VitaTalk Ep. 17

How Grit, Curiosity, and Collaboration Drive Success at VitaTek: A Conversation with Reid Wolf

In a recent episode of the VitaTalk podcast, Patrick Hodgdon sat down with Reid Wolf, Vice President of Sales at VitaTek, to talk about leadership, career growth, and what it really takes to succeed in the fast-paced world of medical device manufacturing.

Reid’s path to leadership wasn’t a straight line, and that’s exactly what makes his insights so valuable. From running clinical cases to leading a national sales team, his journey reflects the kind of adaptability and grit that defines VitaTek’s culture.

From the Field to the Front Office

Before joining VitaTek, Reid spent more than a decade in medical device sales, starting with large organizations like Medtronic and Stryker. While those companies offered structure and name recognition, they also came with red tape and a rigid hierarchy.

“At VitaTek, it’s completely different,” Reid shared. “You’re empowered to build, to try new things, to actually influence the business.”

That entrepreneurial mindset drew Reid in, and it's what continues to motivate him today. As he puts it, "We’re not just selling products. We’re solving problems, and we’re doing it faster than anyone else."

The Power of Vertical Integration

Reid emphasized how VitaTek’s fully vertically integrated model sets it apart in the medtech space. Most companies still rely on third parties for key services, whether it’s prototyping, sterilization, or regulatory strategy. But VitaTek brings all of that under one roof.

“When you control the whole value chain, you can move faster, pivot quicker, and deliver better outcomes to clients,” he said.

That speed isn’t just good for business, it’s life-changing for patients. Reid recounted multiple instances where VitaTek helped accelerate product development for physician-entrepreneurs trying to bring breakthrough ideas to market.

Hiring for Grit and Curiosity

When asked what he looks for in sales reps, Reid didn’t hesitate: grit, curiosity, and collaboration.

Reid is passionate about building a team that’s motivated not just by hitting quotas, but by solving complex problems and pushing boundaries. He values reps who take ownership of their learning, lean on their team, and aren’t afraid to admit when they don’t know something.

Leadership by Doing

One of Reid’s core beliefs is that you can’t lead what you don’t understand. That’s why he still spends time in the field, running cases and working shoulder-to-shoulder with reps.

He’s also quick to remind new leaders that titles don’t define leadership. “You don’t have to be a VP to lead. You lead by showing up, supporting others, and being accountable.”

Advice for Aspiring Sales Professionals

Reid closed the episode with advice for anyone breaking into medtech or considering a transition into medical device sales:

• Be curious: Ask questions, study the clinical space, and stay humble enough to keep learning.

• Be patient: The first few months will be hard, but that discomfort means you’re growing.

• Find your “why”: Understand what motivates you beyond the paycheck—because that’s what will carry you through the challenges.

“This is a hard job. But if you’re purpose-driven and willing to put in the work, it can be the most fulfilling thing you’ll ever do.”

🩺 Interested in learning more about life at VitaTek or how we’re reshaping the medical device space? Stay tuned for more episodes of the Vit Talk Podcast!

Stay tuned for more episodes and updates—because the best ideas in healthcare are just getting started.

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