idea and really hit their stride. I think it’s great when a serial entrepreneur hits it big, but my favorite is when someone who does not come from a specific industry comes in and disrupts that industry with new thinking. I love new thinking.
What founders do you admire and why?
I admire founders who treat their employees well and grow them. I love to hear about the loyalty that is developed in the early years based on the amount of people development and creative benefits offered.
What’s next for you?
I am really enjoying running this business, but I am always looking for new, creative ideas. I am also developing my internal team with the reasons why we do certain things the way that we do them. That way if I am ever out of the picture, this business can run flawlessly without me.
Interview by Joe Baur