Inc. 5000 spotlight: Portable Oxygen Solutions broadens options

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Seeing a disconnect between what patients want and what physicians are offering for home oxygen therapy, Todd Flesch and Jeff Dewberry launched Portable Oxygen Solutions, an online provider of POCs and accessories.

Now in its sixth year of operation, Portable Oxygen Solutions recently made its second appearance on the Inc. 5,000 list of the fastest growing companies in the United States, landing at No. 2980.

“It's a direct reflection of our employees and the empathy they show,” said Flesch. “We're a small company and that makes us very flexible to meet the needs of each patient. One-hundred percent of the time we try to do the right thing and that has served us well.”

Portable Oxygen Solutions reported three-year growth of 125% and revenue of $2.6 million for 2018, according to Inc.

The companysells a range of POCs and accessories from all the major manufacturers for cash, and its employees work with customers to get them the right product, says Flesch.

“We take a consultative approach,” he said. “Clinically, what does the physician think is the best for them; lifestyle, what are they going to be doing day-today; and personally, what's most important to them— size, warranty, battery life?”

Portable Oxygen Solutions believes the right product isn't necessarily what Medicare or Medicaid will pay for, Flesch says.

“Our industry is so geared toward that,” he said. “We recognize not everyone can afford to purchase a POC out-of-pocket, but some can and the information was never making its way to those patients.”

It's an approach that has served Portable Oxygen Solutions well with today's seniors who are more active and savvier than past generations, says Flesch.

“Nobody wants to be on oxygen but with the right technology people can life a very fruitful and productive life,” he said. “That's what's driving all the growth and we need to get that education out there.”