MESV LLC Story

Hampton Roads Edition

Special Feature

Medical Equipment Services of Virginia — Headquartered Right in

Virginia Beach — Takes Care of Medical Equipment from Sales to Repairs

By Alison Johnson

When doctors call John Taylor, they almost never ask for the same thing twice. Luckily, Taylor’s business specializes in getting them whatever they need — and fast.

A physician’s office might require an immediate repair or a documented inspection to meet national and state accreditation or certification standards. A hospital might need help rebuilding an entire operating room, from beds to monitors to video cameras. A clinic might need a single blood pressure cuff.

Taylor’s company, Medical Equipment Services of Virginia, LLC, does it all.

"We are a one-stop shop," Taylor said. "People call us for everything, and since we’re here locally we can respond back the same day. Not many people know how much hard work goes into keeping medical equipment running smoothly, but we do. We will come in and take care of the smallest problems. Many of the larger companies just don’t provide that level of attention."

The list of services offered by the Virginia Beach-based biomedical equipment business is long, including repairs, preventive maintenance, electrical safety inspections, consulting services, asset management and assistance with passing regulatory compliance inspections.

The list of advantages for physicians is long, too. First and foremost is a safer environment for patients, followed by an increased life span for equipment with fewer costly breakdowns. The company is fully licensed and insured, available at off-peak hours and, on average, charges 20 to 40 percent less than manufacturers for service calls.

In a bright, 12,000-square-foot warehouse connected to its offices, Medical Equipment Services of Virginia stores virtually every piece of new or refurbished used equipment that a physician could need. Shelves stretch up to the ceiling and hold everything from video equipment to mammography units to CT scanners.

Taylor acquires most of the items at liquidation sales from hospitals that have closed around the country. He and his longtime friend Jerry Kauffman, owner of Medical Equipment Corp. ((757)468-1114), close about three hospitals a year together. They purchase entire hospitals, most recently ones in Williamsburg, Alabama and Pennsylvania. Taylor’s business has an on-site repair center and packing area where items are crated for shipment to customers.

John inspecting and repairing recently purchased equipment.

PHOTOS BY MARSHALL D. HOYLE

John M. Taylor, BMET, owner of Medical Equipment Services of Virginia, L.L.C.

"Anything that a hospital has, from A to Z, we have — or we can get," he said. "Everything is tested, certified and patient-ready, and we service everything we sell."

Taylor’s family-owned business, established in 2003, focuses on physician offices, clinics and outpatient surgery centers. It currently serves about 25 locations in Hampton Roads, as well as offices in Richmond and Charlottesville, and ships to countries around the world. Taylor hopes to expand his customer base in Hampton Roads and northeastern North Carolina.

Medical Equipment Services of Virginia prides itself on expertise in all aspects of equipment purchase and use. The company can help doctors choose the best products based on their budgets — whether they’re looking to buy or rent — set up and calibrate equipment and train employees.

The range of equipment serviced includes autoclaves, centrifuges, defibrillators, infusion pumps, ophthalmoscopes and otoscopes, scales, stretchers and endoscopy equipment. If a doctor wants to sell or trade in old equipment, or borrow an item while another is getting repaired, the company can help with that, too.

"Whether an office needs one piece or 50 pieces, we can find the best option," Taylor said.

Customers say that’s true. Kathy Thomasson, nurse manager for Peninsula Gastroenterology in Newport News, has known Taylor for eight years, and chose his company based on its history of superior customer service.

"In addition to John’s extensive biomedical background, he has knowledge and experience to assist on a moment’s notice when an equipment emergency arises," Thomasson said. "John anticipates equipment needs for his customers, and has a ready supply of equipment and parts for the customer. Because of Joh n’s competence, integrity and willingness to serve, we have used him for routine equipment needs, such as our annual inspections."

Perfectly functioning equipment is crucial to giving patients the best care and avoiding injuries and lawsuits. Regular inspections and fine-tuning also can save money in the long run by cutting down on service calls and the risk of having to delay scheduled procedures.

"We help them know that their equipment is safe to use," Taylor said. "We also can give them an outside view on their office — whether something is getting old and they should start budgeting to replace it."

Taylor has extensive experience working on medical equipment. He first became interested in the field as a boy, when he followed his mother, a nurse, on her hospital rounds. After four years in the Navy, where he did electronic repairs, Taylor graduated from ECPI College of Technology in 1996.

Since then, his jobs have included 10 years between at Sentara Healthcare, Olympus America Endoscopy Division and Bon Secours, where he helped purchase, evaluate and repair operating room equipment. His years of experience in the operating room helped Sentara open its new heart hospital with state-of-the-art equipment that will last for years to come.

"If there were any problems during a procedure, they’d call me," he said. "If doctors saw me in the hallway and something was broken, they’d ask me to take a look. There were several doctors who told me I should turn all my years of training and experience into a full-time business."

But even though Taylor is now his own boss, he doesn’t think of himself that way.

"The customers, meaning the doctors and nurses, are our bosses," he said. "They call — whether it’s the office phone, my cell phone or e-mail — and we’ll be there."

You can reach Medical Equipment Services of Virginia LLC at (757) 430-4285 or (757) 572-4301, or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it The company is located at 2585 Horse Pasture Rd Suite 208/209, Virginia Beach, VA 23453.

The 12,000-square-foot warehouse stores virtually every piece of new or refurbished used equipment that a physician could need.

12,000 sqft Warehouse of Medical Equipment