Dr. Alan Schumacher, Pea Ridge Emergency Room
Dr. Alan Schumacher, a board-certified family medicine physician, realized a clinic that offered comprehensive care to his neighbors in Pea Ridge, Northwest Arkansas, was crucial. His plan to open a walk-in clinic where quality care could be accessed quickly began to develop.
During an initial visit to First Western Bank's lending facility to discuss financing, Schumacher was directed to the Arkansas Small Business Technology Development Center to consult on the process of building the clinic. Working with ASBTDC Director Mary Beth Brooks, they developed a business plan and financial projections necessary to submit a loan package. “Mary Beth's assistance was invaluable,” Schumacher said. “Her personal involvement was extremely helpful in helping launch a new business.”
With his personal investment and funding from First Western Bank, Schumacher began building Pea Ridge Urgent Care. He contracted with the necessary vendors for the clinic's equipment, technology and benefits for the clinic's staff.
April Landry was hired as the clinic manager and earned certification in medical billing and coding through a program at Northwest Arkansas Community College. Among other duties, she developed a list of specialists for referrals and created job descriptions for needed medical and administrative staff. Training for clinic employees will begin in January 2024, and the clinic is scheduled to open April 1, 2024.
As with most small businesses, website development and branding strategy were key factors. Schumacher was encouraged to get multiple input to compare different web development options, and the vendor that best suited the needs of a small community business was selected. “Clinic branding and a website help build trust with potential patients and communicate the clinic's welcoming atmosphere,” said Rachel Majors, marketing consultant for ASBTDC. “Mary Beth and the staff at ASBTDC were invaluable in helping take our project from concept to reality,” said Schumacher.
As planned, the Pea Ridge Emergency Room opened on April 1, 2024. The day before, a ribbon-cutting and celebration was held by the Pea Ridge City Council, the Greater Bentonville Chamber of Commerce, ASBTDC and other community members.
The company currently has 16 employees, but Schumacher plans to add at least three full-time employees within the next two to three months.
“The opportunity to work with ASBTDC has provided and will continue to provide long-term, manifold benefits,” Schumacher said, “not only to us as a business entity, but also to our employees, their families and the entire community, who will now have access to health care services that were previously unavailable to them.”