Howard Revitch, Group Publisher01.12.18
It seems like only yesterday I was writing my very first publisher’s letter back in 2003. It’s hard to believe we are about to celebrate 15 years of publishing MPO in 2018.
Just like in 2003, I still enjoy reflecting on highlights of my professional career and relish being part of this wonderful community for over 25 years. Looking back at the 15 years of MPO’s lifetime, I see the consistent growth the sector has enjoyed—just compare the Top 10 medical device companies (in revenue) in 2003 versus 2017.
While many names essentially remain the same, there have been dramatic shifts in pecking order due to M&A or organic growth. Reviewing the numbers, however, there aren’t many industries maintaining this type of revenue growth. This represents opportunities for service providers supporting the market as long as they continue to expand their own capabilities. The “tubing” and “molding” companies of 2003, as they were referred to then, have put effort into becoming the outsourcing partners of 2018, offering true solutions to their OEM customers.
In that same 15-year timeframe, MPO has served as an informational partner to the industry. Throughout, I not only heard suggestions and advice from members of industry, I listened, just as these suppliers have listened to the needs of their own customers. Whether coming from an MPO Editorial Advisory Board member or member of my team, the advice is offered to achieve a shared vision—to educate the industry on the true value of outsourcing.
Facing an uphill challenge in receiving acceptance over the past 15 years, outsourcing has now become a daily part of business for so many firms. When I am with a current advertiser or starting a new business relationship, I love sharing my own perspective and the changes I’ve observed, from advertising to outsourcing. Years ago, product advertising was the most common approach for promotion. Today, it’s all about a company’s comprehensive capabilities. Even the labels have changed; yesterday’s contract manufacturers are today’s solution providers. These firms exist to resolve medical device OEMs’ challenges. As you peruse the largest MPO Company Capabilities & Outsourcing Directory to date, you’ll recognize our own dedication to offering solutions to the industry.
With this in mind, I’d like to take a moment to thank those who understand and appreciate our vision and enable us to continue to serve as the leading informational resource to so many. Thanks to our faithful 25,000 subscribers who refer to MPO to assist with challenges they encounter. Appreciation to our loyal advertisers who have believed in and supported our vision for MPO. Heartfelt gratitude to Editorial Advisory Board members, both past and present, some of whom I consider mentors and friends throughout my 25 years in the industry. All of you share the same passion for this community and as such, share in the accolades of what MPO is today.
Most of all, I want to thank the best staff anyone could ask for—Sean Fenske, Mark Weeks, Patrick Browne, Julie Fuhrer, Michael Barbella, and Samuel Brusco, as well as our contributing writer Mark Crawford and regular columnists. All cherished individuals I have known for many years who share the same vision. We would not be where we are today, however, without the support from those who tirelessly work behind the scenes—Lisa St. Charles, production manager; Michael Del Purgatorio, art director, and his design team; Richard DeVoto, circulation manager; Joe DiMaulo, audience development manager; Paul Simansky, marketing director, and his team; and Matthew Montgomery, Rodman’s executive vice president. Most importantly, MPO would not be where it is today without the support and faith of our owner—Rodman Zilenziger, Jr. Throughout our 15 years, he provided MPO with the necessary resources to make it the market leader it is today.
As we embark on the next 15 years of MPO, there will continue to be changes impacting our industry. The vision for MPO will proceed and I look forward to serving you as those changes require. MPO will remain true to its celebration of the outsourcing relationship as our team continues to provide the most critical information to ensure your success.
Best wishes for a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year and I look forward to our journey over the next 15 years.
[Publisher’s Letter as it appeared in the 2018 MPO Company Capabilities & Outsourcing Directory.]
Just like in 2003, I still enjoy reflecting on highlights of my professional career and relish being part of this wonderful community for over 25 years. Looking back at the 15 years of MPO’s lifetime, I see the consistent growth the sector has enjoyed—just compare the Top 10 medical device companies (in revenue) in 2003 versus 2017.
While many names essentially remain the same, there have been dramatic shifts in pecking order due to M&A or organic growth. Reviewing the numbers, however, there aren’t many industries maintaining this type of revenue growth. This represents opportunities for service providers supporting the market as long as they continue to expand their own capabilities. The “tubing” and “molding” companies of 2003, as they were referred to then, have put effort into becoming the outsourcing partners of 2018, offering true solutions to their OEM customers.
In that same 15-year timeframe, MPO has served as an informational partner to the industry. Throughout, I not only heard suggestions and advice from members of industry, I listened, just as these suppliers have listened to the needs of their own customers. Whether coming from an MPO Editorial Advisory Board member or member of my team, the advice is offered to achieve a shared vision—to educate the industry on the true value of outsourcing.
Facing an uphill challenge in receiving acceptance over the past 15 years, outsourcing has now become a daily part of business for so many firms. When I am with a current advertiser or starting a new business relationship, I love sharing my own perspective and the changes I’ve observed, from advertising to outsourcing. Years ago, product advertising was the most common approach for promotion. Today, it’s all about a company’s comprehensive capabilities. Even the labels have changed; yesterday’s contract manufacturers are today’s solution providers. These firms exist to resolve medical device OEMs’ challenges. As you peruse the largest MPO Company Capabilities & Outsourcing Directory to date, you’ll recognize our own dedication to offering solutions to the industry.
With this in mind, I’d like to take a moment to thank those who understand and appreciate our vision and enable us to continue to serve as the leading informational resource to so many. Thanks to our faithful 25,000 subscribers who refer to MPO to assist with challenges they encounter. Appreciation to our loyal advertisers who have believed in and supported our vision for MPO. Heartfelt gratitude to Editorial Advisory Board members, both past and present, some of whom I consider mentors and friends throughout my 25 years in the industry. All of you share the same passion for this community and as such, share in the accolades of what MPO is today.
Most of all, I want to thank the best staff anyone could ask for—Sean Fenske, Mark Weeks, Patrick Browne, Julie Fuhrer, Michael Barbella, and Samuel Brusco, as well as our contributing writer Mark Crawford and regular columnists. All cherished individuals I have known for many years who share the same vision. We would not be where we are today, however, without the support from those who tirelessly work behind the scenes—Lisa St. Charles, production manager; Michael Del Purgatorio, art director, and his design team; Richard DeVoto, circulation manager; Joe DiMaulo, audience development manager; Paul Simansky, marketing director, and his team; and Matthew Montgomery, Rodman’s executive vice president. Most importantly, MPO would not be where it is today without the support and faith of our owner—Rodman Zilenziger, Jr. Throughout our 15 years, he provided MPO with the necessary resources to make it the market leader it is today.
As we embark on the next 15 years of MPO, there will continue to be changes impacting our industry. The vision for MPO will proceed and I look forward to serving you as those changes require. MPO will remain true to its celebration of the outsourcing relationship as our team continues to provide the most critical information to ensure your success.
Best wishes for a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year and I look forward to our journey over the next 15 years.
[Publisher’s Letter as it appeared in the 2018 MPO Company Capabilities & Outsourcing Directory.]