Employee Spotlight

Our Employee Spotlights showcase members of our team who contribute to what makes Arthrex Cleveland exceptional. Across sales, medical education, leadership, and support roles, our employees bring unique experience, passion, and dedication to serving our surgeon partners and their patients. Get to know the individuals behind our success and discover what drives them both in and out of the field.

AJ Hoptry - Spine Product Manager

AJ joined Arthrex Cleveland in 2024 as our Spine Product Manager, bringing a strong background in both sports medicine and minimally invasive spine surgery. He began his career with Smith & Nephew Sports, where he advanced from associate representative to territory manager in the Akron/Canton/Youngstown market, gaining valuable experience in a competitive environment. He later joined SI-Bone, an emerging MIS spine company, where he built a foundation in surgeon relationships, medical education, and complex clinical concepts. With firsthand knowledge of Arthrex’s impact in the market and a passion for innovation, AJ stepped into his current role to help grow our spine offering from the ground up. Today, he focuses on driving incremental growth through surgeon education, case support, and meaningful relationship building, while continuing to support both his team and the surgeons he partners with.

 

In your role as Spine Product Manager, what are the main responsibilities you focus on day to day?

Incremental gains every single day. Whether it be taking a surgeon to Naples for an Endoscopic Spine course, scheduling a business meeting to showcase our portfolio, covering cases, or building deeper relationships with our current users. This role is different from other roles I have held in the past, which were solely driven daily by case coverage. Covering cases is still a large component of my job, but I also strive to make meaningful contributions through frequent medical education and constant relationship building. High activity with intention leads to success.

 

What skills or mindsets do you believe are essential for someone to succeed in a product management role at Arthrex Cleveland?

Complete ownership of your product category, along with the mindset of being the expert and trusted go-to resource in the market, are essential for success in a product management role at Arthrex Cleveland. Then building that reputation to live up to the standards Arthrex Cleveland’s team has set over 25 years. We are fortunate to have the best products, resources, med ed support, and reps in the field, and I will never take that for granted. The mindset for a product manager is to strive to get buy-in every day from your team and reps, as well as your customers. Our reps have many different product categories in their bag, so finding quick and easy ways to help them be successful is key. At the end of the day, we all want to see each other succeed!

 

What does “being a great teammate” mean to you in your role?

Being a great teammate will always be about building trust through your actions and finding ways to lift others up. Taking advantage of small opportunities to ease a teammate’s workload can go a long way. Ultimately, it comes down to being someone others enjoy working with, approachable, dependable, and positive. Bring that mindset every day, and people will naturally want to collaborate with you.

 

How has your role evolved as Arthrex continues to innovate and expand its product offerings?

This is the most exciting aspect of my role. Arthrex is known for innovation, and I have witnessed firsthand the impact we have had on sports and the orthopedic world. When I first started in my role, we had no instruments or disposable products and zero sales, and we were truly in startup mode. With that came the exciting opportunity to build it from the ground up. We have homegrown endoscopic users whom we are now able to guide through our curriculum pathway to help surgeons build their practices and shift to offering patients ultra-minimally invasive care. As we continue to expand our footprint, I look forward to connecting with more of our team, providing more spine-related training, and helping them become comfortable working with our exceptional spine surgeon customers.

 

What are some of your interests and passions outside of work?

My wife, Julia, and I are blessed to have an almost one-year-old daughter, Tatum, along with our dog, Blu. We love being outside, whether it’s going on family walks, grabbing dinner on a patio, or taking trips to the pool. I am fully invested in all things Cleveland sports (next year is the Browns’ year) and love getting out on the golf course with any free time I have.

Bri Vandendriessche - Area Manager, Akron East Team

Bri has been a part of the Arthrex Cleveland team since 2019 and currently serves as an Area Manager for our Akron East team. Immediately after graduating from Pitt, where Bri was a member of the women’s soccer team, she began her career with Arthrex Cleveland as a Distal Extremities Associate Representative. Here, she built a strong technical foundation and supported surgeons in the operating room at the highest level, early on. She went on to lead the Foot and Ankle team, an experience that helped shape her leadership and growth within the organization. Now in her role as Area Manager, Bri focuses on developing her team, supporting surgeons, and continuing to expand her expertise across multiple areas of the business.

 

What does a typical day look like for you as an Area Manager?

No two days are exactly the same, which is one of the things I love most about the role. While my responsibilities vary day to day, they consistently center around supporting the team in the field, collaborating with surgeons and hospital staff, and handling the behind-the-scenes work that helps drive our impact forward. With my background in Foot and Ankle, I’ve also spent a lot of time this past year focusing on growing within the sports medicine side of the business so I can continue becoming the most well-rounded leader possible for our team.

 

How do you support and motivate your sales representatives to perform at their best?

I support and motivate my team by leading alongside them. Having progressed through the same roles, I understand the day-to-day challenges they face, whether it’s in the operating room, building surgeon relationships, or managing the demands of the job. I try to create an environment where the team feels supported, challenged, and empowered to grow. In my opinion, that is done by being present, helping problem-solve, celebrating wins together, and constantly looking for ways to develop each person’s strengths.

 

Who’s had the biggest influence on how you show up professionally?

Surgeons have had a tremendous influence on how I show up professionally. Seeing the direct impact of the work I support in their practices motivates me every day and drives me to build a strong team that can extend that impact to more surgeons across our region. I’ve also been very fortunate to start my career in a territory where I had the opportunity to work closely with our Vice President of Sales, Natalie. What began as a teammate relationship quickly developed into a meaningful mentorship that has played a significant role in shaping my growth and approach to my career.

 

What is one lesson you’ve learned in your career that has shaped your leadership style?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of leading by example. In this business, credibility is built through hard work, consistency, and showing up for your team. When your team sees that you’re willing to put in the same effort and face the same challenges they do, it builds trust. That trust creates a culture where people are motivated to push themselves, support each other, and ultimately perform at a higher level.

 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work when it comes to hobbies or personal interests?

Outside of work, my husband and I own a gym in our hometown, which has been an amazing experience for both of us. Fitness has always been a big part of my life. I was a collegiate soccer player, and I still love staying active, whether that’s training at the gym or running marathons. Most importantly, I love spending time with my family. We have two boys and another on the way, so life is definitely busy, but it’s been the most rewarding part of it all.

Devon Dunlap - Cardiothoracic Product Manager

Devon has been a part of the Arthrex Cleveland team since 2024 and serves as our Cardiothoracic Product Manager. With six years of experience as a Certified Cardiothoracic Surgical Technologist, Devon brings a strong clinical background and firsthand operating room knowledge into her role every day. Her experience supporting complex cardiothoracic procedures gives her a unique perspective when working alongside surgeons and sales representatives, helping ensure product support is both detailed and dependable.

 

As our Cardiothoracic Product Manager, what does your day‑to‑day work typically involve?

As Cardiothoracic Product Manager, my work day is fairly unpredictable and flexible. Some days I am busy supporting cases in the operating room, and some days are lighter, which is when I take the opportunity to follow up with my surgeons and corporate product managers, and schedule future meetings with new doctors.

 

What do you enjoy most about partnering with our surgeon customers to support the cardiothoracic products?

Building relationships outside of the operating room. I strive to build strong, trusting connections with them so I can be a part of their future collaborations for their patients. Cardiothoracic surgery is very intense, and most CT surgeons find it challenging to innovate on projects that will best suit their practice. I like to bridge that gap between business partners and a trusted friend!

 

How do you collaborate with sales representatives to ensure they feel confident and knowledgeable about your products?

Collaborating with other sales reps in the agency as well as across the country is incredibly beneficial to the future of cardiothoracic for Arthrex. Being able to ask questions about products, or approach specific case challenges is what makes a sales representative successful.

 

What qualities do you look for when collaborating with sales reps, educators, or other team members who support cardiothoracic products?

The qualities that stand out to me are good communication skills, general knowledge of Cardiothoracic procedures and anatomy, showing interest in the future of Cardiothoracic and the potential it has to thrive at Arthrex, and having an outgoing personality.

 

What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

One thing people may be surprised to learn about me is that I am actually a very big introvert! I have always been a very strong member to any team I’ve been a part of and I am incredibly detail oriented. They say that surgical technologists are some of the most OCD people in the medical field and I think that is spot on for me! However, when it comes to my work ethic and business, I tend to flip the switch and become the most outgoing person in the room. Keeping a positive, fun, and light hearted attitude goes a long way in the Cardiothoracic space.

Doug Johnson - Senior Manager of Talent Development

Doug has been with Arthrex Cleveland since 2005 and serves as our Senior Manager of Talent Development. With a background in nursing and extensive operating room experience, Doug brings deep clinical knowledge to his role. After progressing through sales and product leadership positions within the agency, he now focuses on training, mentoring, and developing our team to ensure representatives are confident and prepared in the field.

 

Can you describe your background and what your role is at Arthrex Cleveland?

My professional background is rooted in nursing and the operating room environment, where I gained broad exposure across multiple surgical specialties, including Orthopedics, Podiatry, ENT, Vascular, and General Surgery. I was fortunate to practice during a pivotal time in surgery, witnessing and growing through the evolution of laparoscopic and arthroscopic techniques, which fundamentally changed how procedures are performed and how patients recover. Throughout my career, I have remained deeply fascinated by the human body and its ability to function, adapt, and heal, a perspective that continues to drive my passion for medicine and education.

 

After 15 years of nursing experience, I transitioned into medical device sales with Arthrex. I began my journey in Sports Medicine, later shifting into Extremities as Arthrex expanded and introduced its Extremities product portfolio. Over time, I progressed through the organization from Territory Representative, to Product Manager, and now serve as Senior Manager of Talent Development. I have been fortunate to work alongside exceptional people throughout my career, and I’ve consistently found that my greatest impact comes from sharing knowledge, mentoring others, and developing talent. Teaching and developing people has always been where I add the most value, which is why I believe I am in this role today.

 

How do you ensure that our training programs stay aligned with the evolving needs of the field?

Alignment starts with staying deeply connected to the field. Training can’t be static — it has to reflect what representatives are actually experiencing in cases. That means case observations, and ongoing dialogue with reps at all experience levels.

 

We regularly evaluate where reps feel confident and where friction exists through our 30/60/90 day check ins, sales pitches, and product/procedure specific training— whether that’s anatomy, instrumentation flow, surgeon preferences, or managing pressure in the OR. Training is then adjusted proactively, not reactively. When feedback drives content, training stays relevant and effective.

 

What makes the Arthrex Cleveland onboarding experience unique compared to other organizations?

Our onboarding is intentionally hands-on, progressive, and team-driven. New hires aren’t expected to learn everything at once, and they’re never left to figure things out alone.

 

From day one, onboarding blends:

  • Structured education
  • Real field exposure
  • Mentorship from experienced reps
  • Clear expectations and accountability

New hires observe cases early, participate in labs, and gradually assume responsibility as their confidence grows. The focus isn’t just knowledge acquisition — it’s preparing reps to perform in real surgical environments with professionalism and composure.

 

How do you tailor training to support different learning styles or levels of experience?

People learn differently, so training has to be flexible while maintaining consistent standards. We combine multiple learning modalities:

  • Visual learning through case observation and demos
  • Hands-on learning through labs and dry runs
  • Verbal learning through discussion, Q&A, and teaching moments
  • Repetition and scenario-based learning for retention

We also structure training in tiers — foundational for new hires, advanced for developing reps, and leadership-focused for senior team members. This ensures training remains relevant, challenging, and aligned with each rep’s stage of development.

 

How do you help new team members transition from training to real‑world application in the OR?

The key is bridging the gap between theory and reality. We don’t stop at product knowledge — we teach context, and we do that in a real-world environment.
 

That includes:

  • OR etiquette and communication
  • Anticipating surgeon needs
  • Understanding case flow and timing
  • Managing pressure and unexpected situations

New hires move from observation to supervised case participation, gaining responsibility gradually. We emphasize repetition, feedback, and post-case reflection so learning continues well beyond formal training sessions. Confidence in the OR comes from preparation, exposure, and support — all of which are built into our process.


It’s a continuous development process. By staying connected to the field, adapting to individual needs, and prioritizing real-world readiness, we ensure our representatives are prepared not just to support cases, but to add meaningful value in the operating room.

Joe Casarona - Foot/Ankle & Trauma Sales Representative, Cleveland Northeast Team

Joe has been with Arthrex Cleveland since 2022 and serves as a Foot/Ankle and Trauma Sales Representative on our Cleveland Northeast team. Prior to entering the medical device industry, Joe built his professional foundation in the technology and consulting space, with experience in IT services, business solutions, and tech sales. That background helped shape the strategic, relationship driven approach he brings to his work today.

 

What do you find most fulfilling about mentoring or collaborating with newer sales representatives on the team?

I believe the most fulfilling part about mentoring newer sales representatives is watching the job start to click for them and watching them grow. As a new sales rep in a territory, things can be overwhelming, but watching a rep ask questions, study, get to know doctors and the facilities, then having their own success is very cool to watch. I also believe working with newer sales reps can be beneficial for more tenured reps as well. New sales reps can come in and see things very differently from the rep that has been working a territory or with a doctor for a long period of time, and the fresh set of eyes can easily see things differently, provide a fresh perspective, and come up with great ideas.

How do you stay sharp and continue expanding your product and procedural knowledge?

Continuing to learn is key to this job, and Arthrex provides many great resources to continue everyone’s knowledge. At Arthrex Cleveland, our leadership team does a great job of making sure every representative is continuing to learn new technology and sharpening their skills for less common procedures. Also, having mentors is key to this industry. For me, leaning on people like my manager, teammates, and upper management and bouncing ideas off them to help come up with strategies for different doctors and/or accounts is something I do very often and has helped me grow tremendously.

What accomplishment or impact are you most proud of in your time with the team?

Sales cycles can be very long in our profession, so anytime you work for months to switch a doctor from a competitive technology to Arthrex, it is a great feeling. But then watching the doctor completely transition to Arthrex and learning that their patients are doing better post-surgery is always an unbelievable feeling.

What advice do you give newer sales representatives who want to build a sustainable, successful career at Arthrex Cleveland?

The first obvious answer, I think, is to never stop learning. Even when things start to click for you, I believe it is critical to continue to learn through studying outside of work and, again, leaning on team members to teach you something that they excel in. Secondly, doing the small things that help everyone out. This can be as simple as moving the mini X-ray machine when needed during cases or helping doctors with their surgical gown as they’re scrubbing in. These are really small and easy tasks for us, but they build up and are always appreciated by the doctors and the staff, and that saves time in the OR. Lastly, say yes to the late cases. Cases can be added on late during the week, and although they can be a pain to go to and sometimes change your night, these cases expedite getting to know doctors and staff at the hospital and eventually make your life so much easier.

What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you? 

I am very proud of my Italian heritage. I live in Little Italy in Cleveland and have been playing in a weekly bocce league, which has introduced me to many cool people also living and working in the area. I have also been working on my own pasta sauce that has been passed down in my family for generations. Although I currently do not have it perfect, it’s coming along.

Kaylee Isaacs - Supply Chain Coordinator

Kaylee has been a part of the Arthrex Cleveland team since 2020 and serves as our Supply Chain Coordinator. She began her career with Arthrex in Atlanta as a Technology Specialist before discovering a passion for the operations side of the business and transitioning into logistics. With a background in biology from Georgia Tech and a strong attention to detail, Kaylee has developed a key role in supporting inventory management, process efficiency, and overall operational success. Today, she plays an essential part in ensuring the sales team is equipped with the resources they need to effectively support surgeons and deliver exceptional patient care.

 

What are some of the key responsibilities involved in supporting supply chain operations at Arthrex Cleveland?

Our Logistics team has two main goals: to support our sales force so they can help surgeons treat their patients better and to maintain inventory accuracy to ensure operational integrity. We are responsible for restocking assets, delivering those assets to the field, placing orders, replacing broken equipment, ensuring that our records match Arthrex’s records, communicating with reps and corporate to proactively address logistical hiccups, and developing new processes that help drive overall efficiency.

What initially drew you to a career in supply chain and operations?

I had no idea what the operations side of medical device companies looked like, and I did not know that there were local operations departments at each agency until I started working at Arthrex Atlanta. One year into my time at Arthrex Atlanta, I was tasked with helping my team conduct a close-out audit as the agency was being split into multiple new agencies. I enjoyed organizing the inventory, analyzing the results, and doing detective work to resolve discrepancies. Shortly after that, an opening on the Operations team became available, so I asked about moving into the role because it felt like a great fit for me.

How does your role help support our sales team and surgeon partners?

Our sales force works hard to support our Northeast Ohio healthcare partners. It is a demanding role that can be both stressful and rewarding. Someone needs to support the sales force so that their attention can be on learning new technologies and communicating those advancements to our surgeon partners. Our Logistics team prepares assets that are case-ready for the field, actively looks for solutions when operational challenges arise, and helps answer questions for the sales force so they can feel fully prepared for cases and confidently provide outstanding service to our surgeon partners. When our surgeon partners feel confident in us, they can feel confident that they are truly treating their patients better.

What is one accomplishment in your role that you are particularly proud of?

We have grown and changed greatly in the six years since I started working at Arthrex Cleveland. I am most proud of the work that our Business Optimization and Logistics team has done to support our sales force whenever surgeries arise. We do everything we can to ensure our sales force and surgeon partners are prepared. Our Redspot (a system for tracking and validating inventory accuracy and readiness) processes make it easier to maintain high quality when preparing assets for surgery, identify system discrepancies, and remain transparent with our sales force. Arthrex audits require a high level of preparation, and our processes help instill confidence and have repeatedly resulted in successful outcomes.

Outside of work, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy the most?

First and foremost, I love spending time with my fiancé, my family, and my two cats! I love running, lifting weights, and competing in Spartan races. I also love camping and traveling, so it would be awesome to participate in the Spartan Championships in Greece! I also enjoy playing videogames, watching anime, and learning about Japanese culture. Singing, music, and attending concerts have also always been some of my biggest hobbies.

Lauren Stevens - Medical Education Manager

 

Lauren has been with Arthrex Cleveland since 2015. She is a member of the Talent Development team and also serves as a Medical Education Manager. With a background as an athletic trainer, Lauren brings firsthand clinical experience from both the orthopedic clinic setting and the athletic sidelines. In her role today, she focuses on developing and supporting our sales team through structured training, hands-on education, and ongoing mentorship, helping ensure representatives are prepared, confident, and ready to perform at a high level in the field.

 

 Can you describe your background and what your role is at Arthrex Cleveland?

My background is an athletic trainer by trade, with hands-on experience working in an outpatient orthopedic clinic as well as on the sidelines for a local high school. That foundation gave me early exposure to injury evaluation, rehabilitation, return-to-play decision making, and close collaboration with physicians and physical therapists. Transitioning into medical device sales allowed me to build on that clinical base while gaining extensive experience in orthopedic procedures, surgeon support, and in-field education. Having worked both on the patient care side and in the operating room environment gives me a practical perspective on how products, procedures, and preparation all come together in real time. At Arthrex Cleveland, my role centers on developing and supporting our sales team particularly new hires by ensuring they have the clinical understanding, product confidence, and field readiness necessary to perform at a high level. 

What can new hires expect from their first few weeks of onboarding with Arthrex Cleveland?

New hires can expect a structured, immersive onboarding experience that balances education with real-world exposure. The first few weeks are focused on building a strong foundation understanding Arthrex’s mission, product portfolio, anatomy, and procedural flow, while also getting meaningful time in the field. They’ll be paired with experienced team members, attend labs and training, and begin observing cases early on. We’re very intentional with our training while still setting clear expectations for growth and accountability.

How do you structure training to help new representatives feel confident and prepared in the field?

Training is built progressively. We start with fundamentals; anatomy, indications, and core product knowledge, and then layer in procedural depth, case logistics, and OR dynamics. Hands-on learning is critical. That means labs, dry runs, real case observation, and eventually supervised case coverage. We emphasize repetition, open dialogue, and scenario based learning so reps don’t just know the material, but know how to apply it under pressure. Confidence comes from preparation.

What is your overall philosophy when it comes to training and developing new hires?

We invest heavily in our people because success in this industry doesn’t happen by accident. At the same time, we’re clear about expectations; clinical competence, professionalism, accountability, and work ethic all matter. Everyone learns differently, so we tailor development while holding the bar high. The goal isn’t just to get someone through training, it’s to develop long term, trusted representatives who can add value to surgeons and thrive in a demanding environment.

What would you say to someone considering a career at Arthrex Cleveland who wants to understand the level of support they’ll receive?

Arthrex Cleveland is a team driven organization. New hires receive structured training, ongoing mentorship, and real access to leadership. Questions are encouraged, feedback is constant, and development doesn’t stop after onboarding. If you’re motivated, coachable, and willing to put in the work, you’ll have the tools, resources, and people around you to help you succeed.

Natalie Bowling - Vice President of Sales

Natalie has been with Arthrex Cleveland since 2019 and currently serves as our Vice President of Sales. She started her journey with the agency as a Sales Representative and has worked her way up through the organization, gaining valuable experience at every level along the way. Known for her drive, consistency, and team-first mindset, Natalie has played an important role in shaping the culture and leadership development within Arthrex Cleveland.

 

What does it take to be a successful leader at Arthrex Cleveland?

A successful leader at Arthrex Cleveland puts people first while holding the bar high. That means being present, accountable, and willing to roll up your sleeves alongside the team. You have to lead with clarity, consistency, and trust—celebrating wins, addressing challenges head-on, and never losing sight of why we do what we do: to help surgeons treat their patients better. The best leaders here create alignment with the organization, stay positive through adversity, and build a culture within their team where people feel supported and challenged to be their best.

As a leader at Arthrex Cleveland, you are often involved in our interview and hiring process. What qualities are most important to you when searching for talent?

I look for individuals who bring strong work ethic, humility, and a team-first mindset. Skills can be taught, but attitude, accountability, and coachability cannot. The best candidates are curious, resilient, and comfortable being uncomfortable—they’re motivated to learn, open to feedback, and genuinely care about contributing to something bigger than themselves.

What advice would you give to both new hires and future recruits who want to make an impact at Arthrex Cleveland?

Show up ready to learn, work hard, and take ownership—every single day. Ask questions, seek feedback, and don’t wait to be told to lead – taking initiative is required. The people who make the biggest impact here are the ones who are dependable, proactive, and committed to continuous improvement. If you focus on best-in-class service for your customers and supporting your teammates each day, success will follow.

What achievement in your role at Arthrex Cleveland are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of helping build and develop a strong, collaborative team culture. Seeing individuals grow into confident leaders, watching teams come together to overcome challenges, and knowing we’ve created an environment where people feel valued and driven to succeed—that’s the most meaningful accomplishment to me. It’s a gift to be a part of this amazing team!

What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

People might be surprised to learn how competitive I am. It’s a mindset that started when I was a kid playing sports. Those early experiences, along with lessons from my dad around toughness, courage, and never quitting, shaped how I approach challenges. Today, that drive shows up as a commitment to performance with a goal to help others push beyond obstacles, continuously improve, and reach their full potential.

Phil Bojc - Director of Business Development

Phil joined Arthrex Cleveland in September 2025 as our Director of Business Development. He brings a diverse sales background with experience in both business services and the medical device industry, where he has held roles ranging from territory sales to strategic account leadership. His broad industry perspective and focus on relationship-building play an important role in driving growth and expanding opportunities throughout our local market.

 

Can you share your background and what led you to your role as Director of Business Development at Arthrex Cleveland?

Out of college, I spent 5 years selling payroll service, and it was the best possible experience I could have ever asked for. It truly allowed me to develop and hone my craft in the sales process through cold-calling, prospecting, and closing deals. I didn’t get into the med device industry until I was 30, which may seem like I got a late start, but for me it was the perfect timing. I started with Stryker Sports in 2014, covering the Cle/Akron/Canton/Youngstown market, and was there for 2 years before I accepted a role with Zimmer Biomet (ZB) in Columbus. In a 10-year span at ZB, I held 2 roles that included selling Surgical Capital and disposable products. The most recent role I held was in a National Accounts Enterprise role that gave me a new perspective on the industry through the eyes of customers and GPOs. My family and I made the decision to move back to Cleveland in June 2025 to be closer to family, and at that same time, Zac (Agency Owner) and I were connected through Arthrex Columbus Agency owner John Parulski, and the rest is history.

 

What excites you most about the growth trajectory of Arthrex Cleveland?

I was always envious of Arthrex from afar, but great products and MedEd are only part of the equation. From day one, I immediately knew that Zac (Agency Owner) and Natalie (Vice President of Sales) were all in! I truly believe culture is the #1 reason why companies either succeed or fail, and we are building something special!

 

How do you work with our surgeon customers to identify unmet needs or opportunities for expansion?

Asking the right questions and truly being curious. I think curiosity is very underrated. Equally important is helping our surgeons and customers be better at their job. There is a human element that is undeniable, and people buy from people they like, period. It sounds cliche, but being present wherever your feet are allows you the ability to solve people’s problems.

 

How do you stay informed about market trends, competitive shifts, and emerging technologies in our space?

In general, LinkedIn is a great resource for keeping your ear to the streets on what other companies and surgeons are excited about or working on. As a former “bag carrying” rep, I always engaged with competitors carefully to try to get as much info as I could. It didn’t change how I did my job, but it allowed me to understand their offense with the surgeons that I was trying to convert!

 

What are some of your interests and passions outside of work?

My wife, Taylor, and I are blessed with 2 very active and competitive children, Josie, 12, and PJ, 10. When we are not driving them around for various sporting activities, golf is my go-to. It is a great game that has given me so many valuable life lessons and meaningful personal relationships.

Trent Jones - Sports Medicine Sales Representative, Cleveland Central Team

Trent has been with Arthrex Cleveland since April 2025 and is a Sports Medicine Sales Representative on our Cleveland Central team. Prior to joining the agency, he worked as a Trauma Associate Sales Consultant, gaining hands-on experience supporting complex cases in the operating room. Trent brings a relationship driven approach to his role and is known for building strong connections with surgeons, hospital staff, and teammates across the agency.

What do you like most about working with our surgeon-customers?

It has to be the relationships developed over time. Being able to connect in a way that isn’t directly related to cases is a special thing shared between surgeon and rep. They know that all we want to do is help them treat their patients better, and I think that correlates to a long lasting friendship/relationship.

 

What excites you about the future with Arthrex Cleveland?

I think the thing that excites me most about the future with Arthrex Cleveland is all the talent that has been hired and will continue to be hired. The future of Arthrex Cleveland is in the building, and thankfully, we have well tenured, skilled, and generous leaders to help all of us get to the spot we want to be at.

 

What advice would you give to new hires who want to make an impact at Arthrex Cleveland?

My advice to a new hire would be to build as many relationships as possible. This doesn’t just go for surgeons; I’m talking about people at the front desk when you walk in the hospital, nurses, janitors, and reps from other territories. The more relationships you build, the more resources you’re going to have to be successful.

 

How has mentorship or support from teammates influenced your development?

It has been a massive pleasure working with such profound and hardworking individuals. I love the fact that every single one of us is invested in helping our surgeons treat our patients better. We have a great dynamic throughout our whole team, and it has directly led to my development.

 

What are some of your interests and passions outside of work?

Some of my interests outside of work are spending time with my fiance and our families. I also love to golf with my friends and try a lot of different foods!

Trent McKinstray - Area Manager, Cleveland West Team

Trent has been a part of the Arthrex Cleveland team since 2022 and serves as an Area Manager on our Cleveland West team. Prior to joining Arthrex, Trent spent nearly four years as a Spine Representative with Globus Medical, where he developed a strong foundation in orthopedic sales and operating room support. Drawn to Arthrex by the people and the opportunity for growth, he joined as an associate and quickly advanced into a leadership role. Trent is known for his team-first mindset, commitment to development, and ability to lead by example, fostering a culture focused on accountability, continuous improvement, and delivering comprehensive orthopedic solutions.

What first attracted you to Arthrex Cleveland, and what has encouraged you to continue your career here?

The first thing that attracted me to Arthrex Cleveland was the people. I met with several reps during the hiring process, and it was refreshing to meet individuals who were so knowledgeable about their field but also genuinely good people. That aspect has also been the driving force in continuing my career here because I know that my hard work is for everyone in this agency, and I know that they are all doing the same. Iron sharpens iron.

 

How do you help your team stay focused and perform at a high level in a fast-paced surgical sales environment?

My team and I have weekly Friday meetings to reflect on the week and to game plan for the upcoming week. We ensure that we are efficient in communication and allocation of assets in the field, as well as in tracking progress on sales goals and conversations with surgeons. We try to keep our focus on the everyday little things that make the big things possible.

 

What experience in your career has contributed most to your growth in this role?

Earlier in my career, our teams were designed around a smaller team structure, with less people on a team, covering smaller geographic areas. When I first became a Team Manager, it was a valuable opportunity to begin running a piece of the business. As responsibilities shifted within the Cleveland West area, I was given the opportunity to take a leadership role overseeing two teams. This experience pushed me to grow, teaching me many things, but mainly to just “keep doing the work,” eliminate excuses, and get the job done. Once I had a year of managing two teams on my own, I was given the opportunity to become Area Manager, managing an important market within the city on the West side of Cleveland, and I took the position with great eagerness. I am thankful for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped me into the rep that I am today.

 

How do you help develop and mentor newer team members on your team?

On the Cleveland West team, developing team members is a shared commitment. Myself and the other team members are always lending a helping hand in the education of our newer members, leading from the front and showing them how to do things the right way, not the easy way. On the West team, we also want to make sure that we are orthopedic reps, and not simply sports, foot/ankle & trauma (FAT), or arthroplasty, etc. We aim to have a well-rounded understanding of all orthopedics so we can speak to every aspect of our business with surgeons and build stronger relationships by providing solutions across the full spectrum of orthopedic care. I am incredibly proud of the work that my team does every day to make sure we are all continuing to grow as reps and people.

 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work when it comes to hobbies or personal interests?

I love to be outdoors, whether that be golfing, kayaking, hiking, or relaxing on a nice patio. I am also a big sports fan. I love college football and basketball, as well as lacrosse. I was a lacrosse coach for 10 years at Olmsted Falls prior to stepping down this past year, but I still love going to games when I can find the time. My biggest personal interest, however, is my family. I have a wonderful wife and an amazing one-year-old daughter that I can never get enough time with. They make all of the work truly worth it.