2022 Family Business Award Winner

The Triad Business Journal honors Wilburn Medical USA as a 2022 Family Business Award winner.

Twenty-five years ago, Rick Wilburn channeled his knack for sales, drive to provide for his family, and heart for serving others into the creation of Wilburn Medical USA. Daughter Emily joined the business in 2019 and in 2020 they saw the company's sales quadruple. During the pandemic, Rick Wilburn worked to source PPE and Covid-19 tests. He is on the board of Next Step Ministries. Emily is on the board of Hope Academy and This Redeemed Life.

As a very successful salesperson in the medical industry, Rick believed he could succeed in providing for his family and helping others by starting his own medical distribution company. Emily joined the team in 2019 and purchased majority ownership from her father. Since the transition, the company was certified as a Women-Owned Small Business by WBENC and as a Historically Underutilized Business. Through the Covid-19 pandemic, the company supplied life-saving PPE to medical professionals in need and distributed over 2 million Covid-19 tests.

Leadership and employees came to work daily with passion and ruthless drive to distribute life-saving testing supplies. Their vision united the team as the days were long and regulations were ever-changing.

Emily Wilburn is our majority owner and father Rick Wilburn is the founder, but as Christians, they aim to allow God to lead them as they lead the business. They look to God as their guide, adviser, counselor and leader.

What's the most rewarding aspect of being a family-owned business?

Getting to share the wins and burdens, not just professionally but personally. To see the company and the family flourish is an incredible joy. However, to be there for each other not just after hours, but from 8 to 5 in the hard times makes the support that much more evident and meaningful. We love being there for each other, so carrying that into work is a lovely gift for both of us.

What's the most challenging aspect?

Scheduling and staying on the same page is our greatest challenge. Before Emily joined the team, he could schedule and direct all business initiatives as the only decision maker. However, with the addition of Emily, finding who will take the lead, when and at what pace is challenging.

What's your best advice for other family businesses?

Have fun! It's easy to get bogged down in the weeds and forget you're doing business with someone you love the most. Don't let the day-to-day grind get between your love for your family member. Family matters more than profit at the end of the day. We do our best to operate with that mindset and ensure our employees know and believe that their families come first, too. Give back. Running a business can quickly become a self-serving act, especially as your success grows. Make sure, whether you're just starting or at the height of your business success, that you prioritize service over self. We know our work will be much more rewarding and meaningful if the bottom line doesn't just land in our pockets. We want to share the success and make a difference in our community and world.

What's your favorite family tradition and why?

Our family loves to dance! No matter where we are or what's going on, we're usually ready to bust a move if a good song comes on. We keep our warehouse stereo on at all times and are always down to stop what we're doing and break out our swing steps. So, if you invite us to a work conference, watch out, we will find the music and start the party!

Do you have a succession plan in place? If so, what is it?

Wilburn's succession plan is already in place. Emily is the company's CEO, majority owner, and lead; all day-to-day activity is slowly transferring to her. The Wilburns think of it like an Olympic race when the baton is seamlessly passed from one racer to the next. Emily and Rick run side-by-side in the day-to-day operations, and one day Rick will peel away after running with Emily through their transition of power. Sometimes the transition feels seamless and other times a little rocky, but overall, it's filled with love.

Something about your company that would surprise people?

Wilburn Medical USA was named #30 of the 50 Fastest-Growing Women-Owned and Led Businesses in North America by the Women Presidents Organization. Many would be surprised that a small business in Kernersville could win such a prestigious award, but Wilburn was honored to accept this award and aims to continue on this path of growth and success.