Pulse May 2016 | Page 65

lating a list of spas who we consider as ‘early adaptors’ and the first to try Mammagard and record therapist and customer feedback for us,” he says. He believed that seeding the target market with the product was a critical move. “Awareness through people using our products and talking about them is what has driven our marketing strategy in the right direction. Particularly with such a new product, word-of-mouth still holds true as the most effective marketing tool,” he says. Know Your Audience If there’s one lesson Dr. Evans learned from past mistakes, it’s this: “Be very careful of your marketing spend. It can be a very long and expensive process, yet it need not be. Know your target audience and ensure you test your positioning in small markets to ensure your messaging is sound and reflective of market feedback.” On Being Part of ISPA How long has the company been an ISPA member? “This is our first year with ISPA, and the support and friendship that has been extended to us has been very humbling.” How did you first know about ISPA? “We were searching for the most complete platform to bring our products to the ‘high-end’ of the manual therapy industry.” What made you join ISPA? “I realized I would have more direct access to key decision-makers and the door would be open for ongoing conversations.” Which ISPA resource has been beneficial to your business? “The 2015 ISPA Conference & Expo was fantastic.” “There will be approximately 300,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer this year in the U.S. With five-year survival rates always improving, the population of women with altered breast is ever increasing.” When it comes to target audience, Dr. Evans has his sights on breast cancer and surgically altered patients as the company’s core market. “There will be approximately 300,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer this year in the U.S. With five-year survival rates always improving, the population of women with altered breasts is ever increasing,” he says. Dr. Evans pointed out that, in these women, scar tissue accumulates after their treatment and breast surgery with their procedures often has a nearly 100 percent failure rate. “Our peer-reviewed journal studies show that our breast orthotic device reduces the mechanical forces that lead to breast compression and pain.” For Dr. Evans, while many factors come into play in creating a successful business, he believes that team communication is key. “It’s like the football huddle. Make a plan, remind each other and play ball! We take the temperature of the business on a weekly, if not, daily basis,” he says. “At Mammagard, we have one simple saying: We want to save the world, one set of breasts at a time.” n May 2016 ■ PULSE 63