Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health & wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Raymond Zakhari, Founder of Metro Medical Direct, located in New York, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Metro Medical Direct is a web-based primary care and psychiatric house call and telehealth practice in Manhattan that serves high-net-worth men. It provides a convenient one-stop shop in the privacy of the client's home, office, or hotel to meet most of their healthcare needs.
Tell us about yourself
In 2009, I had the unfortunate experience of being a patient in the best healthcare system in the area. Like many patients, I went in for one problem, and some other issue was found. This led to a string of referrals and tests, but the point I had gone in for was still unresolved.
On top of that, I realized that my doctors were not talking to each other, and the front-of-the-house staff, who would sometimes answer the phone or help with scheduling, was generally not looking to be helpful. Even worse, whenever I had to go to a doctor, I would have to cancel all my patients in the practice I was working for. So whenever I had an appointment, 30 patients would not be seen that day.
I wanted to know where doctors go for their care and why there was no convenient option like grocery delivery at home. That was the impetus for starting Metro Medical Direct. I am motivated each day to figure out how to make health care better, more accessible, and less arduous. How can I get the men the care they need in a timely fashion without having to jump through many hoops?
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The practice has grown over the past 13 years by word of mouth alone. It has expanded to provide both mental health and men's health.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Making time to run the business while doing the business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
People are looking for solutions, not necessarily the service you are offering. Position your service as a solution to a problem. Write a business plan as if you were seeking investors, even if you are not. Anticipate failure and barriers before you start and figure out how you may deal with them. Assemble your team of advisors, from a lawyer, accountant, and other professionals in your area.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.metromedicaldirect.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metromedicalny/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rzakhari/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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