Karl Fillauer: Passionate about O&P

By Jodi Mills

From left: Michael, CPO; Karl, CPO, FAAOP; the late Carlton, CPO; and David, CPO.

The Fillauer Companies have a long history of success in O&P. A collection of companies with very specific goals which they work daily to reach, The Fillauer Companies and the people who are a part of them see problems as opportunities which allow the companies to grow through change.

Coincidentally, the company is based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, which was one of the first US cities to effectively use a citizen visioning process to set specific long-range goals to enrich the lives of residents and visitors. According to a review of the city at www.Chattanooga.com, "In Chattanooga, citizens like to get involved, and they like to show off their accomplishments." With Karl Fillauer, CPO, FAAOP, chairman and chief executive officer of The Fillauer Companies Inc., leading the way, The Fillauer Companies fit in well with that innovative way of thinking and ambition to excel.

Having a vision of the future comes naturally to Fillauer. The grandson of the late George Fillauer and son of the late Carlton Fillauer, CPO, he learned about O&P at a young age. Starting out with a pharmacy that turned into a medical supply company, his grandfather set the standard. Eventually the business grew as an O&P facility, manufacturer, and distributor. Fillauer recalls playing in plaster as a young boy at his father's side. At that time, it was just a game to enjoy while his father worked. Being instructed by and working along with his father eventually led him to take the industry seriously and choose to follow in the proud tradition of his mentors. "I realized it was a way for me to help those with disabilities, make a living for myself, and carry on my father's business," says Fillauer. He received a bachelors degree from St. Bernard College, a degree in orthotics and prosthetics at Olive Harvey-Northwestern University, and continued his postgraduate work at New York University.

A prosthetist/orthotist certified by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC) since 1974, he has enveloped himself in every aspect of the business of O&P. "Our O&P business is very multifaceted," reflects Fillauer. "It was never just about production or being a technician. Growing up, there was always more to learn." Inventing, producing, manufacturing, and distributing are all areas diligently pursued at The Fillauer Companies. In addition, there is the one-on-one work with patients in the patient care facility. This well-rounded exposure to all the different aspects of O&P has benefited Fillauer greatly in his continual quest for knowledge in an ever-changing and developing business.

Promoting Education

Another venue that Fillauer pursues conscientiously is that of education. He credits his father, Carlton, with instilling the importance of education in him. Leading by example is the order of the day for Fillauer. As author and co-author of a variety of publications and numerous presentations, he obviously places a high value on educating the field of O&P. The on-site fabrication and patient care facilities strive to invent and improve their products and techniques. They provide a large variety of products and then teach the practitioners about them in hopes of meeting the needs of all their users in a timely and affordable manner. This education program is a global one, with Fillauer himself traveling the world teaching new techniques.

Don't for a minute think The Fillauer Companies will ever stagnate. The companies say they will take advantage of all opportunities and challenge themselves to make new and better products. Finding more efficient ways of fabricating and personalizing products is a goal. This in turn leads to making those products available at a realistic price that meets reimbursement levels while maintaining the highest standards of quality.

The Fillauer family's investment in O&P is large. In 1993, Fillauer accomplished a major feat when he was able to turn Fillauer back into a private company, once again making it a family-owned business. To date, the companies include Fillauer LLC, Hosmer, The Center for Orthotics Design, Motion Control, and Centri as well as product acquisitions such as Trautman. Fillauer said, broadening the name of The Fillauer Companies and their products is a highlight of his career.

Fourth Generation in O&P

Realizing his dreams while working alongside his two sons only adds to his joy. Michael Fillauer, CPO, and David Fillauer, CPO, are the fourth generation of the family choosing O&P as their career. They are involved in business development and are members of the board of directors. Michael recently began taking on a leadership role in product development, marketing, and patient care. As vice-president of the Tennessee State Orthotic and Prosthetic Association, he is active in promoting legislation to protect and encourage growth in the local market. He also hosts a local political radio talk show every Sunday at 4 PM on 1180AM called "The Right Hook." Michael and his wife Jennifer have a son named after his grandfather: Carlton Andrew, who is four months old. David is focused on patient care at this point in his career, having a true interest in the individual. He and his wife Carrie have two beautiful children, George and Mary. The devotion David has for his family and his work gives his father great satisfaction.

What about the woman who is a true champion of these men? Fillauer's wife Becky is a great support to the entire family. She is an avid golfer, playing for charities and participating in O&P industry events. Fillauer also sings the praises of the quality, hardworking people that he employs. Finding motivated and talented people that are amazing at what they do can be difficult, but Fillauer will tell you that objective has been realized as far as he is concerned. This would be an added reason for the excellent results in production and customer service that the company continuously maintains.

Career Advice

It is apparent that Fillauer is truly a man of great experience and thoughtfulness. He feels that one piece of advice for anyone starting his or her own facility is to clearly be a good clinician. In addition, and just as important, he or she needs to be a good businessperson--someone who can step outside the patient care arena and deal with the day-to-day struggles of having a successful business. Also, a must is having a passion for his or her work, no matter what the chosen field is. Having that fervor for what one does each day will bring success and satisfaction. These words of wisdom should be considered on the basis of Fillauer's own example of excelling in his chosen field and savoring each moment.

A Rewarding Life

The rewards are great when your chosen profession is one that allows you to work one-on-one with people, especially those that may have little access to medical care and proper supplies. On a recent trip to Jordan, Fillauer was able to personally fit a prosthetic device on a child who is a congenital amputee. The time spent in such endeavors is gratifying because what he is able to give is life-changing. The Fillauer Companies contribute travel expenses and donate products to several organizations on a annual basis. The Children of the Americas is one such organization that brings food, clothing, and medical care to kids in the United States, Mexico, and Guatemala. Standing With Hope is a nonprofit mission group that Fillauer assists, as they travel to developing countries where they concentrate on teaching prosthetic techniques and providing supplies.

It is evident that Fillauer is dedicated to his family, to the field of O&P, and to living up to his own advice of having a real passion for what he chooses to do each day. Whether it is overseeing his many business ventures, reveling in the successes of his family, the gratification he receives from the efforts of his employees, or giving back in whatever way he can to the O&P community and the people it serves, Karl Fillauer sincerely appreciates the life he lives and all he is able to accomplish.

For more information about the Fillauer Companies Inc., visit www.fillauer.com
For information about Children of the Americas, visit www.childrenoftheamericas.com
For information about Standing With Hope, visit  www.standingwithhope.com

Table Of Contents - December 2005

	O&P Community Rallies Support for Katrina Victims In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, many in the O&P field have offered financial assistance, support, and relief to the victims of what has been called the greatest natural disaster the US has ever faced. Feature
	Prosthetist/Orthotist Rescues Animals from Katrina Disaster A well-known member of the O&P community, Ronnie Graves, CO, BOCPO, LPO, RTP, heroically assisted in the rescue of hundreds of animals in Mississippi. Feature
	Pedorthics: Helping People Get Back to Work Not every pedorthist faces a first-time workers-compensation case like this one! Stepping Out
	Natural Disasters: Can Your Practice Survive? Legal EDGE
	Karl Fillauer: Passionate about O&P Industry Leader
	Hans Richard Lehneis, PhD, CPO, Passes Industry Insight
	Got FAQs? Got FAQs?
	Luci Busch, RTP Profile
	Please Don’t Shoot the Messenger Perspective
	From the Editor: New Managing Editor Joins The EDGE Viewpoint