NEMT Experts Podcast Episode 13 (Part 1): How to Grow your NEMT Business with Derrick Edwards, owner of Premier Transit and Bambi CEO Nirav Chheda.

In the episode, Bambi CEO Nirav Chheda interviews Derrick Edwards, the owner of Premier Transit in Mobile, Alabama, on how he has successfully grown his NEMT business to 7 vehicles in 22 months. Derek talks about his journey of starting and growing his NEMT business. He shares his insights on branding, marketing, rates, and software for NEMT businesses.

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See the full interview at: https://youtu.be/E2AewXjxJQ4

When you are done check out Part 2: https://youtu.be/0pOXrJSSeJA

and Part 3: https://youtu.be/DMrCxL1Yb9Q

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Please don't forget to subscribe and like NEMT Experts Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@bambihealth
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Learn more about Premier Transit in Mobile, AL: https://www.thepremiertransit.com/‍

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Podcast Show Notes:

How to Grow your NEMT Business (Part 1/3), which features Derek Edwards, the owner of Premier Transit, an NEMT business based in Mobile, Alabama.

Starting an NEMT business:

• Derek started his NEMT business with two personal vehicles in 2020.
• He initially focused on ambulatory services but later expanded to wheelchair transportation as well.
• He emphasizes the importance of having a clear understanding of the NEMT industry and the rates before starting a business.

Branding and marketing:

• Derek believes that branding and marketing are crucial for success in the NEMT industry.
• He uses his vehicles as mobile billboards by wrapping them with his company logo and contact information.
• He also emphasizes the importance of providing clean and comfortable vehicles to clients.

Rates:

• Derek advises against undercutting other NEMT companies, as this can hurt the entire industry.
• He recommends doing research to determine fair rates for your area and services.
• He also suggests creating service agreements that are tailored to your specific business model.

Software for NEMT businesses:

• Derek uses Bambi software to manage his NEMT business.
• He finds Bambi to be user-friendly, affordable, and efficient.
• He recommends Bambi to other NEMT businesses.

Additional tips:

• Derek emphasizes the importance of providing excellent customer service.
• He also recommends building relationships with healthcare facilities and other potential clients.
• He believes that being passionate about helping others is essential for success in the NEMT industry.

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Here are some time-stamped show notes:

00:00 Introduction

‍01:30 Derrick's background

‍03:03 Learning about NEMT

‍05:01 Starting the business

‍06:00 Choosing vehicles

‍07:30 Brokers and private pay facilities

‍08:40 Branding and marketing

‍11:47 Caring for vehicles

‍13:00 Approaching facilities

‍15:30 Arrangement with facilities

‍18:50 Collaborating with others

‍20:19 Conducting research

‍22:45 Getting Bambi software

‍27:53 Conclusion

NEMT Experts Podcast Episode 12: Becoming "That NEMT Girl" with Te'ya Miles and Bambi CEO Nirav Chheda.

Bambi CEO Nirav Chheda interviews Te'ya Miles, popularly known online as "That NEMT Girl", on how she came to build her online NEMT communities and NEMT consulting brand.

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See the full interview at: https://youtu.be/RIt75pBHLo8

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Please don't forget to subscribe and like NEMT Experts Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@bambihealth
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Learn more about Te'ya "That NEMT Girl" and reach out to her at https://www.theenemtgirl.com/‍

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Podcast Show Notes:

In the episode, Te'ya Miles discusses her journey of starting her NEMT business, and building her online community, That NEMT Girl.

How Te'ya Miles started her NEMT business:

• Te'ya Miles was inspired to start her NEMT business after seeing senior residents at her property management job waiting for long periods for rides.

• She researched NEMT and learned about the different requirements in each state.
• She started her business with a van and provided transportation services to patients.

How That NEMT Girl community was born:

• Te'ya Miles was frustrated by the misinformation she saw online about NEMT.

• She wanted to share her own experience and knowledge to help others who were interested in starting NEMT businesses.
• She created the That NEMT Girl Facebook group and YouTube channel to provide information and resources to NEMT business owners and aspiring owners.

What That NEMT Girl community offers:

• The That NEMT Girl community provides a space for NEMT business owners to ask questions, share experiences, and learn from each other.
• Te'ya Miles also offers one-on-one consulting services to help NEMT business owners get started and grow their businesses.

Some of the challenges Te'ya Miles has faced:

• Te'ya Miles has had to deal with misinformation in the NEMT industry.

• She has also had to help clients who have had negative experiences with NEMT providers.

Overall, Te'ya Miles is passionate about helping others succeed in the NEMT industry. She is a valuable resource for NEMT business owners and aspiring owners.

Here are some links mentioned in the podcast:

• That NEMT Girl Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1445484494144494/
• That NEMT Girl YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3o2a_zso0aJOYRlBLzPv_A

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Here are some time-stamped show notes:

00:00 Introduction

‍06:20 Starting her NEMT business

‍11:00 Online social groups by "That NEMT Girl"

‍13:55 Consulting services by "That NEMT Girl"

‍15:50 When to get a consult

‍17:20 Te'ya's client stories

‍20:00 Te'ya's personal NEMT stories

‍24:45 Conclusion

NEMT Experts Podcast Episode 11: 5 Mistakes to Avoid in NEMT with Howard Berkowitz and Bambi CEO Nirav Chheda.

Bambi CEO Nirav Chheda interviews Howard Berkowitz, a leading NEMT consultant and NEMTAC Advisory Board Member, on 5 common mistakes that NEMT startup businesses need to avoid.

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See the full interview at: https://youtu.be/jk3Ka8Oxyd4

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Please don't forget to subscribe and like NEMT Experts Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@bambihealth
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Learn more about Howard's NEMT Startup Coaching at https://nemt.consulting/

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Podcast Show Notes:

• Do Your Homework: Thoroughly research your market before starting a NEMT company. Understand the competition, pricing structures in your area, the availability of business, and the specific needs of the medical facilities you'll serve.
• Business Structure Matters: Choose the correct business structure (LLC, Corporation) to protect yourself legally and give your business a solid foundation for growth.
• Training is Essential: Invest heavily in driver training to ensure the safety of your passengers. This is paramount for wheelchair securement, stretcher use, and general passenger care. Ongoing training and spot checks are crucial.
• Accidents are Costly (Literally and Figuratively): Training and safe practices mitigate the risk of accidents. Accidents lead to injuries, lawsuits, skyrocketing insurance rates, and potentially force you out of business.
• Hire a Knowledgeable Consultant: If possible, invest in a consultant with extensive NEMT experience, ideally someone who has owned and operated a NEMT company themselves. They'll help you navigate the industry's specifics and avoid costly mistakes.

Additional Insights from Howard Berkowitz:

• Seek Out a Scalable Software Solution: As a consultant, Howard sees value in user-friendly, scalable software (like Bambi). Avoid overly complex software designed for much larger operations.
• Get Involved in the Industry Organizations like NEMTAC (National Emergency Medical Transportation Association of Companies) set standards and provide valuable resources for NEMT businesses.

Here are some time-stamped show notes:

00:00 Introduction

‍03:30 Mistake #1: Not doing your homework

‍06:50 Mistake #2: Failing to have a business structure

‍08:54 Mistake #3: No driver training

‍10:47 Mistake #4: Vehicle accidents

‍12:56 Mistake #5: Not hiring a consultant

‍20:05 Conclusion

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NEMT Experts Podcast Episode 10: How to set up your NEMT Business Structure with Willena McGee the "NEMT Startup Coach" and Bambi CEO Nirav Chheda.

Bambi CEO Nirav Chheda interviews Willena McGee, the "NEMT Startup Coach", on the importance of startup NEMT companies setting up their business structure in the right way.

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See the full interview at: https://youtu.be/0HjWUQnVgtU

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Please don't forget to subscribe and like NEMT Experts Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@bambihealth
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Learn more about Willena's NEMT Startup Coaching at https://www.nemtstartup.net/

Reach out to Willena at nemtstartup@gmail.com

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Podcast Show Notes:

• Slow Down and Focus on Fundamentals: Don't rush into buying vehicles and starting operations. Focus on the fundamental administrative aspects of your business first. This creates a strong foundation that facilitates future growth.
• Government Contract Readiness: Getting SBA certified opens up your business to various contracts beyond just brokers, such as those within schools, prisons, and the community in general. This expands your income opportunities.
• Business Structure Matters: An LLC is often a good, simple starting point for new NEMT businesses. However, it's vital to:
• Understand tax implications and potential double-taxation situations if considering an S-Corp.
• Consult your tax advisor to determine the most suitable structure for your individual business.
• The Importance of Mentorship: Working with a mentor or coach, especially someone who has owned and run an NEMT company, can help you navigate challenges and avoid common pitfalls experienced by many new business owners in this industry.

Here are some time-stamped show notes:

00:00 Introduction

‍02:59 Willena's background

‍10:00 NEMT startup coaching service

‍12:49 NEMT business structuring

‍17:09 Willena's client stories

‍24:01 Conclusion

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NEMT Experts Podcast Episode 9: How to Hire NEMT Drivers with Jodie Lethgo of CareerDriver and Bambi CEO Nirav Chheda.

Bambi CEO Nirav Chheda interviews Jodie Lethgo, Co-Founder of CareerDriver, which helps transportation companies to implement best practices in hiring and retaining drivers.

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Watch the full interview at: https://youtu.be/u2ipJDlDl78

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Please don't forget to subscribe and like NEMT Experts Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@bambihealth

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Learn more about Career Driver at https://careerdriver.com/

Podcast Show Notes:

• Hiring is an "Always On" Activity: NEMT companies must focus on continuous recruiting efforts, not just when in need. This includes consistently showcasing company culture and values online to attract ideal candidates.
• Retention is Critical:  Building a positive and supportive company culture is essential for keeping good drivers long-term. This includes things like support groups, social events, and ensuring all employees feel like part of a family.
• Target the Right Candidates:
• Use social media with targeted advertising to reach people with relevant backgrounds (hospitality, home care)
• Use job boards like Indeed proactively, but be aware candidates are applying to many places.
• Tap into your existing driver network for referrals
• The Lead Funnel:  Understanding the hiring process as a funnel is key. You need to generate a steady flow of leads, work to vet them out, and have them move towards the bottom of the funnel (being hired).
• Trial and Error is Necessary There's no one-size-fits-all recruiting strategy. Start with Indeed, then explore other channels, always monitoring where your successful hires are coming from so you can focus your ad spend.
• The Cost of Not Hiring: Companies often worry about the cost of active recruiting, but there's a high cost to NOT having drivers. It's not just about the revenue loss; it's about missed opportunities to serve patients.

Important Quotes:

• "You better believe that Amazon's got a call center of people that are going to be talking to those people immediately."
• Emphasizes the competition NEMT firms face.
• "It's creating an environment where people are vested in staying, they believe in the company, and they believe in what they're doing."
• The core of employee retention.
• "It doesn't have to be a one-size-fits-all for everyone. And I do think it is very tailored to the culture of the company"
• Companies need to find what works best for them in terms of attracting and retaining drivers.

Here are some time-stamped show notes:

00:00 Introduction

‍02:40 Jodie's background

‍05:40 Birth of CareerDriver

‍07:25 NEMT drivers vs other transport

‍09:10 "Always On" mindset in hiring drivers

‍15:22 Driver retention

‍20:20: Ideal hiring process

‍28:50: Example of implementing hiring practices

‍32:50 Conclusion

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NEMT Experts Podcast Episode 8: How to Scale your NEMT Business with Phil Wilkins of Modivcare and Bambi CEO Nirav Chheda.

Bambi CEO Nirav Chheda interviews Phil Wilkins, Modivcare's Head of Community Engagement, on his journey to Modivcare and how he mentors NEMT businesses across the country on scaling their operations.

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Watch the full interview at: https://youtu.be/V-1Km1rc9EE

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Please don't forget to subscribe and like NEMT Experts Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@bambihealth

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Learn more about Phil at http://philwilkins.net/

Podcast Show Notes:

• NEMT is a Strong Business Model: NEMT businesses providing 20-500 rides a day can be multi-million dollar operations. This scale offers both economic opportunity for owners and a much-needed service to the community.
• Modivcare Wants to Help You Grow: Modivcare, a major NEMT broker, has a team dedicated to helping transportation providers grow and scale their businesses. This help is free and focused on building the fundamentals needed for success.
• R.O.P.E.S. System: Phil's system for growth focuses on 5 key areas:
• Resources: Take personal and business inventory before scaling (health, finances, relationships)
• Operations: Have systems in place to measure KPIs and ensure accountability
• People: Focus on consistent communication and training
• Execution: Set clear expectations, meet regularly, and follow up on goals
• Systems: Implement and streamline processes for consistency and efficiency.
• It Starts with the Basics: Don't overlook the simple things. Even experienced operators benefit from revisiting basic business principles. Modivcare can help as an outside perspective.
• Passion is Key: Modivcare prioritizes partners who are passionate about the mission of bridging the healthcare gap. It's not just about the money.

Important Quotes

• "When you get up to 20, 30, 300, 500 rides a day doing this business, you've got a potential multi-million dollar business. That's strong. That's strong, any way you cut it. That is strong. And that's a strong story to tell." - Phil
• "...we're also bridging the economic gap when we partner with locally owned and operated transportation partners..." - Phil
• "And what are the systems that you have in place? You know, how are you going about, you know, keeping people informed and measuring your KPIs and following up..." - Phil

How to Access Help from Modivcare

If you are an A or B provider with Modivcare and have growth goals, reach out to your local leadership team and express interest in the program.

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Here are some time-stamped show notes:

00:00 Introduction

‍01:55 Phil's background

‍04:07 Roles at Modivcare

‍07:33 Hands-on coaching transportation providers

‍16:21 Implementing growth systems

‍20:41 How to get Phil's coaching

‍23:42 Conclusion

NEMT Experts Podcast Episode 7: How to Buy a NEMT Business with Jeffrey Hoff from Reliant Transport and Bambi CEO Nirav Chheda.

Bambi CEO Nirav Chheda interviewed NEMT expert Jeffrey Hoff on how he bought and took over an existing NEMT business, Reliant Transport in Winston-Salem, NC.

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See the full interview at: https://youtu.be/yB0xf6FHZg8

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Please don't forget to subscribe and like NEMT Experts Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@bambihealth

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Podcast Show Notes:

Key Takeaways

• Why Buy an NEMT: Jeff sought a part-time business opportunity that was recession-resistant with recurring revenue. NEMT fit the bill, especially given the aging population demographics.
• Finding Deals: Build a network of business brokers. It's a quality-over-quantity game to find reputable ones.
• Evaluating a Deal:
• Focus on EBITDA: Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization. This is a key measure of cash flow.
• Apply a Multiple: A typical multiple in the industry is 3-4x EBITDA to determine the purchase price.
• Scrutinize Assets: Examine the condition of vehicles. Are replacements needed soon? How are the employees and contracts?
• Due Diligence: Thoroughly verify the company's financial information. Jeff hired an accountant to help.
• Transition Period: It's common in smaller deals to have the seller stay for 30 days to ease the transition. Consider a short-term consulting agreement, but be ready to sever it if things aren't working out.
• Financing: Don't be afraid of SBA financing. Jeff used a mix of personal capital (via a ROBS structure) and SBA financing to maintain flexibility in debt servicing.

Important Quotes

• "If you asked me five years ago, what NEMT stood for, I wouldn't have the faintest clue." - Jeff, highlighting how he came into the industry with no prior knowledge.
• "Run Bambi Run!" - both Nirav and Jeff endorsing Bambi software

Additional Notes

• Jeff doubled his business (trip volume-wise) since purchasing it.
• The challenges of COVID-19, market fluctuations (gas prices), and staffing are real in NEMT, but can be overcome.

Here are some time-stamped show notes:

00:00 Introduction

‍01:13 Why buy a business?

‍03:18 Figuring out what kind of business to buy

‍06:33 Finding an NEMT business to buy

‍08:51 Evaluating the NEMT business

‍12:13 Determining an offer price

‍13:57 Setting the takeover plan

‍15:43 What happened after taking over

‍18:37 How has the business grown since takeover?

‍20:41 Would you have done anything differently?

‍22:45 Financing structure for the takeover deal

Bambi & B811 Medical Transportation + JAX NEMT Success Stories

Bambi Customer Testimonials

In this interview Bambi CEO Nirav Chheda talks with Bambi customers Roslyn Taggart (owner of B811 Medical Transportation) and Michael Heidelberg (owner of JAX NEMT) on their experiences with Bambi and Bambi's NEMT scheduling and dispatch software.

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Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/HvhNsWMDqLo?si=je3MGrTCNurU0pEi

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Roslin and Michael are the two NEMT business owners who shared their experiences with Bambi. Roslin is the owner of B811 Medical Transportation and Michael is the owner of JAX NEMT.

Both Roslin and Michael started their businesses in March 2023. Roslin found that the paper calendar and Excel spreadsheet that she was using was not working as her business scaled. She needed something simple and straightforward. She found Bambi to be user-friendly and the customer support was great. Michael tried a bunch of different NEMT softwares before finding Bambi. He found Bambi to be the easiest to use and the most affordable.

Both Roslin and Michael are happy with Bambi and would recommend it to other NEMT business owners.

• "I was able to talk with some of the developers over on the Bambi side. So if I had a suggestion... they also added that helped out a lot also." - Roslyn
• "It completely changed my business... I can do it in less than two minutes." - Michael
• "I know a dispatcher can jump on this software, and within a day or two, start scheduling trips." - Michael

Here are some of the benefits of Bambi that Roslin and Michael mentioned:

• Easy to use
• Affordable
• Great customer support
• Routing optimization
• Reporting
• Ability to manage shifts and drivers
• Ability to add trips

If you are a NEMT business owner looking for a scheduling software, Bambi is a great option to consider.

NEMT Experts Podcast Episode 6: Five Tips to Lower Insurance Costs

Bambi CEO Nirav Chheda interviewed NEMT expert Evan Chambers on how NEMT companies can reduce their insurance costs. Evan is a Producer at Byars Wright and provides insurance to NEMT companies.

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See the full interview at: https://youtu.be/IYQB79f2las

Please don't forget to subscribe and like NEMT Experts Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@bambihealth

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Podcast Show Notes:

Key Takeaways

• Driver Hiring: Perform thorough pre-employment screening, including drug testing, background checks, and motor vehicle record (MVR) checks.
• Driver Training: Implement a structured training program that includes written and road tests, wheelchair/stretcher securement, defensive driving, proper lifting techniques (for stretcher transports), and emergency procedures.
• Technology: Invest in cameras (inward and outward-facing) and telematics (driver behavior monitoring) to deter claims, protect against frivolous lawsuits, and identify areas for driver improvement.
• Company Policy & Procedures: Establish clear protocols for safe and responsible transportation, empowering drivers to prioritize patient safety (e.g., removing pillows, ensuring proper restraint).
• Re-training: Regularly re-train all drivers and provide additional training to those identified as needing improvement.

Important Quotes

• Prevention is key: "The number one response and answer is reduce your claims. So that's the really short answer to all this."
• Invest in your people: "The good operators, the ones that don't have claims are the ones that get the best rates out there in the market."
• Safety first: "Empowering your drivers to stop the vehicle...we can't move forward until you [properly secure the patient]."
• Inspect what you expect: "Take them [drivers needing improvement] out of the line-up, put them back through the course...everyone needs to re-learn and maybe refresh every now and then."

Here are some time-stamped show notes:

00:00 Introduction

‍01:43 Driver hiring

‍03:18 Driver training

‍04:49 Technology (cameras, telematics)

‍06:24 Company policies & procedures

‍07:51 Re-training drivers

‍08:31 Conclusion