NuWave sees its future in electronic health records

Electronic health records are propelling a growth curve that's gone steadily upward for NuWave Technology Partners.

The Michigan-based company with offices in Kalamazoo, Richland, Grand Rapids and Lansing celebrates its fifth anniversary this year. For the Richland office the anniversary will be celebrated in new and bigger quarters across the street.

Chad Paalman, NuWave vice president of sales, says electronic health records drive growth in all of the service areas the company provides. The new networks, telephone systems and equipment that are required to make the switch to electronic health records work pulls in all the divisions of the company he has built with his father, Rick, and brother, Kyle.

Paalman expects electronic health records to continue to be a big driver for the company as the federal government moves toward making it a requirement that all physcians use them and away from simply encouraging doctors to make the switch.

Paalman attributes the companies continuous growth in a time of economic downturn to a number of factors. He says he and his brother learned frugality from their father and have maintained an attitude of fiscal responsibility as the company has grown.

Service is another another factor.

"Everyone says we give great service," Paalman says. "We strive to provide white-glove treatment." He also is a big believer in the motto: "Surround yourself with people who know more than you do." That has led to good hiring moves and a staff that the company is proud of.

Being recognized and recommended by the Small Business Association for its work has been a positive selling point for the company and one that it has been able to build upon.

Right from the start, the company also has made the kind of strategic moves that have helped it grow, as well.

Paalman says that the first day the company opened its doors it had three employees, him, his brother and his father. The next day they acquired another company, their 600 customers and their 10 employees.

NuWave has continued to acquire companies, their customers and staffs as their original owners have left the field, Paalman says.

Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Chad Paalman, NuWave Technology Partners