The Story of MEDEV Part 1: How it all began?

I suddenly realized that I am really out of work on that fateful day sometime in May, 1999. A few months ago, I just had a problem with a manager at the Philippine branch of GE Medical Systems, the world's largest manufacturer of medical equipment and part of General Electric - the world's most admired company, and I cannot help but to resign.

I was starting a family, and I have 2 small kids (one is a 2-year old boy and the other is a 3 month old baby girl at that time), and therefore needed to have a job immediately! I did my rounds of applying with other companies but, at 33, I realized I am either too young or too old for their tastes. Meanwhile, those who are willing to accept me are not willing to give me a decent salary. So what do I have to do?

Just in time, a former customer (prior to my stint with GE) contacted me with major problems regarding their equipment. They needed parts (motherboard) as well as someone to repair it. Since I have maintained my contacts with the manufacturer, IMEX Medical Systems, Inc. (now Nicolet Vascular and part of Viasys Healthcare), I can definitely help them. Problem is, the customer is a department in a government hospital and would need the exclusive distributor if in case I want to get paid (Of course I want to get paid!). IMEX did not pose a problem for they told me they can sign me up for an exclusive distributorship agreement, anytime.

It seems at that point that all the pieces are falling in place, a solution to a puzzle is beginning to unravel. I have already accumulated more than 10 years of experience in various capacities (sales, service, product management, administration) in the medical equipment business from small local family-owned companies (RG Meditron and Pharmedic Corp.) to the biggest in the world (GE Medical)! I also have already had my taste of being self employed for a while, still in the medical equipment business. Meanwhile, my wife whom I met at RG Meditron has already accumulated valuable years of experience in the processing of importations and international trading. She was with Colgate-Palmolive Phils for the last 10 years in charge of importing raw materials and her employer is luring everyone with a somewhat generous early retirement package. Everything now seems to be pointing to one direction. I thought I was ready and concluded that I must (and I did) form my own company!

The next question is, what would I name it?