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We Make the
Best Braces in the World
and Run a
Company We Can Be Proud Of
The Aspen Story
Delivering breakthrough designs and breaking the mold in spinal bracing has been our inspiration for 25 years. From the inception, Aspen has brought to market the Aspen Cervical Collar which inspired change in the industry approach to cervical care. This set the stage for numerous breakthroughs in spinal bracing that help solve both clinical and business challenges through a bold, innovative approach. Aspen is driven by the expectations of our customers and of ourselves.
As an important tool in a patient’s recovery, we understand the critical nature of what we do. We take a needs-based approach and design with both the healthcare provider and patient in mind. We invest significantly in R&D and provide vital clinical testing that is second to none and expected by our customers. As experts in our field, our direct sales force supports effective outcomes through ongoing education and in-service training. Backed by clinically tested products, Aspen’s established professional medical community is well equipped to help offer the best patient outcomes through research driven designs.
Driving Innovation through the Decades
1981
California Medical Products is established in Long Beach, CA. To meet the US Army’s need for better emergency neck brace, Geof Garth brings to market the first Stifneck™ Extrication Collar.
19861989
Dan Williamson joins California Medical Products. Over one million Stifneck™ collars are sold and the company is acquired by Laerdal Medical.
1993
International Healthcare Devices is formed and the Aspen® Cervical Collar is introduced, providing long-term motion restriction while minimizing the incidence of skin breakdown.
19921999
Fiji Enterprises, a development and contract manufacturing company is established to assemble the Stifneck™ and Aspen® Collar as well as new product introductions including the Headbed™, V-Vac™, and Aspen® CTO.
2000
Aspen Medical Products is formed, merging Fiji Manufacturing and International Healthcare Devices. Aspen launches the first off-the-shelf lumbar braces to be clinically tested and shown to equal the motion restriction of custom braces: the Aspen® LSO, Aspen® LSO LoPro and the Aspen® TLSO.
20032006
Aspen headquarters moves to Irvine, CA. The Aspen® Pediatric Collar is redesigned and two smaller infant collars are added. The QuikDraw™ PRO is introduced and quickly grows to be one of Aspen’s most successful new products. Aspen expands QuikDraw into a line by introducing the Contour™ Bracing System.
2007
Aspen introduces the Vista® Cervical Collar, the first one-sized adjustable long-term collar. The Vista® Collar will go on to become the standard of care among U.S. Trauma Centers nationwide.
20082011
Aspen introduces the Summit™ Line and immediately becomes Aspen’s most successful new product launch to date. Aspen also introduces the Vista® CTO and Evergreen® Line.
20122013
Aspen introduces the Vista® Lower Spine line, a fully adjustable design allowing one size to fit the majority of patients. The Horizon™ Line is also introduced and immediately becomes Aspen’s most successful new product.
20142015
Aspen introduces the Vista® MultiPost and Vista® CTO4. Aspen also introduces the Peak Scoliosis Bracing System™, the first product specifically developed for adult patients with scoliosis to help bring them into a more neutral alignment.
2016
Aspen introduces the Vista® MultiPost Therapy Collar offering a compression bladder that helps achieve cervical neutral.
2016
Aspen expands globally, opening its first international headquarters in Griesheim, Germany servicing Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Aspen also opens East Coast and European distribution centers.
2018
Aspen Elite™ line featuring the newly developed UltraKnit™ technology is introduced as the first product designed specifically for the international market.
Customer Commitment
Innovations are at the heart of the Aspen experience. We listen to our customers to understand the problem, apply creative thinking then get to work. Whether it’s helping to resolve skin breakdown issues through transformative cervical collar design, showing practitioners how to increase efficiency with adjustable products or tackling new issues like posture alignment and adult scoliosis. Aspen is committed to delivering the best possible products that help improve lives.
Company Commitment
We have a mission to develop industry-leading products and provide the support to deliver the best patient and business outcomes, while running a company that we can be proud of. We pride ourselves on serving and leading the industry with products that make a real difference in people’s lives. We are a team of originals who are inspired by doing things worth doing. Not satisfied with good enough, we continually look at old problems with fresh eyes, innovating our way to better patient outcomes.
The Aspen Team
Jim Cloar
President and Chief Executive Officer
Jim Cloar joined Aspen MP in 2020 as the President and CEO of the company, with a goal of building on the successful business that Aspen MP has been and leading the organization to a new level of growth and achievement. With a career in orthopedics and spine, Jim has a track record of expanding growth opportunities and building organizations to exceptional levels of success. Jim has held increasingly more responsible positions within DePuy, Medtronic, Biomet, Synaptive Medical, and most recently, ZimmerBiomet, where he was the President of Global Spine. A strong leader, Jim has built his reputation on his ability to expand and capitalize on the commercialization strengths of an organization.
Believing the opportunity at Aspen MP is to evolve the existing and past successes of the organization to a new level of accomplishment, Jim is committed to continuing the Aspen MP track record of developing innovative products that help transform the lives of people in recovery, pain management and returning to normal levels of activity. All this while continuing to focus on meeting the needs of the customer and maintaining the award winning culture that Aspen MP has become known for enjoying.
Married to his college sweetheart, Susan, Jim is the father of two sons. A strong advocate of college athletics, Jim is also a fan of professional sports, including being an avid Dodger and Laker supporter. A wine connoisseur of note, in his spare time Jim is also a golfer and enjoys mountain hiking. Actively involved in his church, Jim also devotes his time serving as a mentor of young professional talent aiding in their growth and development. Additionally, Jim serves on two corporate boards, Banner Industries, a leading provider of metal bar products to the medical and industrial markets, and Marrow Access Technologies a provider of novel devices for cartilage defects.
Believing the opportunity at Aspen MP is to evolve the existing and past successes of the organization to a new level of accomplishment, Jim is committed to continuing the Aspen MP track record of developing innovative products that help transform the lives of people in recovery, pain management and returning to normal levels of activity. All this while continuing to focus on meeting the needs of the customer and maintaining the award winning culture that Aspen MP has become known for enjoying.
Married to his college sweetheart, Susan, Jim is the father of two sons. A strong advocate of college athletics, Jim is also a fan of professional sports, including being an avid Dodger and Laker supporter. A wine connoisseur of note, in his spare time Jim is also a golfer and enjoys mountain hiking. Actively involved in his church, Jim also devotes his time serving as a mentor of young professional talent aiding in their growth and development. Additionally, Jim serves on two corporate boards, Banner Industries, a leading provider of metal bar products to the medical and industrial markets, and Marrow Access Technologies a provider of novel devices for cartilage defects.
Randy Barbera
Chief Financial Officer
As Aspen’s Chief Financial Officer, Randy Barbera directs not only all the accounting and finance operations of Aspen MP, but also is responsible for managing external legal activities and leading the IT department. Randy’s diverse background in accounting and finance has been built with progressively more responsible positions in a variety of functions including finance and accounting, continuous improvement teams, manufacturing, strategic planning, capital planning, and facilities and site services. He honed these skills in a variety of Fortune 500 health care related companies, including American Hospital Supply, Baxter International, Hill-Rom/Hillenbrand Industries and Ventana Medical Systems/Roche.
While at American Hospital Supply/Baxter, Randy worked for Dan Williamson, Aspen’s founder, laying the foundation for his most recent career move, joining the Aspen team in 2012 as the company’s CFO. In addition to his regular responsibilities, Randy leads Aspen MP’s strategic planning initiatives and is responsible for coordinating the resulting goals and objectives into the company’s business plans.
With a Bachelors in Business Administration in Finance and an MS in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin, Randy is an avid road cyclist and sports enthusiast. A devotee of Aspen MP’s Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) activities and a daily participant in Aspen’s on-site workout classes, Randy is also a 45-year, Type 1 Diabetic and a Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) supporter. The father of six, including two sets of girl twins, Randy is married to an incredibly patient woman!
While at American Hospital Supply/Baxter, Randy worked for Dan Williamson, Aspen’s founder, laying the foundation for his most recent career move, joining the Aspen team in 2012 as the company’s CFO. In addition to his regular responsibilities, Randy leads Aspen MP’s strategic planning initiatives and is responsible for coordinating the resulting goals and objectives into the company’s business plans.
With a Bachelors in Business Administration in Finance and an MS in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin, Randy is an avid road cyclist and sports enthusiast. A devotee of Aspen MP’s Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) activities and a daily participant in Aspen’s on-site workout classes, Randy is also a 45-year, Type 1 Diabetic and a Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) supporter. The father of six, including two sets of girl twins, Randy is married to an incredibly patient woman!
Kathryn Gray
Chief Administrative Officer
As Aspen’s Chief Administrative Officer, Kathryn is has a varied set of responsibilities for the company. Accountable for Organizational Development, Human Resources, company policies and procedures, advising executives on procedural and operational issues, and insuring the vision of the CEO is realized, Kathryn wears many hats. With a diverse background, Kathryn began her career working for the State Department in Europe before returning to the US and beginning a corporate career. Starting with American Hospital Supply Corporation, Kathryn has held positions in Operations, Marketing, Organizational Development and Human Resources at both AHS and later with Pepsi, reaching the VP level early in her career. Kathryn left the corporate world and founded two successful companies, one a consulting firm working with clients from start-ups to Fortune 100 organizations, the other a 125-employee communications company. Having worked with Dan Williamson, Aspen’s founder, and Randy Barbera, Aspen’s CFO, at American Hospital Corporation over thirty years ago, she relishes starting and continuing her business career at a progressive, successful and fun company with people she enjoys!
Kathryn received degrees from the University of Heidelberg and University of Maryland and attended law school at Boston University. She is a frequent topical Leadership, Organizational Development and Personal Development speaker to a wide range of regional and national organizations. An avid horsewoman, terrible golfer and weekend home chef, Kathryn is married to a high school buddy and has two daughters with matching son-in-laws, and four grandchildren.
Kathryn received degrees from the University of Heidelberg and University of Maryland and attended law school at Boston University. She is a frequent topical Leadership, Organizational Development and Personal Development speaker to a wide range of regional and national organizations. An avid horsewoman, terrible golfer and weekend home chef, Kathryn is married to a high school buddy and has two daughters with matching son-in-laws, and four grandchildren.
John Hamilton
Vice President of Quality and Strategic Initiatives
John Hamilton serves as Aspen MP’s Vice President of Quality and Strategic Initiatives, responsible for not only all Quality actions relative to Aspen’s products, but also key Strategic Initiatives as identified by the executive team. Some key initiatives that John has been tasked with include moving manufacturing operations to Mexico, finding manufacturing partners for lower spine products in China, defining new technologies for production in the Mexico manufacturing plant, and identifying and developing facility requirements across the organization.
An Aspen MP employee since 1996, John has held a variety of positions with the company ranging from Project Manager to R&D, IT leader, and most recently prior to his current position, Vice President of Operations. A key supporter of Aspen MP’s original charitable recipient, Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), John is responsible for procuring, assisting with training, and supporting the athletes that make up the teams that Aspen fields for the Aspen Medical Products San Diego Triathlon Challenge each October.
A graduate with honors of the Industrial Design Program at the University of Cincinnati, John is an avowed outdoorsman, having completed a 120-mile backpacking trip with his wife and youngest son. He has also participated in the CAF San Francisco to San Diego bike challenge to raise funds and awareness for CAF. Married to his college sweetheart and the father of two college age sons, John is also a member of a Visage Key Executive Group.
An Aspen MP employee since 1996, John has held a variety of positions with the company ranging from Project Manager to R&D, IT leader, and most recently prior to his current position, Vice President of Operations. A key supporter of Aspen MP’s original charitable recipient, Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), John is responsible for procuring, assisting with training, and supporting the athletes that make up the teams that Aspen fields for the Aspen Medical Products San Diego Triathlon Challenge each October.
A graduate with honors of the Industrial Design Program at the University of Cincinnati, John is an avowed outdoorsman, having completed a 120-mile backpacking trip with his wife and youngest son. He has also participated in the CAF San Francisco to San Diego bike challenge to raise funds and awareness for CAF. Married to his college sweetheart and the father of two college age sons, John is also a member of a Visage Key Executive Group.
Scott Hampson
Vice President of Operations
Scott Hampson is Aspen’s Vice President of Operations with responsibility for Customer Service, Logistics, Planning, Sourcing/Purchasing, the Technology Center and Manufacturing. Scott comes to Aspen with a very rich and varied background in all aspects of Operations, including Supply Chain, Logistics, Purchasing and Manufacturing, this experience gained from some of the best companies in the Fortune 500. Prior to joining the Aspen team in 2015, Scott held increasingly responsible positions within Operations at Toshiba America, Apple, Honeywell and Abbott. A proponent of Lean Six Sigma and Continuous Improvement programs, Scott is currently leading Operational Excellence initiatives within Aspen while growing the Global Operations capabilities.
A Canadian by birth, who swears he no longer says “eh”, Scott holds a Bachelors in Economics from Colorado College and an MBA from the Anderson School of Business at UCLA. A former Division 1 college hockey player, current soccer coach and soccer referee when time permits, Scott is also an avid golfer. Scott and his wife have a son in high school and a daughter attending college.
A Canadian by birth, who swears he no longer says “eh”, Scott holds a Bachelors in Economics from Colorado College and an MBA from the Anderson School of Business at UCLA. A former Division 1 college hockey player, current soccer coach and soccer referee when time permits, Scott is also an avid golfer. Scott and his wife have a son in high school and a daughter attending college.
Andrew Purner
Vice President of Sales
As Aspen Medical Product’s Vice President of Sales, Andrew brings a wealth of broad experience to the role. He leads the domestic sales group, including the Field Sales, Market Specialist, Corporate Accounts and Sales Development teams. Andrew graduated from UCLA, then served as a law enforcement officer for the cities of Los Angeles and Huntington Beach, where he developed his skills in dealing with and understanding human behavior.
Joining Aspen MP as a sales representative at the close of his law enforcement career, he managed a territory, a region and was the Director of International Sales before leaving to start his own company. While partner in a private equity firm, Andrew gained invaluable business experience as the Managing Director of several clean energy ventures in China, in addition to his already well-honed sales expertise.
Returning to the U.S., the company was pleased to have Andrew re-join Aspen MP and he was quickly promoted from Region Manager to Director of Sales and now serves as Aspen MP’s Vice President of Sales. The married father of two boys, Andrew and his wife, an international flight attendant, not only travel extensively, but also own an upscale pet resort near their home.
Joining Aspen MP as a sales representative at the close of his law enforcement career, he managed a territory, a region and was the Director of International Sales before leaving to start his own company. While partner in a private equity firm, Andrew gained invaluable business experience as the Managing Director of several clean energy ventures in China, in addition to his already well-honed sales expertise.
Returning to the U.S., the company was pleased to have Andrew re-join Aspen MP and he was quickly promoted from Region Manager to Director of Sales and now serves as Aspen MP’s Vice President of Sales. The married father of two boys, Andrew and his wife, an international flight attendant, not only travel extensively, but also own an upscale pet resort near their home.
Tom Manix
Vice President of Marketing and Business Development
Tom Manix is Aspen MP’s Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, responsible for all marketing, marketing communications, product management and strategic business and product opportunities for the company. Aspen’s second most tenured employee, Tom began his employment at Aspen as an educator in 1995, after an early career as a paramedic for the Los Angeles City Fire Department and as the Director of Emergency Medical Training at UCLA.
A natural sales person, Tom quickly was drawn into sales at Aspen and for twenty years, in progressively more responsible positions, directed the sales force. Under Tom’s leadership, Aspen grew and developed both direct and distributor sales, securing double digit sales growth for the company. With his knowledge of the industry, markets and patient needs, Tom became the company’s leader in Marketing and Business Development in 2017. Under Tom’s guidance, the company will be expanding into new opportunities as Aspen MP continues its expansion and growth trajectory.
A graduate of Loyola Marymount University, Tom holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. A gifted musician, Tom’s talent with guitar and harmonica puts he and his band in high demand throughout the area. An avid golfer and gifted story teller, which sometimes go hand-in-hand, Tom and his physical therapist wife have two sons and a daughter.
A natural sales person, Tom quickly was drawn into sales at Aspen and for twenty years, in progressively more responsible positions, directed the sales force. Under Tom’s leadership, Aspen grew and developed both direct and distributor sales, securing double digit sales growth for the company. With his knowledge of the industry, markets and patient needs, Tom became the company’s leader in Marketing and Business Development in 2017. Under Tom’s guidance, the company will be expanding into new opportunities as Aspen MP continues its expansion and growth trajectory.
A graduate of Loyola Marymount University, Tom holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. A gifted musician, Tom’s talent with guitar and harmonica puts he and his band in high demand throughout the area. An avid golfer and gifted story teller, which sometimes go hand-in-hand, Tom and his physical therapist wife have two sons and a daughter.
Duane Romo
Vice President of Research and Development
Duane Romo, Vice President of Research and Development, joined Aspen Medical Products in 2019 as a welcome addition to, and leader of, the innovative and patient-focused R&D team. A seasoned executive with vast experience in orthotics and prosthetics, Duane joins the company with not only a wealth of knowledge, but also an enthusiasm and commitment to the development of life changing products for people in pain, recovery or varying stages of physical challenges.
After several years in practice as an Prosthetist - Orthotist, Duane spent several years as a professor of Prosthetics and Orthotics at the University of Texas. During his tenure at the UT Southwestern Medical Center, Duane was instrumental in developing Orthotic and Prosthetic curriculum for the department, eventually launching Prosthetic courses online. With a knack for innovation, he gravitated towards research and development and joined Össur Americas. Duane took on increasingly more responsible positions within that organization until he led R&D and ultimately became Director of New Technology Orthopedics. It was from this position that he came to Aspen Medical Products as the leader of the R&D group.
A self-described “tinkerer” Duane spends much of his free time thinking of futuristic orthopedic product opportunities and out-of-the-box ideas. Married to Patti, they have one daughter who is married and living in the Las Vegas, Nevada area. A licensed pilot, drummer and coffee connoisseur, Duane has a single engine plane to soar on weekends.
After several years in practice as an Prosthetist - Orthotist, Duane spent several years as a professor of Prosthetics and Orthotics at the University of Texas. During his tenure at the UT Southwestern Medical Center, Duane was instrumental in developing Orthotic and Prosthetic curriculum for the department, eventually launching Prosthetic courses online. With a knack for innovation, he gravitated towards research and development and joined Össur Americas. Duane took on increasingly more responsible positions within that organization until he led R&D and ultimately became Director of New Technology Orthopedics. It was from this position that he came to Aspen Medical Products as the leader of the R&D group.
A self-described “tinkerer” Duane spends much of his free time thinking of futuristic orthopedic product opportunities and out-of-the-box ideas. Married to Patti, they have one daughter who is married and living in the Las Vegas, Nevada area. A licensed pilot, drummer and coffee connoisseur, Duane has a single engine plane to soar on weekends.
Dave Rice
Vice President of International Sales
Dave Rice, Vice President of International Sales, has led the growth of Aspen Medical Products international sales efforts for over a decade. Joining Aspen Medical Products as a sales representative in 2004, Dave has consistently taken on increasingly more responsible positions leading to his key role on the executive team at the company.
Dave has developed partnerships and key distributor relationships on every continent for Aspen Medical Products and was instrumental in opening our first direct sales office outside the United States in Griesheim, Germany. Dave also was critical to the recent acquisition of Promedics, a leading soft goods manufacturer in the UK that Aspen Medical Products bought in early 2020. Leading the international sales and marketing team, Dave continues to expand and grow Aspen MP’s world-wide network.
A graduate of Pepperdine University with a degree in Business Administration, Dave is a native Californian married to Liz and the father of three young children. An avid outdoorsman, Dave hunts elk in the west, ocean fishes via free diving and is a former Jiu Jitsu fighter. With his family in tow, Dave also enjoys camping and fishing in the great outdoors in their RV.
Dave has developed partnerships and key distributor relationships on every continent for Aspen Medical Products and was instrumental in opening our first direct sales office outside the United States in Griesheim, Germany. Dave also was critical to the recent acquisition of Promedics, a leading soft goods manufacturer in the UK that Aspen Medical Products bought in early 2020. Leading the international sales and marketing team, Dave continues to expand and grow Aspen MP’s world-wide network.
A graduate of Pepperdine University with a degree in Business Administration, Dave is a native Californian married to Liz and the father of three young children. An avid outdoorsman, Dave hunts elk in the west, ocean fishes via free diving and is a former Jiu Jitsu fighter. With his family in tow, Dave also enjoys camping and fishing in the great outdoors in their RV.