From startups to market-leading global brands, Ron is one of the Southwest’s most successful healthcare technology entrepreneurs.
HISTORY
After studying computer engineering at the University of New Mexico, Mr. McPhee founded HealthFirst Corporation in 1990, and served as its CEO from inception until the sale of that company to Polar Electro in 2000. HealthFirst, now Polar HealthFirst, is a leading global developer of health management software and web-based solutions used in health care, government, health and fitness centers and fortune 500 companies. While serving as CEO, HealthFirst enjoyed triple digit revenue growth through the late 1990s.
In September of 2000, Mr. McPhee negotiated the sale of HealthFirst to Polar Electro OY, the world leader in real-time fitness and cardiovascular monitoring devices. After the acquisition by Polar, Mr. McPhee continued to serve as CEO of the HealthFirst division establishing market leading solutions in 12 countries and becoming a senior member of the Polar North American management team.
As a member of Polar’s North American management team, Ron managed Polar’s B-to-B division, growing revenue from $9M to over $40M in three years. During this time, Polar established itself as the premier wellness technology brand in Education, Medical, Corporate Health and the Health Club markets. In addition, Ron managed Polar’s OEM business unit which provided “Polar heart rate ready” technology in over 90% of all commercial fitness equipment sold in the Americas. As part of managing Polar’s retail division, Ron managed relationships with many of the US’s largest retailers including Wal-Mart. Ron ultimately became the senior executive at Polar Americas overseeing business units in the US, Canada, Mexico and South America.
Ron is the founder and CEO of Nuvita and founder and Executive Chairman of Nuvita Pro, both Verge II.5 portfolio companies. Ron is also on the board of boomtime.