From Business Operations to Medical Innovation with MetaFlex®
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.
Key Topics:
- Building a clinical consulting business in healthcare
- Bridging the gap between medical expertise and product innovation
- Unexpected market applications that expanded the business
- The importance of education in medical device adoption
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.
Background: Former business operations manager (10 years) who pivoted to healthcare, earning a master’s in occupational therapy. After his own hand injury requiring major reconstruction, Justin became passionate about hand therapy and rehabilitation innovation.
The Business Journey: Operations to Clinical Consulting
From Corporate to Healthcare
Justin started in business management and operations for 10 years before transitioning to healthcare. This business background uniquely positions him to understand both the clinical and commercial aspects of medical device innovation.
The Clinical Consulting Role
Quote: “I’m their clinical consultant and I’m constantly trying to find ways to educate folks like yourself or other OTs, PTs, nurses, providers, you know, how to best utilize the products.”
Justin’s role bridges product development, clinical validation, and professional education—a critical function for any healthcare startup.
Key Business Insights
1. Simple Ideas Can Have Big Impact
Quote: “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. Learn more at Why MetaFlex® Works.
2. Unexpected Markets Drive Growth
MetaFlex® was designed for arthritis, but Justin discovered applications in:
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome – “While stretching is contraindicated for that diagnosis, that proprioceptive input that those bands give to the joints by pulling back, they’ve found helpful and comforting.”
- Stroke & TBI Recovery – “Those bands have been actually helpful in keeping those fingers open.”
- Post-Surgical Rehabilitation – Alternative to expensive custom orthotics
Business Lesson: Listen to how customers actually use your product. Read more success stories at the MetaFlex® Health Blog.
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. See examples at 10 Things You Should Know About MetaFlex®.
4. The Co-Founder Advantage
Quote: “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. Read the founder’s story on the About MetaFlex® page.
The Product: MetaFlex® Gloves
What Makes It Different
Quote: “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—a key differentiator in a crowded market. See the Fit & Sizing Guide.
Market Validation
Justin is presenting research at the American Congress of Rehabilitative Medicine (ACRM) featuring a Vanderbilt limb salvage case where MetaFlex® replaced custom orthotics.
Quote: “At that time, I wasn’t even associated with Metaflex. And it was more of a, this is a really cool idea.”
Third-party clinical validation is gold for medical device companies. Watch videos and read reviews on the Learn More page.
Applications for Small Business Owners
Workplace Ergonomics
Quote: “We spend all day long, we grip everything. So we’re constantly grabbing and pinching… We never forcefully open.”
Desk workers, tradespeople, and anyone using their hands repetitively are at risk for carpal tunnel and other conditions. Learn more: Managing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Mental Health & Productivity
Quote: “Mental health is at the forefront of everything we do in OT. Humans can’t be in a constant state of pain or stress.”
Hand pain affects sleep, mood, and productivity—issues every business owner should address. Read more: Stay Active in Cold Weather.
Prevention is Cheaper Than Treatment
Action Item: “Take frequent breaks to stretch what’s tight and strengthen what’s weak.”
Business Takeaways
- Cross-Industry Experience Matters – Justin’s business background enhances his healthcare role
- Find Clinical Validators – Third-party experts add credibility to medical products
- Stay Open to Unexpected Markets – Product-market fit may differ from initial assumptions
- Education Builds Trust – Content marketing works especially well in healthcare
- Research Presentations = Marketing – Academic conferences provide validation and visibility
Connect with Justin Stehr
- Vanderbilt Health – Occupational Therapy
- MetaFlex® – Clinical Consultant
Find a Hand Therapist: HTCC.org
Professional Resources:
Connect with Unscripted Small Business
Host: Jeremy Rivera
Company: SEO Arcade
Website: [UnscriptedSmallBusiness.com]
Take Action
For Business Owners & Entrepreneurs:
- Visit MetaFlex.com to see an innovative healthcare startup in action
- Check out MetaFlex® Press Features for award-winning innovation coverage
- Read the MetaFlex® News blog for updates on product development
For Hand Health:
- Visit the MetaFlex® FAQ page for common questions
- Use the Store Locator to find MetaFlex® near you
- Read the MetaFlex® Health Blog for hand health tips
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult qualified healthcare providers regarding medical conditions.
Special thanks to Justin Stehr for sharing his business and clinical expertise on this episode.