U of A Alumni and Small Business Center helps change lives

Teran Gates discovered his professional passion for prosthetics and orthotics while job shadowing at a local clinic. “I immediately fell in love with the idea that I could have a career that balanced working with my hands and working with people,” Gates said.

She is a U of A graduate with majors in kinesiology and mathematics and earned a master’s degree in prosthetics and orthotics from UT Southwestern School of Medicine in Dallas. Upon completing her training period, she earned her US Board of Certification certification in both prosthetics and orthotics and then spent the next six years with her locally owned P&O company.

“I was hungry for knowledge and expanding my skill set,” Gates said.

Gates learned from great teachers, developed skills in difficult presentations and transfemoral prosthetics, and created unique designs for difficult cases. When the shift to mass production and digital her workflow occurred in her practice, she knew it was time to open her own clinic to focus on relationships with her patients and quality over quantity. I have decided.

After discovering the University of Arkansas’ Small Business Technology Development Center through a Google search, Gates began working with business consultant Stephanie Parsons, from an initial idea to opening the doors to Gates Prosthetics + Mobility Clinic’s first location. .

For more than two years, Parsons helped Gates identify the biggest challenges in starting a business, including financing, budgeting and finance, and business planning. Working together to create a financial workbook and forecast to address her loan package needs, Ms. Parsons connected her with a small business lender and a private banker at Arvest Bank, where they provided ongoing and strong We have built a strong cooperative relationship.

“ASBTDC staff’s dedication to listening and encouraging those they serve is a key factor in giving small business owners the courage to put themselves forward,” Gates said. “ASBTDC helped me think through all angles and scenarios before taking the plunge.”

Clinics with locations in Bentonville, Harrison, and Mountain Home offer prosthetics, orthotics, pediatrics, adaptive personal training, and post-surgical care. Gates also recognized a serious need among his patients. Many people have struggled to live a healthier lifestyle while trying to meet the physical activity demands faced by people with mobility impairments. She pursued and earned a certification in Exercise Physiology specializing in comprehensive fitness that provides a holistic approach to health and well-being.

“Being a part of this very personal journey from the lowest point in their lives, watching them make the courageous decisions that lead them there, and helping them work towards reaching their goals is what makes me so excited about this journey.” That’s why I do my job,” Gates said.