Today we’d like to introduce you to Ted Krogh.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Hospital Label Systems (HLS) got its start in my father’s home office in the mid-‘70s. He was working for a large label company in the San Fernando Valley prior to that, and he decided he wanted to start his own label business in order to provide specialized, one-on-one customer service and make a better living for his family.
Most of our original accounts were based in L.A. county, primarily hospitals, which is how the name evolved. Instant access to current and accurate information is vital in this busy environment, and this info often travels from place to place with doctors, nurses and patients in the form of labels on charts, equipment and other medical devices. My father was able to source and deliver specialty labels that could withstand lab tests and myriad conditions involving moisture, heat and cold as well as the common wear and tear you see in hospitals. Over the years we branched out and supplied these specialty labels to other county entities and businesses like the L.A. County Fire Department, the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department and Santa Barbara Superior Court.
Has it been a smooth road?
In the late ‘80s, my father suffered a stroke from which he never fully recovered. He passed away a few years later at only 49 years old. My mother was managing the business at that point while teaching me the ropes so I would be ready to take it over when she retired.
Advances in technology during that era had brought about personal printers and design software that made it easier to generate labels in-house, so there was concern that our services would become obsolete. But I knew the foundation of one-on-one customer service my father established would guarantee that there would still be a need for our specialty products in this niche market. I accepted the challenge and took over the business in 2003, determined to keep the legacy going. And I managed to maintain existing clients as well as gain new accounts during that difficult transition period. In fact I still work with some of the original vendors, suppliers and purchasers who worked with my father! My wife has joined the team handling marketing and administrative duties, and I plan to hand the reins over to my son once we retire.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Stellar customer service and the persistence to stay relevant with innovative solutions have allowed HLS to be a leading provider of specialty labels for over 40 years. We specialize in custom, hard-to-find labels for hospitals, medical centers and county facilities. But our savvy experts possess an extensive knowledge base of current trends and options to assist customers in any industry. Large or small, from metal and mylar to self-laminating and tamper-resistant labels, if you can think it we can make it happen.
We have intentionally kept this family-owned business on a small, intimate scale so it wouldn’t change the dynamics of what is possible within our mission statement. Larger companies simply cannot provide specialty labels in small batches at a cost-effective price. We strive to offer personal customer service where even small start-up businesses can enjoy a professional custom label created to their exact specifications. And over four decades of experience allows us to help our clients determine the precise label that fits their unique needs. Our solid reputation assures high-quality labels at a competitive price.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes, I think Los Angeles is a good place for small businesses to get their start. There’s plenty of room to grow and a melting pot of people to engage. But I also think we need to loosen up on some of the rules and regulations it takes to start a small business. Excessive regulations make it a daunting task that might keep new, viable companies from starting up.
Contact Info:
- Address: 27943 Seco Canyon Road #402
Santa Clarita, CA 91350 - Website: HospitalLabelSystems.com
- Phone: 661.263.9465
- Email: [email protected]
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
