Episode 20: Empowering Employees - The Future of Lone Star Communications
Release Date: 08/14/2025
Episode 26: Workplace Safety in Healthcare: How RTLS Protects Nurses & Patients
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Podcast Episode Summary In this CarePoints Podcast episode, host Kenny Schiff sits down with Allen Foucht, BSN, RN, CLSSMBB, Senior Engagement Consultant at Midmark Consulting, to discuss the critical role of Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) in modern healthcare. Drawing from Allen’s nursing background and frontline experience, the conversation explores how RTLS has evolved from asset tracking to a must-have solution for staff safety, duress alerts, and workflow optimization. They delve into how Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and hybrid RTLS...
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Episode 22: Safety Without Slip-Ups: Rauland’s Telecenter is Revolutionizing Emergency Communication Systems
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In this episode of CarePoints, host Kenny Schiff speaks with Rob Gorelik, Senior Product Manager at Rauland, about the company’s legacy and innovation in education and healthcare communications. Rob shares his experience leading the development of Telecenter, a platform widely used in schools and increasingly in hospitals. The conversation explores Rauland’s evolution from its early days in radio to becoming a leader in safety and communication technology, with a strong focus on enhancing security in learning environments. This Episode’s Guests Rob...
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Episode 21: What Hospitals Really Want from Their Vendors
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In this episode of CarePoints, Bill Mundt, Deputy CIO of University Health in San Antonio, shares what makes healthcare IT partnerships succeed. He emphasizes that trust, transparency, and responsiveness are essential to building lasting relationships with hospitals. Cybersecurity remains a top concern, as leaders balance innovation with the risks of ransomware and other threats. Mundt stresses that vendors must provide not only technology but also expertise and accountability. At the core of every partnership is patient care, and the best vendors never lose sight of that mission. ...
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Episode 20: Empowering Employees - The Future of Lone Star Communications
CarePoints
In this episode of CarePoints, host Kenny Schiff sits down with Lone Star Communications founder and CEO, Ray Bailey, to explore the company’s future following its transition to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). From longtime employees who’ve been part of the journey since day one, to strategic decisions and Bailey’s personal mission, discover what truly sets Lone Star apart as a leader in the industry. This Episode’s Guests Ray Bailey Ray Bailey, founder and CEO of Lone Star Communications, brings decades of experience in healthcare...
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Episode 19: Future of Healthcare Technology: Balancing Needs, Wants, and Data
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In this episode of CarePoints, Kenny Schiff sits down with healthcare technology leader, Steve Tyler, to discuss why less is more when it comes to clinical communication tools. Learn how aligning technology with real clinician workflows—not just adding more features—can reduce alert fatigue, improve staff efficiency, and enhance patient safety. From the importance of user-centered design to the role of AI and data integration, this episode breaks down what it takes to build healthcare technology that truly supports care teams and drives better outcomes. This Episode’s Guests ...
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Episode 18: The Future of Fall Prevention with Predictive Monitoring
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In this episode of CarePoints, Kenny Schiff chats with the CEO of Ocuvera, Steve Kiene, about the future of fall prevention in hospitals. Learn how predictive technology, staff workflow integration, and solid infrastructure are helping reduce unassisted bed exits by over—and what it means for the future of safer care. This Episode’s Guests Steve Kiene - CEO for Ocuvera With a background spanning software, computer vision, hospital tech, and product development, Steve brings both technical expertise and a patient‑centered perspective. His leadership helped build the...
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Episode 17: Why Real-Time Access and Smart Devices are the Future of Healthcare Safety
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Podcast Episode Summary In this episode of CarePoints, Kenny Schiff chats with Kassaundra McKnight-Young about how technology is transforming healthcare with real-time data, wearable devices, and innovative solutions. Together, they explore how these advancements improve patient safety, speed up care, and enhance the overall healthcare experience. This Episode’s Guests Kassaundra McKnight-Young Healthcare CNIO Industry Principle for Zebra Technologies With 30 years of experience in healthcare, Kassaundra is committed to...
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Episode 16: StarCare CX: Experience Excellence, Every Time
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Podcast Episode Summary In this episode of CarePoints, Kenny Schiff chats with Donna Montgomery and Kevin Henderson about the company’s new StarCare CX program, which focuses on evolving customer experience based on ever-changing industry needs. They discuss how Lone Star is shifting from transactional service to a collaborative, results-driven approach, with an emphasis on proactive support, continuous improvement, and aligning technology with providers' goals. This Episode’s Guests Donna Montgomery Chief Clinical Informatics Officer at Lone Star...
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Episode 15: Optimizing Tech Utilization in Hospitals
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Episode Summary In this episode of CarePoints, Kenny Schiff chats with Patti Artley and Amy Ricords about the challenges and successes of hospital technology adoption. They emphasize involving frontline staff in tech decisions, bridging gaps between purchasing and implementation, and the importance of thorough planning and ongoing education. The episode also explores the potential of data integration and AI in enhancing patient care and hospital efficiency. This Episode’s Guests: Amy Ricords Vice President of Customer Relationship Amy’s expertise lies in...
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Episode 14: Failing on Falls: The Race to Make Hospitals Safer
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Podcast Episode Summary In this episode of CarePoints, Kenny Schiff chats with Guy Meger, Elaine Bridge, and Tim O’Malley about the challenges of implementing new at-home technologies to prevent falls in elderly patients. They discuss the critical need for seamless integration of these technologies into daily routines and the importance of training patients and caregivers to maximize their effectiveness. The conversation also highlights the role of data analytics in monitoring patient safety and the ongoing evolution of fall prevention strategies within healthcare settings. ### ...
info_outlineIn this episode of CarePoints, host Kenny Schiff sits down with Lone Star Communications founder and CEO, Ray Bailey, to explore the company’s future following its transition to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). From longtime employees who’ve been part of the journey since day one, to strategic decisions and Bailey’s personal mission, discover what truly sets Lone Star apart as a leader in the industry.
This Episode’s Guests
Ray Bailey
Ray Bailey, founder and CEO of Lone Star Communications, brings decades of experience in healthcare communications to the company’s foundation. Before launching Lone Star in 1991, Bailey spent five years as a district manager at Rauland, a leading provider of integrated communication and safety solutions for healthcare and education. Thirty-four years ago, Bailey drafted the mission statement that continues to be Lone Star’s guiding light: “We will deliver the right products to our customers on time, the first time, every time, with no exceptions.” He has served on the board of directors for the National Systems Contractors Association since 2003 and is an accomplished pilot, having flown over 200 Angel flights.
Connect: LinkedIn
Key Takeaways
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Lone Star Communications is now proudly employee-owned through an ESOP. This transformative move gives employees a direct stake in the company’s success and helps preserve its leadership and values for the long term.
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Lone Star has grown into a trusted industry leader with 285 employees. It continues to make a meaningful impact across healthcare, education, and commercial industries by focusing on safety, communication, and service.
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Employee empowerment is central to Lone Star’s culture and future. Through smart management and technology, the company fosters leadership at every level and ensures employees can make a real impact—and benefit from it.
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Rather than being acquired, Lone Star chose to expand strategically on its own terms. With multiple acquisitions and a focus on schools and hospitals, the company is poised to double in size and grow its national influence in the coming decade.
Connect with Lone Star Communications
☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at info@lonestarcom.com.
CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare and educational technology industries. For over 33 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare and education through innovation.