When I was younger, I wanted everything done yesterday. I still hold people to pretty high standards but I have learned that everything takes time and you will find more success if you are focused on the long game.
Born and raised in Chicago, IL, Dan Micic always had a knack for problem-solving. While studying finance & business management at Harper College, he discovered his skill for sales and operating a business. He noticed that the University’s Biology department was in need of medical supplies and decided to do something about it. The ambitious Micic made his first sale of medical supplies when he arranged for 80 cases of Medline medical gloves to be sold to the college’s Biology department. He saw the biggest opportunity for business in nursing and medical supplies so he expanded out in that market by increasing his inventory. That was the start of a company that has grown to be one of the largest providers of medical supplies to educational institutes across North America.
In 2007, Micic founded Medical Shipment, the premium supplier of simulation nursing supplies and equipment. As president Micic creates the strategic vision of the company, builds partnerships with suppliers and marketplace influencers, and recruits domestic and international sales and account management teams. Today the company is a million-dollar success and takes pride in its dedication to customer service and Micic’s drive to impact the industry for the better.
In addition to running a business, Dan is a dedicated student of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He is also a competitive poker player, travel enthusiast and socialite. Grateful for an amazing group of friends and family, Dan makes sure to welcome visitors to Chicago and expresses his passion for the local teams, his beloved Chicago Bears, White Sox, and Bulls!
Where did the idea Medical Shipment come from?
I was inspired by a project that I did in college where we were assigned a business that was an actual living and breathing business to manage and I was in charge of the sales aspect. I discovered my knack for sales and eagerly started looking for opportunities. I learned that the college’s Biology department was in need of medical supplies so I arranged the sale of 80 cases of Medline medical gloves and turned a profit. Medical supplies sales is a huge market and that is when I decided to start my own business in that industry. So, in 2007 I officially launched my company Medical Shipment.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
There really isn’t such a thing as a “typical day” I travel a lot and do my best to do business face to face with my customers. I will go on the road for a period of time to build the business then spend time in the office overseeing internal growth. I have learned that you can’t abide by a typical 9-5 if you want to continue growing in all facets. It is important to be flexible and be prepared to work hard.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I pay attention to what is going on around me and what best practices are being utilized by other companies. I don’t like to reinvent the wheel so I look at what the most successful companies are doing and try to emulate those practices. If I see a prosperous opportunity I want to go after it.
For example, Medical Shipment is a company that supplies customers with the products they need. So, when I thought about who was the most successful online buying and selling platform out there I naturally turned to Amazon. When we developed our online platform we tried to make it user-friendly and similar to the familiar feel of Amazon. We built a catalog and created an informative platform that customers can easily use. If there is already a good idea out there then I like to see why it is successful and how I can use it to our benefit and even make it better.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The medical industry continues to grow year after year. Every program these days has a wait list which shows that the medical market trending up. That means demand for new innovative medical supplies is stronger than ever which to me is very exciting.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I have trained in Jujutsu for years and it has taught me some great lessons that have made me a productive entrepreneur. Jujutsu brings me peace but has also shown me discipline which has made met a more focused person is all aspects of life. I certainly take the motivation that I practice in Jujutsu over to how I run my business. It is important to instill habits that bring you clarity which will make you a better decision maker and stronger leader.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Two words… BE PATIENT. When I was younger, I wanted everything done yesterday. I still hold people to pretty high standards but I have learned that everything takes time and you will find more success if you are focused on the long game.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on?
Within a any size company there are going to be a lot of different opinions on practices within the company and opportunities for growth. But at the end of the day just know that everyone is not going to agree and as a boss of a company you are going to have to make those tough decisions that is what is best for the company even if it is not the most popular choice.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Never give up! It’s tough being at the top… I’ve been thrown a lot of curveballs over the years. But I remind myself that I never got into this business for the money, I wanted to build the best medical distributor in the company in the United States. So my advice is to stay focused and be persistence.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
I think just remaining discipline and diligence in growing the business. You really have to keep your horse blinders on and your eye on what’s in front of you.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
One failure are you kidding me? I still continue to learn from my failures. It is important to learn from your mistakes. Sometimes you put the wrong people in the wrong places but you will learn from mistakes and make changes moving forward.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Whatever your passion is just go for it! No matter how small or big that is see how far you can push yourself. If you have an idea for a business then go for it and give it a shot. If you truly work hard at it something will come to fruition.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
A backpack- I travel a lot- it has multiple compartments so I can carry all the travel supplies.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Outlook- keeping a calendar, all of my meetings, all of my emails. Overall staying organized.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
“Traction“- in our business community. It really builds on all the pieces of business. It gives you a step by step guide on how to grow and run a successful business.
What is your favorite quote?
“Complexity is your enemy. Any fool can make something complicated. It is hard to keep things simple.”
Key learnings:
● Instill habits that bring you motivation, clarity, discipline, and other successful traits that relate to running a successful business.
● Being persistent and not giving up is key for achieving success as an entrepreneur.
● You will make mistakes but the key is to learn from them and continue to move forward towards your goal.
● Remain flexible and understand that as the head of a company you do not have the liberty of 9-5 hours or a “typical day” building a business take long hours and hard work.
Connect:
Dan Micic on Linkedin:
Medical Shipment on Twitter:
Medical Shipment on Facebook:
Carlyn runs the day-to-day publishing operation here at ideamensch and interacts with our awesome customers and entrepreneurs. She is likely editing this with a cat on her lap.