Leaving behind the familiar comforts of Denmark to pursue an entrepreneurial dream in Colorado was a monumental risk for Thomas Sandgaard, but one that filled him with both excitement and apprehension. “With scarcely more than a vision and sheer determination, I embarked on this journey, driven by a deep belief in the potential of my business idea,” he said. “Each day brought its own set of obstacles; however, with unwavering perseverance and an unyielding work ethic, I forged ahead and discovered reservoirs of resilience and creativity within myself.”
Sandgaard, a two-time Titan 100, credits his ability to fuse his engineering prowess with keen business acumen that has propelled Zynex Medical ahead of the curve.
Zynex Medical is an innovative medical technology company specializing in the manufacture and sale of non-invasive medical devices for pain management, rehabilitation and patient monitoring. Founded in 1996, the firm saw its first product cleared by the FDA in 1998.
Over the past few years, Sandgaard has focused on forward-thinking initiatives while hiring sales representatives to transform the company into a formidable force in the pain management device market with a staggering $200 million valuation and the leading market share. “By employing a visionary approach to assembling a high-performing sales team, I recognized the importance of individuals who not only possess exceptional sales acumen but also understand the intricacies of the pain management device industry,” said Sandgaard.
As the founder, chairman and CEO, Sandgaard sees his most significant accomplishment as his contributions to addressing the devastating opioid crisis by facilitating the distribution of one million doses of naloxone, commonly known as Narcan. “This accomplishment represents a substantial effort to combat the alarming rise in opioid-related overdoses and fatalities,” he said. “The impact of this initiative is particularly evident in the fact that over 300,000 doses have been utilized in real-life situations, effectively saving lives and providing individuals with a second chance at life.”
Sandgaard has continued his commitment to fostering a culture of continuous growth and development at Zynex Medical with a comprehensive leadership training program. “Recognizing the critical role of mentorship, particularly at the senior leadership level, I have played a pivotal role in designing a program where seasoned leaders mentor and guide emerging talents within the organization,” said Sandgaard. “This initiative not only enhances the leadership skills of all the mentees but also ensures the transmission of institutional knowledge and values.”
