Today we’d like to introduce you to Renee Caldwell.
Renee, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Since 2004, Stork Vision 3D/4D Ultrasound has been providing expectant mothers with the highest quality limited diagnostic 2D, 3D and 4D ultrasounds. Our Centers provide expectant mothers and their families the opportunity to interact and share in this once-in-a lifetime experience through the eyes of ultrasound in a warm and inviting environment.
In the 13 years since we started, we have become the nation’s largest branded ultrasound imaging company with 25 stores in 9 states. What sets us apart from our competitors is also what we are most proud of: we provide the safest and highest quality imaging services in the prenatal limited diagnostic ultrasound imaging industry. Specifically, only ARDMS registered or registry eligible sonographers perform our scans, all of our clients must have proof of prenatal care and all scans are reviewed by a board certified Medical Directory licensed in the state. We also have strict operating protocols and all of our stores must complete ongoing training, audits and compliance visits to uphold the integrity of our brand.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Bringing a new concept or service to market in the medical arena has had its challenges. Since guidelines and regulations were no yet established we worked hard with the state of Texas to establish and define protocols where there previously were none. This experience not only shaped the industry but also the way we carry out our business. These protocols and standards are an integral part of our employee manual, operations manual and training materials. Our ethics and mission permeate all of these documents and directly impact the way we conduct our daily business.
Another challenge we face is addressing customers who are not under prenatal care. As per our requirements, all of our clients must be under a doctor’s care and because of that we have had to delicately reinforce the importance of prenatal care to some of our clients who have tried to book appointments without the necessary documentation. We believe in the importance of prenatal care so strongly that we will turn away customers who cannot provide a written order form from a state licensed practioner.
While some ultrasound companies may accept these clients regardless of their prenatal care status, our values require us to turn these clients away with grace and care.
Price competition in our field can also be a challenge. We know that other ultrasound imaging companies may offer lower priced packages because they do not hire ARDMS sonographers or employ Medical Directors to review scans. These lower standards and therefore overhead costs allow them to provide pricing that sometimes undercuts our packages. However, we work hard to convey to our customers that our client satisfaction is based on the fact that we employ sonographers and that we have Medical Directors to review scans and personally contact a customer’s prenatal care provider in emergency situations.
Stork Vision Ultrasounds – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
When we started our company in 2004, ultrasound imaging was an emerging industry. We realized that many of our competitors did not have the same standards of safety, quality, or values that we believed in. We saw the opportunity to create a branded company within the prenatal ultrasound imaging industry. Our mission was to provide our customers with an experience like no other, one that ensured safety, quality and a consistent experience.
Prior to opening we approached local obstetricians and gynecologists and embraced their input on our procedures, staffing and protocols. From our discussions, we standardized policies and procedures that would raise the bar of how limited diagnostic ultrasounds were performed. Our goal was to be a pioneer in the industry and to set high quality and safety standards as well as provide a warm and inviting environment with unsurpassable customer service. We are proud to say that we met and exceeded that goal.
In May of 2007, Stork Vision Systems, Inc. proudly announced the launch of its national franchise program. The response has been tremendous. Our vision began with a single store in 2004 and has since grown to 25 locations across Georgia, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, Illinois, Utah, Nebraska and Northern Kentucky.
Where do you see your industry going over the next 5-10 years? Any big shifts, changes, trends, etc.?
Our industry continues to grow. Childbirth and pregnancy are celebrated now more than ever and we expect the excitement around this amazing experience to continue.
In this day of social media and image sharing, parents-to-be are so excited to share their entire pregnancy experience with friends and family. More moms-to-be are having maternity photo sessions to document their growing belly and they are also wanting ultrasound images to record the growth of their unborn child. That is where we come in. We love seeing our ultrasound images shared on Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. No longer are expectant moms just documenting their babies’ growth at 1 month and two months, it’s now 12 weeks gestation and 25 weeks gestation.
Another big trend right now is gender reveal parties. Expectant parents have become so creative in announcing the gender of their baby. Many throw parties so that friends and family can share in the excitement of the big reveal. Our Stork Vision locations are always thrilled to be a part of that experience whether it is actually hosting the party or just providing the needed gender information.
With regard to image technology, we’ve seen huge advancements over the years. The traditional black and white ultrasound image has now been replaced with in color 3D images that show amazing details of the baby. We’ve seen babies smile, spit and wave. It is incredible what these new ultrasound machines can capture. And our 4D live motion imaging, captures continuous three-dimensional scans of the baby so that you can see your baby moving in 3D.
As a company, we also continue to grow. Every week we are contacted by individuals who are interested in being a part of our franchise system. Our store owners have varied backgrounds and experience. They are professionals from both the business and medical world. Many are sonographers themselves. We are proud that our business model allows our owners the opportunity to have a flexible career that provides them time to spend with their families. After all, that is what our company is all about.
Pricing:
- $85 for a 2d ultrasound
- $150 for a 3d/4d ultrasound
- $250 for a multiple visit pacakage
Contact Info:
- Address: Stork Vision Systems, Inc. Corporate HDQ
2712 Colleyville Blvd.
Suite 202
Colleyville , TX 76034 - Website: www.storkvison.com
- Phone: 972-880-8290
- Email: renee@storkvision.com
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
