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Who I am, and why it may matter to you in healthcare.
I’ve lived healthcare from every angle: as a patient, a son, a business leader, and now a father. My story starts back in ’76 when I survived 11 surgeries by age five. Only by the grace of God and the dedication of great healthcare providers am I here today. My parents were told I might struggle, might never have kids or a full life—well, here I am with four incredible kids. Whether that’s proof they were right about my smarts, I’ll let you be the judge! Joking, it's the best blessing ever!! We’ve got two boys in high school, an 8th grade daughter, and a 2nd grade daughter, so life’s never quiet, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Healthcare is in my blood, literally and figuratively. My dad started Rockwell Medical Supply while still working for another distributor, and by high school, I was already learning from both sides of the business. When I couldn’t play football, I found my way to compete through powerlifting—deadlifting 670 lbs by 23. That taught me an early lesson: when the odds are against you, where there’s a will, there’s a way.
After college, I was building a successful career in IT recruiting, but in 2001, my family’s business was struggling, and my dad had already endured two strokes. There was no question—I called off my wedding, took a 90% pay cut, and moved to California to help. I walked into a 25-year-old company with no email, no online ordering, and an ancient fax machine. On paper, we had no chance. But we had a story, and we were willing to go the extra mile with every client.
By 2008, we’d tripled in size, led non-acute care on the West Coast, and became one of the most advanced independent distributors in the field. In 2017, I had the blessing of working with Concordance upon selling Rockwell, which gave me insights into the full spectrum of healthcare, its silos, and how they play—or don’t play—together. In 2021/2022, I also had the opportunity to help launch the first FDA-approved urine analyzer in 15 years.
Yet, amid all this, I fought my own battle with alcoholism. But by the grace of God and with my wife’s support—the same incredible woman who moved with me back in 2001—I got sober on June 2, 2014. That’s the badge I’m proudest to wear because it gave me the clarity and purpose to be here today.
Now, through VIPER Healthcare Supply Chain Solutions LLC, I’m taking those lessons of resilience, faith, and hard work to help healthcare organizations thrive. VIPER is about more than business; it’s personal. I’m on a mission to bring high-touch service, innovative solutions, and heartfelt dedication back into healthcare. Let’s use this knowledge and experience to make an impact together.
If this resonates with you, if you believe in something beyond spreadsheets and profits, let’s make a difference together. Join me on this journey with VIPER and let’s work to create real, human-centered solutions for healthcare.
Better Together. Focused on the Next Right Thing.
Mike
mrockwell@vipercarechain.com
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