NewsStories Of Opportunity: A Record-breaking Year

This article was originally published on March 7, 2025, as part of the full release of the 2024 Stories Of Opportunity. The Stories Of Opportunity is VGM Group’s annual report, showcasing the successes of VGM and its employee owners. 

2024 was a record-breaking year for VGM, and that success is driven by our employee owners. They’re the ones that make it possible—leading to some of the best years for many of VGM’s business units.

VGM Fulfillment

Fulfillment continued to work with many recognizable partners in the CPAP industry, a testament to the service provided by our VGM employee owners. And managers across our locations put out praise for many of the warehouse workers.

“Gabriela Robles joined Fulfillment in 2020 and has since become an invaluable member of our team. As a specialty picker, she handles CGM orders and priority orders with exceptional care and dedication. Gabriela’s commitment to quality and efficiency is truly outstanding. We are grateful for her hard work and excellence.” – Mariellys Gutierrez, Phoenix Warehouse Manager

“Donyale Henderson is eager to learn and grow with VGM. He is always working hard and there to lend a helping hand when needed.” -- Quinn Ronek, Tennessee Warehouse Manager

“Abriam Henson, So U, and Ben Crandal go above and beyond the job duties given to them. They excel in their duties while elevating those around them to excel in their own right.” – Stephen Kohlmeyer, Waterloo Warehouse Manager

VGM Insurance

In total, VGM Insurance brought in over 1,000 new customers during 2024, equating to bout five new customers per business day! And for the most part, many of these new customers’ first contact is with the Customer Support Team—which were recognized as finalists for the Cheer Each Other On award at the 2024 VGM Awards.

“This team is truly the backbone of the company!” said Emily McCormack, VP Of Operations. “They are the first point of contact for customers, ensuring their every need is met with excellence and the highest level of care. Their ability to adapt to and embrace new challenges exemplifies unparalleled collaboration, cohesiveness, and teamwork.”

United Publications

United Publications had one of their most successful years on record for 2024, along with a huge increase of attendance at the HME News Business Summit. Christina Throndson, Business Manager, attributes this success to the entire UPI team.

“To name specific employee owners that drove our success in 2024 would be impossible,” said Christina. “The entire United Publications team should be commended for their hard work and dedication. Everyone played a crucial role, leading to one of our best years on record.”

HOMELINK

HOMELINK’s big initiative for 2024 was to push to accomplish more across the board—this initiative was aptly named, Finish More In ’24. And it worked! HOMELINK saw an impressive 11% growth in revenue. Matthew Stoychoff, Senior Patient Care Coordinator, provides insight into his work at HOMELINK and what motivates employee owners like him.

“I believe in the future of this company,” said Matthew. “I’m truly unable to put into words what my employee ownership means to me—the best I can do is ‘pride.’ I’m proud to be an employee owner.”

Two Rivers Marketing

In 2024, Two Rivers Marketing expanded many of their current partnerships, including Pioneer, Mack Trucks, and Volvo, leading to a few record-breaking months during periods that historically are considered “lighter.” Jeff Fisher, Creative Director, explains what goes into making these kinds of partnerships a success.

“I think of empowerment at VGM as similar to creating art,” said Jeff. “Our processes, our people, and our tech are like an artist’s canvas, colors, and brushes. We’re provided the tools and spaces to bring ideas to life, but no one tells us what to paint. As our ideas come to life, they’re supported—and challenged—in really productive ways. It all makes creating the work just as rewarding as finishing it.”

VGM & Associates

2024 was a pivotal year for VGM & Associates, setting the stage for what the next decade could look like while focusing on leveraging relationships, expertise, and focusing on technology. Krista McNurlen, SVP Business Operations, named a few employee owners that helped raise the bar in 2024.

“Lacey McCauley and CJ Eichenberger are pivotal in tracking and finding our hard-earned revenue,” said Krista. “Ted Metcalf hasn’t been with us long, but he constantly pushes himself and his team to achieve more.  Lastly, we are lucky enough to have an employee owner who, despite her workload or daily challenges, always finds a way to smile and serve as a ray of sunshine personified—Denise Doyle keeps all our spirits up.

To read the 2024 Stories Of Opportunity in full, click here.