Wonder Woman

The resume of Marilyn Hamilton, vice president of global planning and strategic services for Sunrise Medical, Longmont, Colo., reads something like this: founder of Quickie Wheelchairs; award-winning businesswoman; co-founder of Winner on Wheels, a nonprofit, coed, scouting program for children in wheelchairs; board member for The California Endowment and the American Association of People with Disabilities; accomplished wheelchair athlete.

These achievements are but a few of the reasons why Hamilton was named one of six recipients of the 2002 HomeCare Caring Awards, which honor individuals who have provided distinguished service to the HME industry.

“Marilyn Hamilton’s ‘get-out-there spirit’ has raised the bar for an entire industry,” says Mike Hammes, CEO of Sunrise. “As an industry icon, she has made us all really think about product and quality. Her commitment to the HME provider and to bringing product to the market that not only changes lives but builds business is unrivaled. The HME industry has been fortunate to have Marilyn as one of its leaders over the past 20 years.”

To find out what drives this real-life Wonder Woman, HomeCare talked to Marilyn Hamilton about her career.

HC: How did you become involved in the HME/DME industry?

Hamilton: I have been involved in the industry for over 20 years. My involvement came as a result of an accident and the realization that there were no mobility products that were even close to acceptable available. When I went through rehab, all that existed were heavy steel wheelchairs. In my first year post-injury, I went through four different wheelchairs. I wanted to continue leading an active life. The products that were in the market left people without a sense of opportunity or even personal dignity. As result, we founded Quickie in 1980.

HC: What has made you stay in the industry?

Hamilton: My role as an advocate is paramount to me. Over the years I have been fortunate to be a friend, mentor and colleague to many interesting people, including athletes like David Kiley and Randy Snow; young people such as teen advocate Cody Unser; automotive legend, Darrel Gwynn; and athlete and author, Skip Wilkins.

My role at Sunrise Medical has allowed me to stay involved directly with new product development, customers, clinicians and consumers. Being able to bring cutting-edge products to market that answer the voice of the consumer through manufacturing advances is thrilling. It is the essence of advocacy in action.

HC: What has been your greatest challenge?

Hamilton: Getting people to think “out of the box” about new products. I have always tried to push the envelope by encouraging others to look at things differently and to listen closely to the voice of the consumer for whom product is being developed.

Another great challenge is product quality. I am part of an organization that makes quality a part of our culture. It is my dream that this sentiment will one day resonate throughout our entire industry.

HC: What advice would you give HME/DME providers about their role in the industry?

Hamilton: Listen carefully and take time to learn about each individual and his or her needs. Help consumers understand industry challenges and encourage them to join us in fighting for their right to the best quality products. Stay engaged and active with issues that impact funding, legislation and consumer advocacy. And, surround yourself with great people and have fun!