On the Mend creates ‘destination store’ 

SOUTHBURY, Conn. - On the Mend Medical Supplies and Equipment is expanding with a new location in Southington, Conn., signaling its plans for further growth along the East Coast. 

The decision to open the Southington location, the company’s fifth, was strategic, says owner Liam O’Keeffe. 

“It’s easy on and off the highway no matter which way you’re coming,” he said. “It’s very convenient. For us to be a destination store, it has to be, especially for the market we service, which is the senior market.” 

Founded in 2016, On the Mend Medical began as a small operation with just two employees – O’Keeffe and his business partner, whom he bought out in 2020. The company has since expanded to 26 employees on the East Coast. 

On the Mend has set a target of opening two more stores within the next year and a half to reach seven locations within 10 years. Looking beyond these immediate goals, O’Keeffe envisions expanding further down the East Coast, with potential locations in New York, New Jersey and the Carolinas. 

“The idea is to start moving south as our clientele moves South,” he said. 

O’Keeffe credits much of the company’s success to a strong team, including key figures like Marsi Beck and Ahjaki McFadden, who have played significant roles in maintaining high service standards and streamlining operations, respectively. 

“I don't want to sit at my desk—I’d go crazy at my desk,” said O’Keeffe. "I want to make an impact and Marsi wants to make an impact. Ahjaki saw that and said, ‘OK, these two are going to run themselves into the ground,’ and made an impact by putting together processes that allow others to carry the ball so we can expand internally and organically to reach our goals.”