The Legends of Lab
In this industry, success isn’t just about numbers, logistics, or product portfolios – it’s about people. The best in medical distribution understand that relationships drive everything. They know that trust isn’t built in a day, that a handshake still means something, and that business is best done with a little bit of fun along the way.
This year, we celebrate three professionals who embody that, and I’m fortunate to call all three my friends: Brad Thompson of NDC, Lisa Wikstrom of Abbott Diagnostics, and Jonathan Overbey of Sekisui Diagnostics – our newest inductees into the Medical Distribution Hall of Fame.
If you’ve had the pleasure of working with Brad, you know his passion for lab sales and the independent dealers across the U.S. He understands that distribution is a team sport and that collaboration between manufacturers and distributors wins the game every time.
Lisa, with her unwavering commitment to distribution, has not only driven business forward but has done so through numerous acquisitions and challenges along the way. No matter what situation she finds herself in, she consistently shines.
And Jonathan, who has never met a stranger and may be the best relationship salesman / leader in our industry. Ask anyone that has worked with J.O. and you’ll hear the same thing, the guy works hard and plays hard, but he never misses the bell. All three of these individuals have made me better and I am eternally grateful to each of them.
What makes this Hall of Fame class special isn’t just their achievements, it’s the way they’ve gone about them. They’ve shown us that great work and good times aren’t mutually exclusive – that, in fact, the best work happens when you genuinely enjoy the people you do it with.
So here’s to Brad, Lisa, and Jonathan. To the deals done over dinner, the late-night strategy sessions that somehow turned into lifelong friendships, and the belief that what we do matters – not just in business, but in the way we show up for each other.
Congratulations to this year’s inductees. You’ve made the industry better, and you’ve made it fun. That’s a legacy worth celebrating. We can’t wait to honor each of you in Fort Worth this April.
Dedicated to the Industry,
R. Scott Adams
Publisher