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Merger to capitalize on shared skills, technologies for animal braces, human orthotics
McCOOK, Neb. -- A Benkelman, Nebraska, man with a passion for economic development is merging his company with a McCook manufacturing facility to capitalize on opportunities to grow both companies.
Ben Blecha of Benkelman, founder and owner of "Hero" dog braces, and his wife, Renee, purchased the Burns International Podiatric Laboratory in McCook in April 2014. Ben is excited about the future for both businesses as they share a headquarters and manufacturing plant in McCook.
"There is a similar skill set and craftsmanship involved in designing foot orthotics for people and orthopedic braces for dogs," Ben said recently. By merging Hero and Burns and exploiting new technologies, Ben says, "We can build up both companies."
The process to bring together Hero and Burns hasn't been a simple one, Ben said with the approach of the first anniversary of the merged businesses. It has involved many people behind the scenes, and, with a grin, Ben said it has taken more time than he had expected.
Four years ago, Ben and his wife were contemplating having to move away from Benkelman. That's when McCook veterinarian Dr. Wayne Watkins and his wife, Lori, invested in the dog brace company that Ben started in Benkelman in 2005 and named Ace Ortho Solutions, and since renamed "Hero" in 2014. That investment and vote of confidence cemented Ben's desire to remain in Benkelman and draw upon his interest in economic development to grow from there.
Then, about a year later, guidance from Dr. Watkins and from Van Korell's team at AmFirst lead to the realization that growing too fast could hurt a business as well. With a resolve not to fail, Ben looked for solutions. Cora and Dennis Berry of McCook pointed out a skill set and dedication to quality shared by the Burns craftsmen and -women as they built foot orthotics for people and by the Hero craftsmen and -women as they built braces for dogs.
Seeing a good match, Ben started looking at acquiring the Burns Lab operation in McCook.
Ben approached Mark Graff and Rex Nelson of McCook Economic Development. A few meetings with those men opened doors for a meeting with the Burns family. "The Burns family was very happy with McCook, and wanted to make sure the company would continue to prosper here," Ben said. "It's important to me to carry on the legacy, the craftsmanship and level of quality of the Burns family. It's an advantage we have over the competition."
Jason Loop, owner of Loop Brewery in McCook, added to the efforts as well, Ben said. "Jason believed in me and my vision and helped navigate the investment process."
"All this was happening behind the scenes for two years," Ben said. "Sometimes, it was a tough and tedious process. I'm so appreciative of the people who helped."
Ben and Renee purchased Burns Lab on April 1, 2014. The merger hasn't been without its struggles and challenges. But Ben keeps his eye on his vision and sees that both companies will benefit from the fusion and from the support in the future of local investors who share the vision.
Ben is proud of Burns' craftsmen and -women. "There are so few of them," he said.
"With surgeons, podiatrists, chiropractors and physical therapists in the United States, there are only 300,000 professional people who know about foot orthotics," Ben says. "And there are only 3,000 craftsmen and craftswomen in the United States who make them."
He continued, "We are experts in our craft and proud of it. We want to continue that and build on the Burns legacy."
From a base in the center of the United States, Ben says, "We can take new computer technologies, new disruptive technologies, and give our craft to the world."
It was through a year-long fellowship with "The Pipeline" in 2013 that Ben acquired the skills, desire and know-how to leverage technologies to his advantage and to involve investors in projects. "Pipeline" is an exclusive community of high-potential entrepreneurial leaders building high-growth companies throughout Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri. Pipeline leadership development training focuses on accelerating the growth of these leaders' companies.
For several years, Ace Ortho Solutions braces and now "Hero" have had a world-wide audience as devoted dog owners turn to custom-fit braces and prosthetics to help their injured and ailing pets. Ben has worked with dog owners and veterinarians throughout the United States, and in Canada, the United Kingdom, Romania, South Africa, Brazil and Australia.
Throughout the acquisition and merger process, Ben is quick to point out and recognize those who have influenced him and those he identifies as mentors.
Ben says that Mike Burns formed Burns podiatric lab as a corporation in 1969, but that he had started making foot orthotics in high school in his father's garage. Mike is a 1965 graduate of McCook Senior High. "Dr. Mike Burns has been a great thought leader, world-wide, in the field of podiatry," Ben says.
Burns family members have always been involved in the company, and Mary Burns O'Dea of Loveland, Colorado, will continue as the new company's financial officer. Mary Thorson has been a staple at Burns and continues to guide, Ben said.
"And I couldn't be luckier," Ben says of his association with Dr. Wayne Watkins, owner of Red Willow Animal Clinic west of McCook.
Ben points out, "This could not have happened if I didn't have a strong team at Hero that I could trust while I worked on this merger."
Ben has been involved in economic development efforts and in the Chamber of Commerce in Benkelman and wants to become as active in the McCook community.
Ben returned to Benkelman after graduating from college at the University of Texas/Southwest in Dallas, Texas, in 2001, and working around the country in prosthetic facilities like Shriner's Hospitals. He started a company in 2005 in Benkelman to build prosthetics for humans, and then expanded into orthopedic braces for dogs.
Ben believes in the advantages of small communities like Benkelman and McCook, and the opportunities for young couples to raise their families in them. He and Renee are raising their two small children in Benkelman. "If we want young couples to stay in, return to, or move to our small communities, it's vital that we offer them quality jobs," he said. "I'm excited about that opportunity."
Ben is advertising for craftsmen and -women to fill positions at the Burns lab manufacturing plant in McCook. He's seeking people who are willing to learn and perfect what, for most, could be new skills, and those with a work ethic that leads to pride in a job well done.