How to Thrive in the U.S. Medical Device Market With Stéphan Toupin
Release Date: 10/09/2024
From Respiratory Therapist to Sales Manager
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In this episode of the Medical Sales Podcast, host Samuel Adeyinka talks with Shawn Mertes about the DME and acute care side of medical device sales and why it is one of the most underrated entry points into the industry. Shawn shares his journey from respiratory therapist to territory manager, clinical specialist, and now regional sales manager at a smaller distributor, explaining how rental based equipment supports hospitals and post acute care, what differentiates distributors from large manufacturers, and why service and education often matter more than brand names. They dive into day to...
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Beyond Medical Sales: A Journey of Self-Discovery
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In this episode of the Medical Sales Podcast, Samuel sits down with Johnny Caffaro to unpack one of the most talked about career pivots in the medical device world. Johnny shares what it looked like to build a personal brand so big on LinkedIn that it drew attention inside Stryker, how weekly legal reviews and pressure to stop posting escalated fast, and why the company ultimately pushed for a mutual separation despite his strong performance. From being handed his severance at a hotel on the day of a course he helped build, to turning that setback into a consulting run where he landed...
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The Future of Endoscopy Sales: Strategy, Leadership and Growth
The Medical Sales Podcast
In this episode of the Medical Sales Podcast, Samuel sits down with endoscopy leader and author Jon Alwinson. John shares insights from his bestselling books on sales, faith, and leadership, and explains the role of endoscopy in modern medicine. He discusses the daily life of an endoscopy sales rep, the importance of building strong relationships with physicians, and key strategies for sales success—such as territory planning, speed, time management, and developing winning systems. The episode offers practical advice for both aspiring and experienced medical sales professionals. ...
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From Medical Sales to Real Estate Wealth
The Medical Sales Podcast
In this episode of the Medical Sales Podcast, Samuel Adeyinka sits down with Christopher Price, a pharmaceutical executive with over 20 years in life sciences who built a parallel path to wealth through real estate investing. Christopher shares his journey from Division I football and early pharma internships to leading content and marketing operations at a top pharmaceutical company. He opens up about becoming an accidental landlord, navigating financial uncertainty through major market crises, and discovering passive real estate syndications as a way to build generational wealth. This...
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Pharma Sales vs 1099: The Real Tradeoffs No One Explains
The Medical Sales Podcast
In this episode of the Medical Sales Podcast, Samuel Adeyinka sits down with Bruce E. Brown, a seasoned sales professional with over 20 years in pharma who made a rare and successful transition into medical device sales as an independent 1099 distributor. Bruce shares how he broke away from the corporate structure, built his own LLC, and created a sustainable business by representing multiple product lines. He reveals unconventional but effective strategies for gaining access to surgeons and hospitals, lessons learned from the opioid era, and the realities of commission-only sales. This candid...
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What Every Sales Rep Needs to Thrive in the Medical Sales Industry
The Medical Sales Podcast
In this episode of the Medical Sales Podcast, Samuel sits down with Amy Harrington, a seasoned sales training and enablement leader who has built and scaled training programs across startups and global medtech organizations. Amy shares her unconventional path from surgical tech to nurse to orthopedic rep, and ultimately into becoming a trusted architect of sales education and practice development. She breaks down what truly makes sales training effective, why confidence comes from knowledge, and how reps can sell with science instead of scripts. This conversation pulls back the curtain on how...
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How He Went From Sales Rep To Successful Leader
The Medical Sales Podcast
In Part 2 of this Medical Sales Podcast conversation, Samuel continues the deep dive with Rashago Kemp, a regional director in the biologics and wound care space, breaking down the real differences between W2 and 1099 medical sales. Rashago shares how he manages independent reps, why leverage and motivation work differently outside of W2 roles, and what separates average reps from elite performers in the 1099 world. They unpack earning potential, commission structures, distributor models, and how top reps scale into multimillion-dollar businesses. The conversation also explores leadership,...
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Revolutionizing Wound Care With Biologics
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In this episode of the Medical Sales Podcast, Samuel sits down with regional director Rashago Kemp to explore the world of biologics and regenerative wound care, revealing how amniotic tissue is transforming outcomes for diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, pressure injuries, and complex wounds that traditional care can’t heal. Rashago breaks down the science behind why this tissue works, why amputations are rising in the U.S., and how patient compliance can make or break recovery. He shares powerful real-world cases, including a patient who healed after living with a wound for 20 years,...
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Breaking Into Medical Device Sales: The Endoscopy Advantage
The Medical Sales Podcast
In this episode of the Medical Sales Podcast, Samuel sits down with endoscopy leader and author Jon Alwinson to break down what makes GI and ASC sales one of the most predictable, high-impact spaces in medical devices while unpacking Jon’s journey from failed entrepreneur to Stryker associate, rookie-of-the-year rep, and now ASC leader at Boston Scientific. Jon shares the systems that drive top-tier performance—true pre-call planning, zoning a territory with precision, and running each week with a focused attack list—while also exposing the pitfalls that hold reps back, from fear and...
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Part 2: The Unseen Side of Pharma Sales During the Opioid Crisis and How it Led to Innovation
The Medical Sales Podcast
In this gripping episode of the Medical Sales Podcast, Samuel sits down with Jennifer Jones, a former top Purdue Pharma rep who lived through one of the most turbulent eras in pharmaceutical history. Jennifer recounts her shocking personal encounters with the FBI, the emotional strain of grand jury testimony, the collapse of Purdue from the inside, and the complicated reality reps faced far beyond the headlines. She shares raw stories of ethical dilemmas, patient advocacy, “pill mill” misconceptions, and the unseen pressures of pain management in the 2000s. Jennifer then opens up about...
info_outlineStéphan Toupin, a standout in the medical sales industry, unveils his journey from academia to entrepreneurship, offering listeners an insider perspective on navigating career shifts with purpose and passion. Join us as Stéphan, who traded in his lab coat for a sales portfolio, shares his early realization that pursuing a PhD wasn't his calling. He takes us through his rapid rise from a pharmaceutical sales rep to a management position and, ultimately, to establishing his own medical device distributorship. This episode is packed with insights for anyone considering a career shift within medical sales or exploring entrepreneurial ventures.
Discover the nuanced transition from pharma to the dynamic world of medical device sales, where understanding complex stakeholder landscapes is crucial. Stéphan sheds light on the challenges and rewards of this sector and how his passion for medical science and innovation fueled his leap into entrepreneurship. He shares strategies for success, including the critical importance of knowing your product and audience and the unique facets of medical device sales compared to pharmaceuticals. Listeners will gain a clearer picture of the financial and personal risks involved in this path and why freedom and self-direction can outweigh monetary gain.
Finally, Stéphan offers a masterclass on entering the U.S. market with foreign medical devices, detailing the essential steps companies often overlook. He discusses the importance of reimbursement strategies, understanding CPT codes, and the choice between different types of distributors. With a focus on education and long-term partnerships, Stéphan's approach is both strategic and collaborative. Ending on a note of personal growth and ambition, he shares his vision of empowering his team to ensure the success of his business while pursuing new opportunities, providing a roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs in the medical sales industry.
Meet the guest:
Experienced President with a demonstrated history of working in the medical device and pharmaceutical industry. Born and raised in the east part of Canada, French is my first language.
Bachelor's degree in medical biology and Master's in Experimental Medicine.
Seventeen years in the pharmaceutical industry as a sales representative, sales manager, government affairs, market access, and training.
Started a medical device distribution in 2012, covering all of Canada. Moved down to the USA in 2015. Partner in 2 other medical device distributions.
As he says, "Enjoying life under the sun!"
This Podcast offers a pathway to continuing education via this CMEfy link: https://earnc.me/7qfpzd