Josh Mullen- Empire Orthopedic Labs

Josh Mullen of Empire Orthopedic Labs is our guest on a fun show. A year ago, I lost my foot from a diabetic infection. I was stupid and depressed, not taking care of myself before going into septic shock. Nothing could be done because the sepsis had spread, and the only chance to save my life was by amputation.

Josh grew up in Rome and was born an amputee. He remembers receiving his first prosthetic rubber hand at 4 years old. However, nothing slowed him down, if anything it made him work harder. Josh loved to golf and played all over at many courses. In school, his academics were excellent as he already knew what would come next.

Only 45 minutes away, Josh attended Hartwick College. He remembers the long walks, laboring up the hills to get to class. He stayed together with his high school sweetheart who attended Ithaca College. It wasn't perfect, a few bumps in the road along the way, none of it mattered as they stayed together. Josh spent plenty of time visiting her in college.

What I found most interesting is Josh knew he wanted to work in orthopedics and prosthetics. It had been a huge interest for him not only because he was an amputee, but he knew he wanted to help people. After an internship at Empire Orthopedics Labs, his mentor, who was also the owner, advised him to learn Orthopedics first and he dove right in. After completing it, Josh went into Prosthetics which became his passion. He spent time working at the VA with army veterans and grew to find happiness in making a tremendous difference in their lives.

After graduating college, working in the VA, a golden opportunity presented itself when Josh knew his mentor at Empire was retiring. He put in an offer to buy the company. At 32 years old, Josh became the owner of Empire, and he did admit to being nervous running a business at a very young age.

However, it turned into a family business, he hired his mother, then his wife came on, there have been a few techs along the way and that is the extent. Anyone who comes in will see Josh, he is hands on and sticks with you throughout the entire process. Other companies use 3D imaging on limbs to start. Josh keeps it old school, he does it by taking a cast of your limb which makes the prosthetic fit better and last longer. His only frustration is dealing with the insurance companies, otherwise Josh loves his clients and how rewarding it is to truly give them their life back.

For my first prosthetic, I needed approval from 3 doctors, insurance notes written perfectly. It took 6 weeks before I received it. After being referred to Josh, he completed a new one for me in under a month. Then I took it home to test out and we made sure my new leg was a perfect fit.

Lighter, easier to put on and off, Josh got me back on my feet. With a wife and 3 kids, one in college, another on the way this year, Josh is a devoted father and family man. I am grateful for everything he has done for me along with the kindness, compassion, and empathy shown. Anyone out there who needs help, head over to Empire Orthopedic Labs and you will be very happy.