Name of Business: Clay Home Medical

Street address: 175 Commerce Park Road, Franklin

Phone number: (757) 516-8882

Operating hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

E-mail address: sam@clayhomemedical.com

Nature of business: Home medical equipment and supplies — rentals, sales and service, as well as nurses’ uniforms,shoes and accessories

Principle owner: Sam Clay (pictured)

Year founded:1993

Prior locations: Home Office in Petersburg; branch office in Emporia; Cyrus Kirkpatrick Pharmacy in Petersburg

Number of employees: 57

How’s business? 2008 has been a very good year for us as sales are slightly above those of 2007. In this economy, that makes us feel really good. Our biggest challenges come from large cuts in Medicare reimbursement for 2009 in oxygen and most other products. That is one reason we came to Franklin — to increase our sales. We had received many requests to open a branch here. So far, our reception has been great by the area people.

One thing you wish everyone knew about your business: We strive to be a one-stop shop for most anything medical-related for the home setting. We have been accredited since 1996 by The Accreditation Commission for Health Care.

Something you offer that a customer won’t find elsewhere: Our knowledge and experience with the products and services available today in home care.

Advice to young entrepreneurs: Find a role model in the field you are interested in and try to work with them to learn good business practices. This helps avoiding the typical pitfalls normally seen by new businesses.

Your first job: I grew up on a dairy farm in Dinwiddie where we milked 200 cows twice a day.

Your role model (in business or in life generally): My Dad, Aubrey Clay, now passed on, taught me values on living. They apply in business and in everything you do.

The key to a successful business is:  The key is to surround yourself with quality people and give them the authority to do their jobs. Try not to micromanage. That has always worked for me my 31 years of business.