 |
| photography by Dan Sellers |
MEET THE CEO
Pen and paper is not the most efficient way to track patient information in the emergency healthcare industry, where seconds can mean the difference between life and death. MEDHOST, Inc. provides emergency departments with technology that processes such crucial data faster and more accurately, creating a safer environment for patients and reducing malpractice risk for hospitals. Under CEO Craig Herrod’s leadership, MEDHOST has received a “#1 Best in KLAS” ranking (an honor awarded to superior-performance healthcare technology companies) in 2004 and 2005. Clients include the Baylor Health Care System and the Memorial Hermann Healthcare System in Houston.
Age: 50
Title, Company: President and CEO of MEDHOST, Inc.
Tenure: Five years
What was your first job?
In my early teens, I mowed lawns for several neighbors on our street and did some babysitting.
What was your worst job?
To help pay for college, I started a paint contracting business with a friend, so we worked during the summer months in Houston. The final summer of our business was the hardest because we were bored with the work and tired of the heat and humidity.
If you couldn’t say “the people I work with,” what would you say is the best part of your job?
Getting to meet and work directly with our customers to help them solve their problems is very rewarding and fun. Our customers constantly provide us great feedback, which we utilize to further improve our emergency department software, our services, and our company.
What’s the worst part?
Keeping pace with the constant stream of communication—e-mails, voicemails, or cell phone calls—is challenging because I want to be involved and answer everyone as quickly as possible, but you have to have some balance with quality personal time.
On weekends, where would people find you?
I can usually be found on the golf course during the day and at dinner with my wife and friends at night.
What book is currently on your nightstand?
Turnaround: How Carlos Ghosn Rescued Nissan by David Magee, as well as various golf and business magazines.
What’s your favorite TV show?
Anything with sports, but especially professional football and college basketball.
What’s your most recent major purchase?
Furniture and rugs for our new house in Frisco.
What’s your biggest regret?
Not spending more time with my large family because of living so far
away for many years.
What do you consider to be your biggest weakness?
Being too positive at times, which can cloud the reality of a negative situation.
What’s the best advice anyone ever told you?
My father always said, “Be honest and truthful about yourself and always strive to do your best in everything you undertake.”
