March 7, 2023 • 24 mins
Text your grey haired host for a shout out on an upcoming show!
Michael Kochen, the CEO of Greater New York Nursing Services, joins your grey haired host of the Great American Senior Show, Sam Yates, to discuss Greater's expansion into the Florida senior care market.
Kochen also details a few hints of even further future expansion into Central and Southern Florida.
Greater makes the expansion move with the recent aquisition of VIP America, a Nurse Registry serving Southeast, Central, and Southwestern Florida.
Join our host as we follow a personal conversation with Michael Kochen, CEO, Greater New York Nursing Services and VIP America.
The Great American Senior Show podcast is produced by Yates & Associates, Public Relations & Marketing. This podcast is part of the network of podcasts streaming under the umbrella of the Pod National News Network. For more information about Yates & Associates or the Pod National News Network, contact Sam Yates at (772) 528-5185 or Sam@Yatespro.com. Sponsorship opportunities are available. The Great American Senior Show is ranked 3rd Best in Senior Podcasts to Follow for 2023 in all podcasts for seniors in a comprehensive survey by feedspot.
30 Best Senior Podcasts You Must Follow in 2023 (feedspot.com)
Yates & Associates is a full-service Public Relations and Marketing company serving select clients throughout the United States and abroad. For more information visit www.YatesPRO.com .
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Sam Yates (00:11):
Hello, everyone, and welcome to another exciting
edition of The Great AmericanSenior Show. I'm your grey
haired host, Sam Yates. TodayLive from New York, you know,
haven't you watch live from NewYork and Saturday Night Live and
always wanted to say that? Well,now I get to say it because I
have a special guest. today. Myguest is the CEO of the Greater
(00:33):
New York nursing services,Michael cogen. And, Michael,
welcome to the program.
Michael Kochen (00:39):
Thank you, Sam, I'm very excited to be with you
today. Very excited to talkabout expanding into the Florida
market, and very much lookingforward to serving the
community.
Sam Yates (00:48):
And the way that you're expanding into the
Florida market is through acompany here that the great
American senior show is familiarwith, because we have had them
on in the past. And that is VIPAmerica. So we want to
congratulate you on thatacquisition, and welcome to
Florida. Thank you so much, Sam.
Tell me a little bit aboutyourself. I always love starting
(01:09):
my programs with a bit about ourguests, because it really gets
into the person that is in thespotlight. Tell us about
yourself.
Michael Kochen (01:20):
Sure, Sam well actually, as a fellow Floridian
prior to joining the greatercompanies, I ran the day to day
operations of a Miami basedhealth care conglomerate, I was
very lucky to have a uniqueperspective on Florida based
healthcare solutions, as well asNew York based and National
Healthcare Solutions. Really, mypassion is to leverage
(01:41):
technology to improve processesand using automation to improve
the efficiency and service ourpatients to the best of our
Sam Yates (01:48):
ability. You know, that's sort of a strange twist
there. You're a Florida native Iam as well. But I also had quite
a number of medical ventures inthe urgent care sector up in the
Fishkill, upper state areas ofNew York. And despite what a lot
of people may think there are alot of similarities in the
(02:12):
people and the needs. So youknow, I can definitely
appreciate what you are whatyou're stating there. From your
vantage, as a CEO, and theinformation technology focus
that you have. Where do you seeyour company now VIP and
greater? I noticed that youabbreviated that down. So if you
(02:33):
don't mind, I'll use that aswell. Where do you see the
company's going forward? Here inFlorida.
Michael Kochen (02:39):
I think that VIP is an incredible opportunity for
greater to provide and continueto provide the excellence
compassion and integrity of carethat we're used to with a
greater family of companies, VIPhas set the standard for nurse
registry models in Florida.
They've built an incrediblelegacy, the Collins family,
everybody from Joan to jail toAshley now has built a beautiful
(03:02):
and incredible connection andbond with the communities that
they serve. And we look forwardto forwarding that within the
Florida communities.
Sam Yates (03:12):
One of the things that I did note in having some
affiliation with VIP in the pastand other health care providers
for the senior segment, whetherregistry or agency, is they all
seem to have that sameunderlying problem that everyone
in the healthcare industry hasright now. And that is a
shortage of people solution or apartial solution for that as you
(03:37):
come into the picture.
Michael Kochen (03:39):
solution I can I can tell you that what we're
trying to do. And let's Let'sback up for a second. Obviously,
it is a major issue. I couldn'tagree with you more. nurses and
caregivers are the bedrock ofhealth care, they are our most
valuable asset when it comes toproviding the quality of care
that we've become accustomed to.
It's very difficult when youhave half at least half of
caregivers since 2020, eitherleaving or deciding whether to
(04:02):
leave the workforce and so thatcreates the crunch that we're in
currently, but providing newbenefits, smart benefits,
incentives, recruiting efforts,and so forth are really what
we're trying to do here tomitigate what what has happened.
It is a difficult situation tonavigate. It really is. But if
we provide certain certainbenefits like mental health,
(04:25):
well being wellness programs, webelieve that that's really going
to add value to what we canoffer from a company
perspective.
Sam Yates (04:36):
I know that just recently, I was in Tallahassee,
our Tallahassee statelegislature began its session
today. Two weeks ago, I wasthere in Tallahassee speaking to
some of the representativesbecause we do have a good base
of people who want to work inthe home health care industry
(04:57):
and have passed their testingprocedure. is what the licensing
backlog is just horrendous. Anyhope on the horizon that you
have seen? If not here forFlorida? Can you bring people in
from from the New York region.
Michael Kochen (05:13):
So we're looking at all different opportunities.
Obviously, we're assessing everyneed from the different regions
that VIP provides and servicespatients in. But right now, it's
difficult process, we reallyhave not looked at the
possibility of recruiting fromother states to bring into
Florida, the nurse shortage isnationwide. And so we're trying
to make sure that we canmaintain our continuity of
(05:37):
service and all the areas thatwe do provide service in.
Sam Yates (05:40):
And that leads right into my next question. VIP works
in three separate regions,southeast Florida, the central
region and the Southwest Floridaregion. And I could name the
individual counties. But sufficeto say that we're looking at
three very different regions asfar as demographics, and the the
(06:03):
demographics of the patient,demographics of caregivers,
demographics of patients, anyone of those particular regions
that UC is having a, a superfocus from greater and your
experience.
Michael Kochen (06:19):
I think to give it a fair shot, we really want
to look at all of the regionscoming in, we really just took
over at the beginning of theyear, we really want to take a
time to assess all the regionsunderstand methodically and go
through a process and reallyunderstand each one's individual
needs. You mentioneddemographics. I couldn't agree
with you more there. There'sstark, stark differences, polar
(06:40):
opposites, all of them. And sothere's incredible opportunity
for us to expand where we'recurrently providing, and also
look at different opportunitiesin different regions. We can
look at the southeast region,further south towards Miami,
Broward and Palm Beach, we canlook at the Tampa region, which
we're currently not servicing,and there's great opportunity in
(07:00):
the northeast and on thePanhandle as well.
Sam Yates (07:03):
Yes, I'm a former board member for the Senior
Services Network serving PalmBeach all the way down into the
Miami area. And even here on theEast Coast where I'm located.
The demographics once you as youwell know get to West Palm
Beach, South and beyond. It'stotally different. So that's got
(07:24):
to be, you know, that's got tobe something that as it sorts
all out for our for ourlisteners that may not know we,
Michael and I are, are bothFlorida natives. So we
understand the migration thathas happened seasonally. And
with COVID. That is now in manycases happen permanently. The 95
(07:47):
Corridor typically migrates toSoutheast Florida, the central
Ohio Midwestern corridor 75corridor, migrates to Southwest
Florida, and then CentralFlorida ends up being a hybrid
mix of everyone plus those whohave tried to escape from South
(08:07):
Florida. So it becomes you know,Central Florida is sort of one
of the the melting pots ofeverything. So you've got your
work cut out for you in keepingup with that. So I think it's
going to be a big challenge withVIP. Now you mentioned that it's
family owned family operated.
Jill, her daughter Ashley, JoanCollins, which is not the same
(08:32):
as the other Joan Collins, butyou know, they are figureheads
have been in our communities inthe various regions forever. I
just want to say thank you fromall of us that know them in the
communities for maintainingtheir presence during your
purchase and your operations asyou move here into Florida.
(08:53):
Sure, of course. Okay, I'm goingto step back a little bit
because I still once in a whileput that reporter hat on, you
mentioned perhaps moving intoareas south of the Treasure
Coast. I know their licensure isinto Palm Beach County. Does
that mean into counties south ofPalm Beach County,
Michael Kochen (09:16):
we're looking at different opportunities. I think
that expansion geographically isone of the opportunities but
also as I mentioned beforeexpansion within the current
regions is also an incredibleopportunity. There are certain
areas of the current licensurethat I can argue are being
underserved and and we canreally increase the visibility
(09:38):
of VIP America the name byincreasing our marketing
efforts, our recruiting efforts.
There are incredibleopportunities for the currently
service areas as well.
Sam Yates (09:48):
We do have here on the Treasure Coast, a major
milestone with a multi milliondollar expansion expansion of
one of the nursing colleges hereyour next trip down here, I'd be
glad to introduce you to thehead of the college that is
doing that significantexpansion, a longtime friend of
(10:08):
mine. And I think that isperhaps an opportunity for them
to get to know you, we the localpeople, no disrespect. And
that's not the reason for sayingit. But in many of these
institutions, they want to knowthe top of the pyramid. So on
your next visit here, a plan alunch engagement, and I'll do
the honor of making theintroduction for you.
Michael Kochen (10:30):
I would love to thank you so much for the offer.
Sam,
Sam Yates (10:33):
Southwest Florida. I wanted to jump there for a
moment because we all know thatright now, depending on when
this particular episode beginslive streaming. We are less than
90 days, probably around 80 daysby the time this began streaming
from the start of hurricaneseason, Southwest Florida,
(10:56):
devastated by hurricanes, a lotof the population there had to
evacuate, and many of them werenot able to come back. Is that a
significant challenge? Bothgetting people to an area that
has been devastated by Hurricaneas well as attending to the
needs. And do you have? Or haveyou had the opportunity to take
(11:20):
a look at their simpler,comprehensive emergency
management plan and say, This iswho we are and what we can do?
Michael Kochen (11:27):
Absolutely. It's a very serious issue. As I
mentioned, as a fellow FloridianI lived through Hurricane
Andrew, I've lived through manydifferent hurricanes that were
devastating to the area's we, wehad a very tough time as
everyone did. During thehurricane, I was very proud of
our team. In speaking to Ashleyand Jill and understanding how
they manage this because it wasprevious to greater coming on
(11:49):
and taking the ownership. Theydid a fantastic job of keeping
in touch with the patients withthe contractors really
understanding the needs, eventalking with some of the
patients through the storm, asthe winds were howling outside,
and making sure that they hadeverything that they needed to
be in place. So I'm extremelyproud of their efforts. And I
(12:11):
know that they have extremelyrigorous protocols, Storm
protocols that have been writtenthere. CEMP is exemplary and
very much looking forward tocontinuing to work on those
protocols and plans as we haveto do that as Floridians. It's
something that we have to dealwith. It's just nature.
Sam Yates (12:32):
You know, I will venture just a comment that I
have seen their sim for all ofthe regions and and they are
they're top notch. One of thethings that we are experiencing
for Southwest Florida and I saywe because I wear as you and I
chatted before the program, alot of different hats. One of
(12:52):
the other hats that I wear isthat of Board of Director for
the Gold Coast BuildersAssociation, I understand the
building industry. I also workwith the Florida engineering
society with a series ofpodcasts. So I understand the
engineering side of theindustries. But those two
(13:13):
together, and we are jointlyworking on some activities in
southwest Florida to create anddedicate a park that will be
part of an Education Complex,not as a large building, but as
a complex of educationalresources to keep our Southwest
(13:33):
Florida residents up to date, inparticular on storm surge,
because that was the big killerwith Hurricane Ian. So as that
happens in the next couple ofmonths, I will keep you
appraised of that because I knowthat there could be some
opportunities for I'm puttingout my hook to get as many
(13:55):
people involved as possiblebecause I think the more people
we can get involved, especiallyfor our senior population,
perhaps the more lives we cansave, if we have another similar
incident to hurricane Ian,
Michael Kochen (14:09):
I think it's a great hook to put out. It's a
very important subject matter totalk about. And the more people
know, the better prepared theywill be.
Sam Yates (14:18):
Alright, I'm volunteering myself way too much
here because on the southwestcoast, they do have a new CEO
for the Area Agency on Aging forSouthwest Florida. I have had a
couple of podcasts sessions withher wonderful woman. So if your
next trip includes a trip toSouthwest Florida, I will handle
(14:41):
that introduction. Again. Ithink it's important that all of
us bear a responsibility for oursenior citizens. Many times they
are at a state where they can'tdo it themselves anymore. So
kudos for you for stepping in.
Thank you Sam. Tell us aboutgreater.
Michael Kochen (15:03):
So greater.
Greater is a family of companiesand we provide many different
services throughout fullverticals in the healthcare
space. Just to give you a fewdifferent examples of a couple
of our divisions, we provideprivate duty nursing services.
These are our most ill patientsthat require 24/7 around the
clock care. These are cared forby licensed practical nurses by
(15:24):
registered nurses with a fullclinical oversight. We also
provide a home care solution, ahome care suite solution for
people that just need assistancewith their daily activities,
cooking going to the supermarketbathing simple activities. And
so we provide that we have aconcierge care division where we
provide companionship from everyskill level from nurses to CNAs
(15:46):
to H Ha's in a hospital settingor even during a transition to
home from the hospital. We alsohave a durable medical equipment
company that provides all of theproducts in our patient's home
and other patients that may notbe greater patients are DME
patients for us. And so we focuson respiratory ventilators see
(16:07):
paps, we also do diabeticsupplies, everything sent
directly to the door or servicewithin the home to the patients.
So we have an extensive suite ofservices at greater. We pride
ourselves on our compassion, ourexcellence and and our integrity
of providing the continuity andcare for our patients. And I
(16:28):
have
Sam Yates (16:31):
to say, you know, being a reporter, always a
recorder, I did a littlebackground and and I will, you
know, raise my hand and testifyto the the credibility and the
value that greater is providingbecause I saw a lot of that I
saw it on your website, I talkedto people about the
organization. It is a top notchorganization. And I think that
(16:54):
also speaks highly of whatyou're doing by moving into
Florida. So congratulations onthat. Thank you, Sam. I
appreciate that. Is Floridaexpansion. And I want to come
back to the DMV to is Floridaexpansion really something that
has a bright future from fromyour perspective?
Michael Kochen (17:15):
Absolutely. We look at Florida as just the
first stepping stone of usleaving the Northeast region and
beginning to expand across thecountry. You know, Florida is
really a no brainer. It's thenumber one real estate. It's a
state where we can really focuson the values that we we preach
here ecrater and instill themwithin VIP. It's not that
(17:35):
difficult because as Imentioned, the Collins family
has built a beautiful bond andlegacy with the community. So
we're really just adding to whatthey've already built. They've
set an incredible base. And wesee this as an incredible
opportunity for us at Greater tohave partnered and found this
company, this family which Ihave a great relationship with,
I'm able to pick up the phoneand call Joan and just consult
(17:57):
on different matters. She's afantastic human being is you
know as well Ashley whocontinues to be involved in the
day to day operations. It'sreally a fantastic meeting of
the minds so that we can forwardthe care for our seniors in
Florida.
Sam Yates (18:14):
All right, but for our for my listeners, they know
from past programs where I'vetalked about VIP, I can never
talk about VIP without failingto mention Ashley's extended
chicken family.
Michael Kochen (18:28):
I firsthand that was given some information a few
weeks ago over lunch, where shewas explaining to me about the
chicken coop and all of that andit was a very interesting
conversation as somebody who isnot so so versed in agriculture
and in chicken hatching. It wasa very informative, enlightening
conversation. Oh,
Sam Yates (18:49):
please don't ask details of the story of finding
out the head was a roosterbecause it it did not have a
happy ending for the rooster.
Absolutely. But, you know I lookat everything that is going on.
And with that expansion goal.
(19:10):
One of the things that I havehad discussions with VIP in the
past was looking at that landbridge from Central Florida
region to West Coast. There is alogical Polk County connection
there and Lakeland Polk Countyis probably with Amazon and all
the other development that isgoing on each of those families
(19:34):
that brings workers into thearea as a mom and dad or they
themselves are now getting backinto the workforce. So Hint
Hint, that might make a verylogical progression to close the
circle if you will. Yeah, backto DMA. I obviously I follow a
(19:55):
lot of things going on in themedical industry. Have you seen
Have a an impact and if so,hurdles to overcome in the DME
world from from your, yourperspective of bringing products
to market.
Michael Kochen (20:11):
I think DME is an incredible opportunity to
connect with patients. It allowsus into their home through the
products. So we're already intheir home when it comes to
servicing the patient for alltheir needs, whether it's
through greater in the Northeastor through VIP in Florida. And
so allowing us into the home byproviding their respiratory
equipment or their diabeticsupplies, incontinence supplies,
(20:32):
you name it, we're able tocreate that bond and further
that continuity of care so thateverything is under one roof and
they feel comfortable with whois providing those products and
care to them.
Sam Yates (20:44):
hospital readmissions, it is a major
issue on one of the council'sthat I sit in Central Florida,
the Brevard Health CareCoalition, we meet on a regular
basis in determining ways toreduce hospital readmissions.
That topic also comes up undermy purview as a member of a
(21:09):
builder's organization becausethe two sometimes marry together
to have a continuum of care athome, the aging in place. How do
you address aging in place fromyour perspective,
Michael Kochen (21:22):
this fits right into our greater ethos, which is
extending family life at home.
And so actually our whole goaland purpose, AQ Raider and what
we're trying to instill at VIPis really studies have shown
that if seniors are at home,they're surrounded by their
loved ones, their friends,they're in their element.
Mentally, physically, they domuch better than being in a
(21:45):
hospital or in a facilitysetting. And so really, our
focus is to continue thatcompassion and excellence in our
care to maintain people at homeseniors at home, feeling
comfortable, able to hang outwith their grandkids able to go
to a baseball game, and not feelthat they are just counting down
the minutes. This is really notwhat we're what we're going for,
(22:06):
we really want to extendpeople's life and the quality of
their life.
Sam Yates (22:13):
Notice how I managed to weave that all together to
get us back to a good circlethere four or greater?
Absolutely did my homework. So Ihave a question, will you be
able to come back for a anotherprogram at some point in the
future,
Michael Kochen (22:28):
I would love to I would love to come back talk
about our expansion. Talk aboutwhat we've learned in the months
and years that we've taken overVIP and where we where we are as
a company and where we are as acommunity because it's all tied
into one. At the end of the day,we're really just one team of
people, yourself included withall of the roles that you play
and that you've talked about,that we're just trying to push
(22:51):
the cart in the right direction,we're trying to really make
things better, be proactiveinstead of reactive, give the
tools that are necessary to ourseniors, so that they can really
excel in the beautiful years oftheir life. Not really that so
they can really enjoy it.
Sam Yates (23:10):
And I'm often put in the spotlight because I believe
that I truly believe that theseniors do need care. I'm going
to be one one day despite thethe slow, Greg it's rapidly
approaching from the inside asas an aging process. But you
know, we all will need care atone day. And those of us who are
(23:33):
doing what we are doing now arebuilding the foundation for the
care for the future. So,Michael, I want to thank you
very much for all that you do.
Michael Kochen (23:43):
Thank you, Sam, I appreciate it. And thank you
so much for shedding light onall of the things that you do as
well.
Sam Yates (23:49):
Much appreciated. For our listeners. I want to remind
you that the greater Americansenior show has an ongoing
series of updates with ourBrevard County Sheriff Wayne
Ivey. He takes a special look atthings that are going on within
the senior community. Right nowwe are featuring him on the
(24:10):
Florida Business Forum. We'llhave him back here. Now we're in
the Edit process of having himback here. But if you want
updates on some of the scamsthat are going on in Florida
right now aimed at seniorcitizens, check out the Florida
Business Forum Podcast. SheriffIB is on there right now and he
has some good news for you abouthow to avoid those scams. So,
(24:33):
Michael, thank you for beinghere on the podcast. I hope it
was a pleasant experience.
Michael Kochen (24:37):
Absolutely.
Thank you so much, Sam.
Sam Yates (24:39):
And we look forward to having you back again in the
future. As I am your gray hairedHost Sam Yates Have a great day
everybody
Hello, everyone, and welcome to another exciting
edition of The Great AmericanSenior Show. I'm your grey
haired host, Sam Yates. TodayLive from New York, you know,
haven't you watch live from NewYork and Saturday Night Live and
always wanted to say that? Well,now I get to say it because I
have a special guest. today. Myguest is the CEO of the Greater
(00:33):
New York nursing services,Michael cogen. And, Michael,
welcome to the program.
Michael Kochen (00:39):
Thank you, Sam, I'm very excited to be with you
today. Very excited to talkabout expanding into the Florida
market, and very much lookingforward to serving the
community.
Sam Yates (00:48):
And the way that you're expanding into the
Florida market is through acompany here that the great
American senior show is familiarwith, because we have had them
on in the past. And that is VIPAmerica. So we want to
congratulate you on thatacquisition, and welcome to
Florida. Thank you so much, Sam.
Tell me a little bit aboutyourself. I always love starting
(01:09):
my programs with a bit about ourguests, because it really gets
into the person that is in thespotlight. Tell us about
yourself.
Michael Kochen (01:20):
Sure, Sam well actually, as a fellow Floridian
prior to joining the greatercompanies, I ran the day to day
operations of a Miami basedhealth care conglomerate, I was
very lucky to have a uniqueperspective on Florida based
healthcare solutions, as well asNew York based and National
Healthcare Solutions. Really, mypassion is to leverage
(01:41):
technology to improve processesand using automation to improve
the efficiency and service ourpatients to the best of our
Sam Yates (01:48):
ability. You know, that's sort of a strange twist
there. You're a Florida native Iam as well. But I also had quite
a number of medical ventures inthe urgent care sector up in the
Fishkill, upper state areas ofNew York. And despite what a lot
of people may think there are alot of similarities in the
(02:12):
people and the needs. So youknow, I can definitely
appreciate what you are whatyou're stating there. From your
vantage, as a CEO, and theinformation technology focus
that you have. Where do you seeyour company now VIP and
greater? I noticed that youabbreviated that down. So if you
(02:33):
don't mind, I'll use that aswell. Where do you see the
company's going forward? Here inFlorida.
Michael Kochen (02:39):
I think that VIP is an incredible opportunity for
greater to provide and continueto provide the excellence
compassion and integrity of carethat we're used to with a
greater family of companies, VIPhas set the standard for nurse
registry models in Florida.
They've built an incrediblelegacy, the Collins family,
everybody from Joan to jail toAshley now has built a beautiful
(03:02):
and incredible connection andbond with the communities that
they serve. And we look forwardto forwarding that within the
Florida communities.
Sam Yates (03:12):
One of the things that I did note in having some
affiliation with VIP in the pastand other health care providers
for the senior segment, whetherregistry or agency, is they all
seem to have that sameunderlying problem that everyone
in the healthcare industry hasright now. And that is a
shortage of people solution or apartial solution for that as you
(03:37):
come into the picture.
Michael Kochen (03:39):
solution I can I can tell you that what we're
trying to do. And let's Let'sback up for a second. Obviously,
it is a major issue. I couldn'tagree with you more. nurses and
caregivers are the bedrock ofhealth care, they are our most
valuable asset when it comes toproviding the quality of care
that we've become accustomed to.
It's very difficult when youhave half at least half of
caregivers since 2020, eitherleaving or deciding whether to
(04:02):
leave the workforce and so thatcreates the crunch that we're in
currently, but providing newbenefits, smart benefits,
incentives, recruiting efforts,and so forth are really what
we're trying to do here tomitigate what what has happened.
It is a difficult situation tonavigate. It really is. But if
we provide certain certainbenefits like mental health,
(04:25):
well being wellness programs, webelieve that that's really going
to add value to what we canoffer from a company
perspective.
Sam Yates (04:36):
I know that just recently, I was in Tallahassee,
our Tallahassee statelegislature began its session
today. Two weeks ago, I wasthere in Tallahassee speaking to
some of the representativesbecause we do have a good base
of people who want to work inthe home health care industry
(04:57):
and have passed their testingprocedure. is what the licensing
backlog is just horrendous. Anyhope on the horizon that you
have seen? If not here forFlorida? Can you bring people in
from from the New York region.
Michael Kochen (05:13):
So we're looking at all different opportunities.
Obviously, we're assessing everyneed from the different regions
that VIP provides and servicespatients in. But right now, it's
difficult process, we reallyhave not looked at the
possibility of recruiting fromother states to bring into
Florida, the nurse shortage isnationwide. And so we're trying
to make sure that we canmaintain our continuity of
(05:37):
service and all the areas thatwe do provide service in.
Sam Yates (05:40):
And that leads right into my next question. VIP works
in three separate regions,southeast Florida, the central
region and the Southwest Floridaregion. And I could name the
individual counties. But sufficeto say that we're looking at
three very different regions asfar as demographics, and the the
(06:03):
demographics of the patient,demographics of caregivers,
demographics of patients, anyone of those particular regions
that UC is having a, a superfocus from greater and your
experience.
Michael Kochen (06:19):
I think to give it a fair shot, we really want
to look at all of the regionscoming in, we really just took
over at the beginning of theyear, we really want to take a
time to assess all the regionsunderstand methodically and go
through a process and reallyunderstand each one's individual
needs. You mentioneddemographics. I couldn't agree
with you more there. There'sstark, stark differences, polar
(06:40):
opposites, all of them. And sothere's incredible opportunity
for us to expand where we'recurrently providing, and also
look at different opportunitiesin different regions. We can
look at the southeast region,further south towards Miami,
Broward and Palm Beach, we canlook at the Tampa region, which
we're currently not servicing,and there's great opportunity in
(07:00):
the northeast and on thePanhandle as well.
Sam Yates (07:03):
Yes, I'm a former board member for the Senior
Services Network serving PalmBeach all the way down into the
Miami area. And even here on theEast Coast where I'm located.
The demographics once you as youwell know get to West Palm
Beach, South and beyond. It'stotally different. So that's got
(07:24):
to be, you know, that's got tobe something that as it sorts
all out for our for ourlisteners that may not know we,
Michael and I are, are bothFlorida natives. So we
understand the migration thathas happened seasonally. And
with COVID. That is now in manycases happen permanently. The 95
(07:47):
Corridor typically migrates toSoutheast Florida, the central
Ohio Midwestern corridor 75corridor, migrates to Southwest
Florida, and then CentralFlorida ends up being a hybrid
mix of everyone plus those whohave tried to escape from South
(08:07):
Florida. So it becomes you know,Central Florida is sort of one
of the the melting pots ofeverything. So you've got your
work cut out for you in keepingup with that. So I think it's
going to be a big challenge withVIP. Now you mentioned that it's
family owned family operated.
Jill, her daughter Ashley, JoanCollins, which is not the same
(08:32):
as the other Joan Collins, butyou know, they are figureheads
have been in our communities inthe various regions forever. I
just want to say thank you fromall of us that know them in the
communities for maintainingtheir presence during your
purchase and your operations asyou move here into Florida.
(08:53):
Sure, of course. Okay, I'm goingto step back a little bit
because I still once in a whileput that reporter hat on, you
mentioned perhaps moving intoareas south of the Treasure
Coast. I know their licensure isinto Palm Beach County. Does
that mean into counties south ofPalm Beach County,
Michael Kochen (09:16):
we're looking at different opportunities. I think
that expansion geographically isone of the opportunities but
also as I mentioned beforeexpansion within the current
regions is also an incredibleopportunity. There are certain
areas of the current licensurethat I can argue are being
underserved and and we canreally increase the visibility
(09:38):
of VIP America the name byincreasing our marketing
efforts, our recruiting efforts.
There are incredibleopportunities for the currently
service areas as well.
Sam Yates (09:48):
We do have here on the Treasure Coast, a major
milestone with a multi milliondollar expansion expansion of
one of the nursing colleges hereyour next trip down here, I'd be
glad to introduce you to thehead of the college that is
doing that significantexpansion, a longtime friend of
(10:08):
mine. And I think that isperhaps an opportunity for them
to get to know you, we the localpeople, no disrespect. And
that's not the reason for sayingit. But in many of these
institutions, they want to knowthe top of the pyramid. So on
your next visit here, a plan alunch engagement, and I'll do
the honor of making theintroduction for you.
Michael Kochen (10:30):
I would love to thank you so much for the offer.
Sam,
Sam Yates (10:33):
Southwest Florida. I wanted to jump there for a
moment because we all know thatright now, depending on when
this particular episode beginslive streaming. We are less than
90 days, probably around 80 daysby the time this began streaming
from the start of hurricaneseason, Southwest Florida,
(10:56):
devastated by hurricanes, a lotof the population there had to
evacuate, and many of them werenot able to come back. Is that a
significant challenge? Bothgetting people to an area that
has been devastated by Hurricaneas well as attending to the
needs. And do you have? Or haveyou had the opportunity to take
(11:20):
a look at their simpler,comprehensive emergency
management plan and say, This iswho we are and what we can do?
Michael Kochen (11:27):
Absolutely. It's a very serious issue. As I
mentioned, as a fellow FloridianI lived through Hurricane
Andrew, I've lived through manydifferent hurricanes that were
devastating to the area's we, wehad a very tough time as
everyone did. During thehurricane, I was very proud of
our team. In speaking to Ashleyand Jill and understanding how
they manage this because it wasprevious to greater coming on
(11:49):
and taking the ownership. Theydid a fantastic job of keeping
in touch with the patients withthe contractors really
understanding the needs, eventalking with some of the
patients through the storm, asthe winds were howling outside,
and making sure that they hadeverything that they needed to
be in place. So I'm extremelyproud of their efforts. And I
(12:11):
know that they have extremelyrigorous protocols, Storm
protocols that have been writtenthere. CEMP is exemplary and
very much looking forward tocontinuing to work on those
protocols and plans as we haveto do that as Floridians. It's
something that we have to dealwith. It's just nature.
Sam Yates (12:32):
You know, I will venture just a comment that I
have seen their sim for all ofthe regions and and they are
they're top notch. One of thethings that we are experiencing
for Southwest Florida and I saywe because I wear as you and I
chatted before the program, alot of different hats. One of
(12:52):
the other hats that I wear isthat of Board of Director for
the Gold Coast BuildersAssociation, I understand the
building industry. I also workwith the Florida engineering
society with a series ofpodcasts. So I understand the
engineering side of theindustries. But those two
(13:13):
together, and we are jointlyworking on some activities in
southwest Florida to create anddedicate a park that will be
part of an Education Complex,not as a large building, but as
a complex of educationalresources to keep our Southwest
(13:33):
Florida residents up to date, inparticular on storm surge,
because that was the big killerwith Hurricane Ian. So as that
happens in the next couple ofmonths, I will keep you
appraised of that because I knowthat there could be some
opportunities for I'm puttingout my hook to get as many
(13:55):
people involved as possiblebecause I think the more people
we can get involved, especiallyfor our senior population,
perhaps the more lives we cansave, if we have another similar
incident to hurricane Ian,
Michael Kochen (14:09):
I think it's a great hook to put out. It's a
very important subject matter totalk about. And the more people
know, the better prepared theywill be.
Sam Yates (14:18):
Alright, I'm volunteering myself way too much
here because on the southwestcoast, they do have a new CEO
for the Area Agency on Aging forSouthwest Florida. I have had a
couple of podcasts sessions withher wonderful woman. So if your
next trip includes a trip toSouthwest Florida, I will handle
(14:41):
that introduction. Again. Ithink it's important that all of
us bear a responsibility for oursenior citizens. Many times they
are at a state where they can'tdo it themselves anymore. So
kudos for you for stepping in.
Thank you Sam. Tell us aboutgreater.
Michael Kochen (15:03):
So greater.
Greater is a family of companiesand we provide many different
services throughout fullverticals in the healthcare
space. Just to give you a fewdifferent examples of a couple
of our divisions, we provideprivate duty nursing services.
These are our most ill patientsthat require 24/7 around the
clock care. These are cared forby licensed practical nurses by
(15:24):
registered nurses with a fullclinical oversight. We also
provide a home care solution, ahome care suite solution for
people that just need assistancewith their daily activities,
cooking going to the supermarketbathing simple activities. And
so we provide that we have aconcierge care division where we
provide companionship from everyskill level from nurses to CNAs
(15:46):
to H Ha's in a hospital settingor even during a transition to
home from the hospital. We alsohave a durable medical equipment
company that provides all of theproducts in our patient's home
and other patients that may notbe greater patients are DME
patients for us. And so we focuson respiratory ventilators see
(16:07):
paps, we also do diabeticsupplies, everything sent
directly to the door or servicewithin the home to the patients.
So we have an extensive suite ofservices at greater. We pride
ourselves on our compassion, ourexcellence and and our integrity
of providing the continuity andcare for our patients. And I
(16:28):
have
Sam Yates (16:31):
to say, you know, being a reporter, always a
recorder, I did a littlebackground and and I will, you
know, raise my hand and testifyto the the credibility and the
value that greater is providingbecause I saw a lot of that I
saw it on your website, I talkedto people about the
organization. It is a top notchorganization. And I think that
(16:54):
also speaks highly of whatyou're doing by moving into
Florida. So congratulations onthat. Thank you, Sam. I
appreciate that. Is Floridaexpansion. And I want to come
back to the DMV to is Floridaexpansion really something that
has a bright future from fromyour perspective?
Michael Kochen (17:15):
Absolutely. We look at Florida as just the
first stepping stone of usleaving the Northeast region and
beginning to expand across thecountry. You know, Florida is
really a no brainer. It's thenumber one real estate. It's a
state where we can really focuson the values that we we preach
here ecrater and instill themwithin VIP. It's not that
(17:35):
difficult because as Imentioned, the Collins family
has built a beautiful bond andlegacy with the community. So
we're really just adding to whatthey've already built. They've
set an incredible base. And wesee this as an incredible
opportunity for us at Greater tohave partnered and found this
company, this family which Ihave a great relationship with,
I'm able to pick up the phoneand call Joan and just consult
(17:57):
on different matters. She's afantastic human being is you
know as well Ashley whocontinues to be involved in the
day to day operations. It'sreally a fantastic meeting of
the minds so that we can forwardthe care for our seniors in
Florida.
Sam Yates (18:14):
All right, but for our for my listeners, they know
from past programs where I'vetalked about VIP, I can never
talk about VIP without failingto mention Ashley's extended
chicken family.
Michael Kochen (18:28):
I firsthand that was given some information a few
weeks ago over lunch, where shewas explaining to me about the
chicken coop and all of that andit was a very interesting
conversation as somebody who isnot so so versed in agriculture
and in chicken hatching. It wasa very informative, enlightening
conversation. Oh,
Sam Yates (18:49):
please don't ask details of the story of finding
out the head was a roosterbecause it it did not have a
happy ending for the rooster.
Absolutely. But, you know I lookat everything that is going on.
And with that expansion goal.
(19:10):
One of the things that I havehad discussions with VIP in the
past was looking at that landbridge from Central Florida
region to West Coast. There is alogical Polk County connection
there and Lakeland Polk Countyis probably with Amazon and all
the other development that isgoing on each of those families
(19:34):
that brings workers into thearea as a mom and dad or they
themselves are now getting backinto the workforce. So Hint
Hint, that might make a verylogical progression to close the
circle if you will. Yeah, backto DMA. I obviously I follow a
(19:55):
lot of things going on in themedical industry. Have you seen
Have a an impact and if so,hurdles to overcome in the DME
world from from your, yourperspective of bringing products
to market.
Michael Kochen (20:11):
I think DME is an incredible opportunity to
connect with patients. It allowsus into their home through the
products. So we're already intheir home when it comes to
servicing the patient for alltheir needs, whether it's
through greater in the Northeastor through VIP in Florida. And
so allowing us into the home byproviding their respiratory
equipment or their diabeticsupplies, incontinence supplies,
(20:32):
you name it, we're able tocreate that bond and further
that continuity of care so thateverything is under one roof and
they feel comfortable with whois providing those products and
care to them.
Sam Yates (20:44):
hospital readmissions, it is a major
issue on one of the council'sthat I sit in Central Florida,
the Brevard Health CareCoalition, we meet on a regular
basis in determining ways toreduce hospital readmissions.
That topic also comes up undermy purview as a member of a
(21:09):
builder's organization becausethe two sometimes marry together
to have a continuum of care athome, the aging in place. How do
you address aging in place fromyour perspective,
Michael Kochen (21:22):
this fits right into our greater ethos, which is
extending family life at home.
And so actually our whole goaland purpose, AQ Raider and what
we're trying to instill at VIPis really studies have shown
that if seniors are at home,they're surrounded by their
loved ones, their friends,they're in their element.
Mentally, physically, they domuch better than being in a
(21:45):
hospital or in a facilitysetting. And so really, our
focus is to continue thatcompassion and excellence in our
care to maintain people at homeseniors at home, feeling
comfortable, able to hang outwith their grandkids able to go
to a baseball game, and not feelthat they are just counting down
the minutes. This is really notwhat we're what we're going for,
(22:06):
we really want to extendpeople's life and the quality of
their life.
Sam Yates (22:13):
Notice how I managed to weave that all together to
get us back to a good circlethere four or greater?
Absolutely did my homework. So Ihave a question, will you be
able to come back for a anotherprogram at some point in the
future,
Michael Kochen (22:28):
I would love to I would love to come back talk
about our expansion. Talk aboutwhat we've learned in the months
and years that we've taken overVIP and where we where we are as
a company and where we are as acommunity because it's all tied
into one. At the end of the day,we're really just one team of
people, yourself included withall of the roles that you play
and that you've talked about,that we're just trying to push
(22:51):
the cart in the right direction,we're trying to really make
things better, be proactiveinstead of reactive, give the
tools that are necessary to ourseniors, so that they can really
excel in the beautiful years oftheir life. Not really that so
they can really enjoy it.
Sam Yates (23:10):
And I'm often put in the spotlight because I believe
that I truly believe that theseniors do need care. I'm going
to be one one day despite thethe slow, Greg it's rapidly
approaching from the inside asas an aging process. But you
know, we all will need care atone day. And those of us who are
(23:33):
doing what we are doing now arebuilding the foundation for the
care for the future. So,Michael, I want to thank you
very much for all that you do.
Michael Kochen (23:43):
Thank you, Sam, I appreciate it. And thank you
so much for shedding light onall of the things that you do as
well.
Sam Yates (23:49):
Much appreciated. For our listeners. I want to remind
you that the greater Americansenior show has an ongoing
series of updates with ourBrevard County Sheriff Wayne
Ivey. He takes a special look atthings that are going on within
the senior community. Right nowwe are featuring him on the
(24:10):
Florida Business Forum. We'llhave him back here. Now we're in
the Edit process of having himback here. But if you want
updates on some of the scamsthat are going on in Florida
right now aimed at seniorcitizens, check out the Florida
Business Forum Podcast. SheriffIB is on there right now and he
has some good news for you abouthow to avoid those scams. So,
(24:33):
Michael, thank you for beinghere on the podcast. I hope it
was a pleasant experience.
Michael Kochen (24:37):
Absolutely.
Thank you so much, Sam.
Sam Yates (24:39):
And we look forward to having you back again in the
future. As I am your gray hairedHost Sam Yates Have a great day
everybody
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