VGM History
Van G. Miller founded VGM & Associates Sept. 3, 1986, as a national buying group for independent home medical equipment providers. In 25 years, it has expanded to include buying groups for high-tech rehab and respiratory providers, orthotic and prosthetic practitioners, the golf, private club industry and restaurant chains, and HME providers in Canada.
The organization has grown to more than 20 business units, the majority of which are related to the HME industry. Collectively, they’re known as VGM Group, Inc. VGM is the largest group of its kind in the HME industry.
VGM’s story really begins in 1978, when Van founded Miller Medical Service, an HME business that grew into a franchise operation with 26 locations in the Midwest. Because of its size, the company received healthy volume discounts from nearly all its vendors, enabling even the small franchisee to realize very good pricing. He sold his 50 percent ownership of Miller Medical in 1986, and founded VGM & Associates.
Van has been named one of the "Top 10 Most Influential People in the HME Industry." HomeCare Magazine recognized him with its HomeCaring Award, the industry’s equivalent of a lifetime achievement honor. Companies headed by him have twice made Inc. Magazine’s list of the 500 Fastest Growing Companies in the U.S.
In 2005, VGM implemented an ESOP, which is the centerpiece of the company’s plan for succession and continuity. On June 3, 2008, VGM became a 100 percent employee-owned company.
In 2011, the Des Moines Register newspaper named VGM one of the top 25 places to work in Iowa.
VGM Group, Inc.
Van G. Miller & Associates, 1986: The original buying group negotiates contracts with major HME manufacturers to allow independent dealers to be competitive with national chains, and has expanded its offerings to include HME-specific education in a variety of platforms, government relations, consumer advocacy, wound care and bariatric programs, retail expertise and a brand-new Alternate Care Program.
VGM Insurance, 1990: This company is the leader in insurance and surety bonds for HME providers, orthotic and prosthetic practitioners and HME manufacturers.
VGM Financial Services, 1991: The financial arm of VGM supports and designs lease/financing programs for buying alliances members and Participating Manufacturers. In 2004, it was sold to TCF, which is based in Minneapolis. Terms of the sale included keeping all employees and remaining in Waterloo for 15 years.
VGM Technologies, Inc., 1992: VGMT provides technology-related consulting and a variety of communications products and services for VGM Members, including VGM Fleet Solutions, andhmeprovider.com, a lead generation program that connects patients and caregivers to VGM Members. The Off The Shelf Marketing Program offers pre-designed and written, cost-conscious print marketing to help members promote their businesses to both consumers and referral sources.
Orthotic and Prosthetic Group of America, Inc. 1993: Incorporated in 1993, OPGA is the largest U.S. purchasing group for independent O&P companies. OPGA is also host to POINT Health Centers of America.
HOMELINK, 1993R : HOMELINK is the largest national network of HME, IV therapy, O and P, Home Health Nursing and Physical Therapy companies, with more than 5,000 locations serving all 50 states. It handles more than 100,000 referrals annually, and allows case managers the convenience of making one phone call and dealing with one entity. HOMELINK’s Dealer Direct Program allows VGM Members to accept out-of-network patients.
VGM Club, 1994: Organized in 1994 as a national buying alliance for green-grass golf establishments, Club but has since expanded its programs to include private clubs, casinos and restaurant chains.
VGM Insurance Co. of America, Ltd., 1995: Headquartered in Bermuda, it provides re-insurance and captive insurance programs for VGM and member companies.
U.S. Rehab, 1997R: Acquired in 1997, U.S. Rehab is a national alliance of NRRTS-registered Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers.
VGM Canada, 1998 and Motion Group, 2003: This network is a buying alliance for independent Canadian HME and rehab providers.
vgm creative, 1998: vgm creative has set the industry standard for HME and O&P graphic design, whether it is a tri-fold brochure or a complex corporate identity package.
VGM Forbin, 1999: This division offers complete Internet solutions, including Web design, hosting, search engine marketing and proprietary products developed for the HME marketplace.
VGM Education, 2000: VGM Education is committed to developing and delivering affordable, quality instructor-led and self-paced educational programs that support our customers' success.
Strategic Media, Ltd., 2004: This political communications firm provides services to candidates seeking elective office, as well as issue advocacy work.
Strategic Imaging, 2007: SI offers variable data printing, direct mail and targeted marketing services.
Accessible Home Improvement of America, 2009: This network of CEAC-certified providers and installers offers accessibility and home modification services for the physically challenged in those wishing to age in their own homes. AHIA offers education, purchasing, consumer referrals and specialized training for its members.
VGM Alternate Care, 2010: Works to develop business-enhancing programs that complement HME, respiratory and rehab operations. Programs include an alliance for home nursing agencies, home infusion operations and health coaching.
People for Quality Care, 2010: VGM’s advocacy group educates and organizes at the grass-roots level to share beneficiary stores about HME issues that affect patients, quality care and freedom of choice.
CE Solutions, 2011: CE Solutions, a division of VGM Education, works with healthcare organizations nationwide to provide their health care professionals with the benefit of quality continuing education courses.