Rick Francis
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Skills
- CRM: Salesforce (or similar) implementation & pipeline management
- Regulatory: understanding of FDA 510(k), PMA pathways and international registration processes
- Tools: MS Office suite, market analysis tools, training presentation platforms
Summary
Vice President of Technical Sales with 25+ years in the medical device industry, focused on orthopedic implants and FDA-regulated products. Proven leader in sales strategy, distribution development, FDA compliance support, and cross-functional team leadership. Track record of growing international channels, launching products, and aligning commercial and regulatory goals to improve patient outcomes.
Work History
Vice President of Technical Sales
United Orthopedic Corporation
Irvine, CA
03.2018 - 06.2026
- Lead technical sales strategy for the company’s orthopedic portfolio across domestic and international markets; oversee account management, technical training, and distributor relationships.
- Manage and mentor cross-functional sales and clinical support teams to drive adoption of new and existing products.
- Partner with regulatory and quality teams to support product submissions, address technical inquiries, and ensure field activities comply with FDA and international requirements.
- Develop and implement go-to-market plans for product launches and channel expansion; coordinate clinical education and surgeon engagement programs.
- Oversee contract negotiations, pricing strategy, and distributor performance objectives.
Director, International Sales and Business Development
Ortho Development Corporation
Draper, UT
06.2016 - 02.2018
- Built and managed an international distributor network; developed territory plans and distributor agreements to enter and scale new markets.
- Trained distributor partners on product technical features, clinical applications, and regulatory obligations to ensure consistent market representation.
Director, Marketing and Business Development
Ortho Development Corporation
Draper, UT
06.2010 - 03.2016
- Directed marketing strategy and business development initiatives to grow market share and expand product distribution domestically and abroad.
- Designed and executed product launch plans, clinical education programs, and trade show strategies to increase brand visibility and sales pipeline.
- Collaborated with R&D and regulatory teams to translate customer feedback into product enhancements and compliant commercialization.
Distributing Agent
Ortho Development
02.2000 - 06.2010
- Supported sales through distributor relationships and regional account development; facilitated product introduction and surgeon training in assigned territories.
- Acted as liaison between manufacturing, distributors, and clinical customers to ensure timely delivery and technical support.
Sales Agent
Intermedics / Sulzer Orthopedics
02.1995 - 02.2000
- Executed territory sales activities, built relationships with surgeons and hospitals, and supported implantation procedures and post-op follow-up.
- Provided technical product support to enhance customer satisfaction and contributed to regional sales growth.
Education
Bachelor’s coursework -
Utah State University
Logan, UTBachelor of Science - Human Physiology
Weber State University
Ogden, UT01-1995
Certification
- FDA / Regulatory training (company-specific and cross-functional programs) [specify if applicable]
- Clinical education & trainer programs for orthopedic implant technologies
Core Competencies
- Strategic Sales Leadership
- Distribution & Channel Development (domestic & international)
- FDA regulatory liaison & compliance support (510(k)/PMA experience)
- New product launches & commercialization
- Key account management & enterprise sales
- Cross-functional team leadership & training
- Contract negotiations & pricing strategy
- Market analysis, pricing & go-to-market planning
Selected Highlights
- Built and scaled international distribution channels across multiple regions, improving global product availability and customer support.
- Successfully aligned commercial, clinical, and regulatory teams to support product introductions and ongoing compliance in field activities.
- Developed and delivered surgeon and distributor training programs to ensure consistent clinical outcomes and adoption.
Timeline
Vice President of Technical Sales
United Orthopedic Corporation
03.2018 - 06.2026
Director, International Sales and Business Development
Ortho Development Corporation
06.2016 - 02.2018
Director, Marketing and Business Development
Ortho Development Corporation
06.2010 - 03.2016
Distributing Agent
Ortho Development
02.2000 - 06.2010
Sales Agent
Intermedics / Sulzer Orthopedics
02.1995 - 02.2000
Bachelor’s coursework -
Utah State University
Bachelor of Science - Human Physiology
Weber State University