Sponsored by Metropolis International
Metropolis International has been in business for almost 20 now, while it’s president, Leon Gugel, has been in the industry for 25 years. Through the years, Metropolis has established an excellent reputation of being an honest and reliable company.
Located in the heart of the Big Apple, Metropolis International is the only stocking dealer based out of New York City. Being in the city has many positives, but nothing is as powerful as the firm’s years of positive interactions with customers. From the brokers and dealers they work with, to the end users they contract with, Metropolis is a force in the industry, as well as here on the East Coast and the NY Metro area. The facility is a combination of an office and warehouse geographically located in the center of New York City so that it can cover the entire metro area within 20 minutes of travel. It is located on the ground floor of a building in a great neighborhood just two blocks from the Ed Koch bridge, overlooking Manhattan.
“We’ve built a solid reputation of knowing the market for various systems as well as having the technical knowledge to assist customers,” Gugel shares. “Many others claim this too, but very few can match us.”
“Being based in New York City, we truly are in the capital of the world,” he adds “Even though there are a lot of things that happen, because of our longevity, we are the first to know about systems coming out, what hospital is selling it’s older systems, and pricing.”
“But aside of that, what truly makes us different – and better – is that we truly have that personalized approach to doing business. It is more real, not just a text or an email. We also pride ourselves on learning the technical aspects of the systems we sell,” he continues. “We’ve also built a base of knowledge and approach of being able to acquire the systems directly, thus offering better prices for our customers.” Regardless of if they are brokers, dealers, or the actual end-users.
Metropolis International is also FDA registered to go along with its stellar reputation.
“Especially with the new rules in the modern environment, more and more facilities require third-party companies to be FDA registered in order to do business,” Gugel explains.
The FDA itself noted almost a decade ago, that one cannot sell, service or propagate radiological devices unless you are registered. As such, because we are also FDA registered, that has given us a great advantage compared to other companies
Being FDA registered and dealing with a lot of OEMs and large hospital chains requires good record keeping – something Metropolis International has a long track record of doing. A good portion of dealers out there, who are not registered, do not have the logistical capability to deliver quality service to the end-user and OEM partners.
The company’s years of success did not come without challenges. It is how a business can pivot and overcome obstacles that leads to continued solutions for customers and partners. Some challenges over the last 5 to7 years have been a lack of consistency in the market.
“Pricing and purchasing trends have been all over the place. Some modalities flourished, others not so much. As well as the disappearance of many smaller players from the industry as a result of lingering effects of ACA rules, regulations and the way the market has shifted over the years,” Gugel says. “We were able to overcome that by simply going back to the basics of reaching out to customers personally even more. In the end, the relationships we’ve built have been solidified even more.”
And with COVID-19 playing havoc with supply chains and delivery schedules in recent years, it has been another challenge the industry as a whole is facing.
More recently, inflation has been a challenge.
“Challenges have included inflation and a very uncertain economic outlook that affects everyone,” Gugel says. “We overcome this by providing perfect pricing for both customers and vendors.”
Metropolis International’s signature approach to business and customer service continue to serve it well.
“Our core competencies are our ability to locate, source and purchase 95% of our systems directly from medical facilities. As a result, our prices are lower, more in line with modern spending trends for both wholesale as well as retail customers,” Gugel says. “Because we also have a real warehouse and do not subcontract with anyone else for that service, we are able to stock parts, systems and a bevy of components that customers routinely look for. And, of course, we are based in the capital of the world!”
“We sell all imaging modalities, but more so, with each passing year, we have demonstrated a continued ability to work with OEMs and hospitals alike in acquiring systems direct – helping both the OEMs and their respective customers in the process,” he adds. “And, we are still excited about the fact that we still sell more C-arm systems than anyone else in the industry – worldwide!” Metropolis has been expanding it’s Mammography, CT and Ultrasound sales as well.
Metropolis International will continue to expand its servicing capabilities and refurbishment of systems in the future.
“The future will always remain uncertain, but it is something that we can make for ourselves! Every day is a gift, so we always do the right thing by all of our customers and vendors,” Gugel says. “The future for Metropolis will be full of opportunities as we expand more into the retail side, as well as increase our service capabilities. Metropolis is also exploring partnerships to expand into selling some new systems, as well as keeping our pre-owned and refurbished side moving.”
Other positive changes have also been in the works.
“The major changes that Metropolis has implemented, include a new and revamped website. Metropolis International is expanding its e-commerce presence,” Gugel explains. “We have an amazing marketing person who is adjusting how Metropolis reaches new customers and sells to new customers around the world. We have shown incredible results in being able to reach a broader swath of customers with a new marketing and advertising approach. As technology advances, so does the industry and us as individuals. We have to adapt to the changing times to be successful, as well as competitive.”
One thing that will never change is the impact that those behind the scenes play in the company’s continued success delivering outstanding customer support.
“The employees at Metropolis are all great people and all contribute to our future and our success. We are all humbled to be part of something greater and to be able to help small clinics and private practices in extending patient care,” Gugel says.
In closing, the company president wanted to share a message with readers.
“Again, Metropolis truly strives to leave a legacy for the next 100 years – in the world and in this industry. To build a company that can rival GE or Philips or anyone else out there so that doctors and dealers in the future can recognize the value of working with a company with a personal touch like Metropolis,” Gugel says. “Metropolis is evolving and is more responsive and is able to bring more systems into stock to be able to offer more choices to customers that want a real product.”
For more information, visit metropolismedical.com.
