🎙️ Unscripted Small Business Podcast
From Business Operations to Medical Innovation with Justin Stehr of MetaFlex®
The Certified Hand Therapist at Vanderbilt Health on bridging clinical expertise with product innovation, unexpected markets that expanded the business, and why education is the best marketing strategy in healthcare.
Episode Overview
Jeremy Rivera interviews Justin Stehr, OT, Clinical Consultant for MetaFlex® and Certified Hand Therapist at Vanderbilt Health. Justin shares his journey from business management to healthcare innovation, discussing how MetaFlex® gloves are disrupting traditional hand therapy approaches.
About Justin Stehr
Justin Stehr, OT, CHT serves as Clinical Consultant for MetaFlex®, educating healthcare professionals on innovative rehabilitation solutions. He’s also a Certified Hand Therapist at Vanderbilt Health. A former business operations manager for 10 years who pivoted to healthcare — after his own hand injury requiring major reconstruction, Justin became passionate about hand therapy and rehabilitation innovation.
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Key Business Insights
1. Simple Ideas Can Have Big Impact
“That’s one of my focuses with MetaFlex is trying to provide just general knowledge and exposure to simple ideas that can have a big impact.” The most successful innovations often solve problems in straightforward ways.
2. Unexpected Markets Drive Growth
MetaFlex® was designed for arthritis, but Justin discovered applications in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, stroke and TBI recovery, and post-surgical rehabilitation. Business lesson: listen to how customers actually use your product.
3. Education as a Business Strategy
Justin’s mission extends beyond selling products: “Trying to provide just general knowledge and exposure.” Educational content builds credibility and drives adoption in medical markets.
4. The Co-Founder Advantage
“One being an orthopedic surgeon and the other being an engineer. The surgeon understood the principles of hand anatomy and healing and stretch. And the engineer, he was focused on those functional benefits.” Successful healthcare startups combine clinical expertise with engineering innovation.
The Product: MetaFlex® Gloves
“It doesn’t really just hold your hand in one position like maybe braces of the past or splints do, but it allows you to maintain this constant motion while you have it on. So it’s really kind of a departure from those traditional hand therapy modalities.” The MetaFlex® glove uses adjustable elastic bands on each finger to assist extension while allowing natural motion.
Connect with Justin Stehr
- Vanderbilt Health — Occupational Therapy
- MetaFlex® — Clinical Consultant
- Find a Hand Therapist: HTCC.org
The Unscripted Small Business Podcast features candid conversations with founders and operators. Hosted by Jeremy Rivera.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult qualified healthcare providers regarding medical conditions.