Gentell founder transforms DIY concept into a leading global wound-care manufacturer.
David Navazio’s journey from a young dropout aspiring to achieve success in accounting to a prominent business leader in the medical equipment industry underscores a remarkable trajectory of innovation and growth. After leaving La Salle University in 1982, Navazio discovered a niche market selling medical equipment, which inspired him to develop his own products. This entrepreneurial endeavor led to the creation of Gentell, a Newtown, Bucks County-based company recognized today for its comprehensive line of wound care solutions.
With a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees across manufacturing facilities in countries such as Canada, Brazil, England, China, and New Zealand, Gentell is poised to reach sales figures of around 0 million this year. This revenue represents roughly 10% of the global market for similar medical products, illustrating the company’s substantial impact in the wound care industry.
Gentell’s customer base includes a significant portion of the nursing home sector, servicing approximately one third of the 15,000 nursing homes in the United States. The company specializes in advanced wound dressings that utilize innovative materials such as plant cellulose, animal gelatins, and algae. These products are crucial for addressing the needs of patients with bedsores, cancer-scar infections, and diabetic wounds.
Initially, Navazio launched his first product, Odor Eeze, in 1994 from his garage, later branding his company Gentell to convey a sense of gentle healing. Over the years, Gentell has expanded its product offerings to include blister treatments, gel inserts, and wound cleansers. With the support of investors, including a million infusion from the Philadelphia-based ZAC Management Group, Gentell has not only grown its product range but has also established a substantial global presence through strategic acquisitions.
Recent acquisitions include the purchase of ManukaMed, a manufacturer of honey-based wound dressings, and Casex, a Brazilian producer of ostomy and wound care products. Gentell’s expansion efforts have led to the establishment of a robust network of production facilities while enhancing its ability to serve global markets.
A distinguishing feature of Gentell’s business model is its focus on wound data collection and analysis, which provides healthcare professionals with tailored treatment recommendations based on extensive records from its nursing home and hospital clientele. This approach aims to optimize treatment outcomes for various wound types while reducing the overall costs associated with wound care.
As Gentell continues its international expansion, forging partnerships in countries such as the United Kingdom, the company’s growth reflects both the critical needs of healthcare facilities and the innovative spirit of its founder. Navazio remains committed to improving Gentell’s offerings and ensuring its position as a leading global supplier of wound care solutions, with aspirations that extend far beyond current successes.
