We had the good fortune of connecting with Ernesto Holguin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ernesto, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I had won a competition that allowed you seed money free of equity, business guidance, and free use of the innovation hub. Part of the program was to initiate a business in order to receive the monies to continue with prototyping. Starting my own business did not cross my mind when I began innovating as a Nurse. I had this misconception that I would have someone build my inventions and I would collaborate with them in the process, and it would be the most wonderful experience in the world! I was wrong.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have a unique opportunity to see firsthand what patients need. What sets me apart is that I don’t stop with the idea. I have continued with my innovations and persevered. I then dig deeper into patient’s obstacles and investigate what challenges were that kept people from improving with their healthcare deliveries. I performed this hundreds of times with all of my renal patients that had been admitted for diabetic foot ulcers. I interviewed my fellow hospital colleagues that were wound care nurses, physical therapist, and staff floor nurses. I utilized all these different disciplines to work on my idea. I am not the subject expert on these difference areas, and I gathered other professionals’ advice to improve on my ideas.

It has not been easy. It is inevitable, you have to make contributions in different manners aside from work related such as personal and family time, monetary, sleep, vacationing, leisure times and things like that. Many of us know people that stop dead on their tracks once they encounter a bump on the road or are dreaming of making medical changes but rather be dreamers. Working towards a goal and the having the drive to do so is a special gift. My drive is watching my patients on a daily basis having the same preventable problems that ultimately take their lives too early especially in our times of advancing medicine. You have to find your own drive, determine the sacrifices you are willing to make, and balance your life in order to avoid problems with your spouse and children, mother or father and siblings. The sacrifice comes with a price but needs to be a healthy choice.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Fort Worth/Dallas is full of life and exciting things to see. I would take my guests to local concerts and especially the Botanical Gardens having the Symphony playing Star Wars music while enjoying open space entertainment. A place that every tourist needs to experience is to visit a Texas Ranger game. It is so amazing. The venue is so big that it seems you are an ant in the middle of the Grand Canyon. The Stockyard is also very entertaining. Visiting the stores and enjoying a show that displayed a Longhorn cattle run made my day. These are the places I would take my guests to.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Starting my business had many obstacles and financial burdens. I had no idea what I was getting myself into and needed to consult my wife since the financial commitment was substantial. My wife, Yvonne heard me out and without hesitancy said, “Go for it, let’s do this!”, I was reassured and proceeded with it. I took out a loan on my 401K and we hoped for the best. That was not the last time I needed financial support to continue with my ideas. My wife heard me out, challenged me, gave me options and supported me many of times. I also received emotional support, encouragement and love. The business classes I took every Thursday cut into our family time. The events that I participated in different cities were combined with our vacations. The rambling on of my frustrations and worries were received without any hesitation of a loving person hearing me out. A spouse’s support makes the person and I want to add that it also completes success. There are limitations and my wife knows exactly how to balance our lives. I make it a point to address her support because it has great value to my work.

Website: https://www.otenmedical.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otenmedical/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oten-medical/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/otenmedical?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OTENMEDICAL/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK9xBRYfMcQ6nFC6unV7z5A

Other: 1. https://www.pinterest.com/otenmedicalllc/ 2. https://www.amazon.com/Original-CPAP-Holder-White-Linen/dp/B093DVMKVL, https://www.amazon.com/Original-CPAP-Hose-Holder-Mocha/dp/B08X43GY2W 3. https://www.ebay.com/itm/313993540368 4. https://sleeplay.com/collections/oten-medical 5. https://www.walmart.com/c/brand/oten-medical

Image Credits
Ernesto Holguin, subject. Danny Marquez, photographer. June 20, 2019.

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