Robert Kohnle stands out as a dynamic and multifaceted professional, combining the roles of a business leader, inventor, and healthcare practitioner with remarkable skills. As the Founder and CEO of three small businesses, he has demonstrated an exceptional ability to drive growth and innovation. His entrepreneurial journey is marked by creating two patents and one patent pending, showcasing his inventive mind and commitment to practical solutions.
His educational background laid a solid foundation for his diverse career. His academic pursuit began at Emory University at Oxford College, Atlanta, Georgia, where he undertook pre-chiropractic courses from June 1977 to June 1978. He then progressed to Miami Dade Medical Center in Miami, Florida, completing his education as a Respiratory Technician in December 1979. His academic journey culminated at Life Chiropractic College in Marietta, Georgia, where he earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree between April 1983 and December 1987.
His professional career began in the healthcare sector, where he spent ten years as a Respiratory Technician, gaining valuable experience at several reputable institutions. He worked at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland, Oregon; St. Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia; Ft. Myers Community Hospital in Florida; Urban Medical Hospital in Smyrna, Georgia; and the Georgia Baptist Medical Center in Atlanta, Georgia. His extensive experience in various medical settings gave him a deep understanding of patient care and healthcare operations.
In April 1988, he ventured into chiropractic practice, establishing Health Essentials, Inc. in Portland, Oregon, where he served as a Chiropractic Physician and President of the Total Wellness Clinic until July 1998—this period of over a decade in private practice allowed him to apply his medical knowledge and skills to improve the lives of his patients.
His transition to entrepreneurship began with DermaSafe Systems, Inc. in Portland, Oregon, where he served as CEO from July 1998 to August 2003. He demonstrated his business acumen by developing comprehensive business plans that secured over $1 million in funding from various sources. His responsibilities included implementing the business structure, hiring key personnel, and managing the initial setup of manufacturing plants and business management software. He successfully worked with 16 employees, overseeing marketing, sales, manufacturing, customer service, and account management. His leadership generated over $500K in sales within the first eight months.
Robert Kohnle expertise in research and development was evident in his management of new product development, particularly in polyurethane formulas and their health impacts. He developed and marketed over 20 products, targeting the needs of individuals using wheelchairs and ergonomic seating. His ability to simplify complex data for diverse audiences was showcased through his PowerPoint presentations, which he delivered to investors, governmental agencies, and companies, focusing on health-related workplace issues. Additionally, he contributed to the field by teaching seminars and providing training.
