The Creation and Vision Behind Focus Solutions - As Told By Bruce Schaumberg
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare technology, the journey to becoming a pioneer in the field often begins in unexpected places. For many, including myself, the path unfolded not through precise planning but through a series of serendipitous encounters and bold decisions.
My journey commenced at St. Norbert College, where my passion for technology was ignited while pursuing a software development track. My career took its first significant leap with Skyline Technology in Northeast Wisconsin, a place where I honed my skills in software development. However, life often steers us in unforeseen directions, and soon, I found myself transitioning from technology to management roles outside the tech realm.
A pivotal turn
A pivotal turn came when acquaintances introduced me to Greenway Health, a company based in Atlanta, Georgia, at the forefront of electronic health records adaptation. This era, around 2009-2010, was marked by the emergence of the Meaningful Use standards and the HITECH Act, creating a fertile ground for innovation in healthcare technology. The demand for skilled professionals in this burgeoning field was palpable.
Encouraged by colleagues, I ventured into the healthcare technology world, initially as an independent consultant with Greenway Health. Engaging in implementation projects and technology deployment allowed me to immerse myself deeply into the sector. The blend of technology and healthcare resonated with me, tracing back to my roots, where my family ran a small construction business. This background instilled in me the appreciation for working closely with small and midsize enterprises, understanding their unique challenges, and delivering impactful solutions.
During this period, the healthcare landscape was rapidly transforming. Factors such as roll-up activities, consolidation, and the influx of outside capital began to redefine the industry’s dynamics. Working alongside proprietors and small business owners, I witnessed firsthand the direct impact of technological advances. The presence of financial incentives from the government accelerated the adoption of electronic health records at an unprecedented pace. It was a time when the healthcare sector embraced technology faster than many other industries, such as financial services or retail.
The Birth of Focus Solutions
Recognizing the unique opportunities this transformation presented, Focus Solutions was conceived. The vision was to bridge the gap between healthcare and technology by crafting solutions tailored to the industry’s evolving needs. Fortuitously, I had established connections with fellow pioneers like Mark Sternig, a co-founder and lead in software development, and Jason Lamine, who brought invaluable insights from his experience in logistics and infrastructure.
Our conversations, often held as I traversed the nation on various projects, consistently returned to the evolving landscape before us and how we could contribute. It was these dialogues that laid the foundation for Focus Solutions, an organization focused on integrating software, data, hardware, and security within the healthcare sector.
Today
Today, as we continue to expand our offerings and refine our services, it’s clear that the initial serendipitous journey has evolved into a deliberate mission to empower healthcare providers with cutting-edge technology. The goal remains to support these organizations as they navigate a technology roadmap that promises to shape the industry for decades to come.
Indeed, the path to healthcare technology is seldom linear, but it is in those unpredictable twists and turns that innovation often finds its greatest opportunities.
