Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Kovacs.
Kimberly, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The company was started in 1925 by William Glen Edwards, my great-grandfather. It started out as a party equipment rental business (tables and chairs) and somehow, he added in wheelchairs to start the medical side of the business. The original name was Pico Rents, then when the two inner companies split (Party side and Medical side) the name for the medical became Pico Medical Rents & Sells (or DBA Pico Medical Rents).
The company was transferred to his son William Henry Edwards then later his daughter Penny Edwards (maiden name). I am the 4th generation owner of Pico Medical Rents, Penny is my Aunt.
The company has been in the same location for 92 years … and counting.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has NOT been a smooth road whatsoever, as for any business there are the ups and downs. Since the times are always changing, there has to be change within the company to keep up with those demands. There is always the internet we have to battle with since they are able to get some items cheaper online than at our store but that is when we bring in our expertise and reason with customers. We are as competitive as possible to the internet price wise but service wise, we are the best.
Most of our employees have been here for more than 7 years, some longer than 10 years.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Pico Medical Rents – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Pico Medical Rents & Sells carries Home Medical Equipment/Durable Medical Equipment for rental and sales. We specialize in carrying products to help make our loved ones lives easier, and most importantly keep them AT HOME! (instead of a nursing facility or assisted living). We also specialize in repairing Home Medical Equipment with our in-house repair technician who’s been with us for 13+ years.
We are known for impeccable customer service, our knowledge of the products and the industry, being a small family owned business, trustworthiness, same corner for over 92 years and because customers love coming into a great atmosphere which we provide to them.
I am most proud at the fact that my family (father’s side) has kept this business up and running, no, THRIVING for more than 92 years. Those are some big shoes to fill! I am most proud also at the fact that this business has kept up and changed over the years to keep up with consumer demands and the changing industry, we have stayed ahead of the game. Most importantly, the fact that since the beginning of Medicare we have billed customer’s insurances for supplies and products and since we did NOT renew our contract about 4 or 5 years ago we STILL are thriving with strictly retail sales. Granted, we were mainly retail to begin with.
What sets Pico Medical Rents apart from other companies is our staff. We have the most amazing staff that cares so much about the business and puts their heart and soul (not to mention the blood sweat and tears) into the company for years.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We are looking forward to planning our 100 year anniversary, we would like to do something semi-big or small… not sure.
We are hoping to be the #1 Medical Equipment and Supply store in Los Angeles. We have many customers that have been shopping with us for 3 or more of their generations. The only big change in the near future would be the ownership transferred to me.
We will be here for years and decades to come, shop small and keep money circulating within the community. People should support their local businesses.
Contact Info:
- Address: 6035 W Pico Blvd.,
Los Angeles, CA 90035 - Website: www.picomedical.com
- Phone: 323.936.4104
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/picomedical
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pico-medical-rents-and-sells-los-angeles-3
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.
