Howard “Hojo” Johnson is one of the most accomplished commercial leaders in medical device sales, known for being the first hire trusted to build markets from zero and scale teams into category leaders. In this episode of the Chase MedSearch Podcast, Howard shares how he helped launch and grow organizations at Nevro and Axonics—turning early-stage companies into national forces in neuromodulation.

We dive into what it takes to build high-performance MedTech sales teams, how to lead people through rapid growth, and why servant leadership and belief drive sustainable results. Howard breaks down his approach to hiring elite talent, developing future leaders, executing go-to-market strategies, and avoiding the common mistakes new managers make.

This conversation is essential listening for medical device sales reps, managers, and executives who want to scale markets, build winning cultures, and grow long-term careers in MedTech.

RESOURCES:
🫶 Hojo’s was heavily involved with this non-profit in 2025. If you like to learn more and support this cause, please go to Naplesshelter.org

📕 One of the top influential books in Hojo’s life:
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz.
Click here to purchase at Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qyKXO0



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📄 Looking for your next role in medical device? We’d love to connect with you! Send us your resume and let’s get started! https://chasemedsearch.com/resume/

In this episode of the Chase MedSearch Podcast, Jordan Chase sits down with Peter Calabrese — Senior Digital Product Program Manager and longtime neuromodulation leader—to unpack how digital ecosystems, data interoperability, and AI are transforming deep brain and spinal cord stimulation.

Peter shares how the next era of neuromodulation will be defined not only by implantable devices, but by the data they generate—and how that data improves outcomes from the PACU to long-term follow-up. He explains the emerging shift toward software-as-a-subscription in MedTech, the growing expectations from payers for interoperability, and why companies are racing to build secure, scalable data “lakes” before deploying front-facing AI tools.

Peter also takes us through his personal career arc: 15 years as a high-performing field rep, his fascination with solving complex problems, and the transition to in-house marketing and product development. He shares the real profile of a Medical Device Sales Rep. who should consider this path—and what the first week in marketing feels like after years in the operating room (OR).

Whether you're a medical device rep, sales leader, or someone tracking the digital shift in MedTech, this episode delivers key insights into where neuromodulation is going next—and how sales professionals can prepare for the future.

RESOURCES
https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-a-calabrese

Biodesign Courses Recommended by Peter Calabrese: https://med.stanford.edu/biodesign/programs/stanford-courses.html

🎧 Love what you hear? Share this episode with a friend and subscribe to the podcast! / @chasemedsearchpodcast


📄 Looking for your next role in medical device? We’d love to connect with you! Send us your resume and let’s get started! https://chasemedsearch.com/resume/

This Thanksgiving week, I sat down with two true pioneers of the medical device industry — Gregory L. Peel and Dave “Dino” Harris Jr. — to talk about the book that’s already inspiring the next generation of MedTech talent.

Greg’s new book, The Pivot Point, captures the stories of 16 African-American trailblazers who built careers in an industry almost no one knew existed when they started. Their stories of grit, door-knocking, resilience, and career pivots are pure gold for anyone in (or trying to break into) medical device sales.

In this episode we talk about:

• How pioneers navigated being the first in a territory
• Why most people still don’t know this industry exists
• The Mayo Stand test — the real scoreboard for reps
• The “door-knock theory” and why rejection is a skill
• Why you must build multiple income streams
• How a single career pivot can change an entire life trajectory

Whether you're a junior rep, a veteran leader, a transitioning athlete or veteran, or someone trying to break into medical sales — this conversation is a roadmap.

RESOURCES

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-peel-b645511/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daviddharrisjr/

🤝 https://www.salesnetwork.org/

2026 Conference: August 12-14, 2026 @ Washington, DC

📘 Purchase The Pivot Point by Greg Peel at www.thepivotpoint.vip/

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📄 Looking for your next role in medical device? We’d love to connect with you! Send us your resume and let’s get started! https://chasemedsearch.com/resume/

Former top medical device rep, Andrew Norden, joins Jordan to reveal the financial pitfalls most reps don’t see coming — from job-change 401(k) rollovers to employer-stock risk, emergency funds, insurance gaps, and planning for retirement in a volatile industry. After 20 years in medical device and now a wealth advisor, Andrew offers practical, real-world guidance to help reps protect their income, build security, and create a long-term financial plan they can trust.

RESOURCES

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-norden-84514017
https://meridianwealthllc.com/


🎧 Love what you hear? Share this episode with a friend and subscribe to the podcast! https://www.youtube.com/@ChaseMedSearchPodcast


📄 Looking for your next role in medical device? We’d love to connect with you! Send us your resume and let’s get started! https://chasemedsearch.com/resume/

In this episode, Jordan Chase sits down with Medical Device Sales Leader & Training expert, Dan Hestera, who has launched breakthrough products, built top-performing teams, and developed future Presidents Club leaders.

We unpack:
✅ How to position yourself for leadership—even while in a rep role
✅ The mindset shift from top rep to effective manager
✅ Developing the “middle 60%” of your team for real growth
✅ What great companies get right (and wrong) when promoting leaders
✅ How humility, coachability, and followership drive long-term success

Dan’s journey from chiropractor to medical device leader proves your past doesn’t limit your future—your mindset does. This episode is a blueprint for anyone who wants to lead, grow, and build something that lasts.

RESOURCES

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-hestera-b5451b98


🎧 Love what you hear? Share this episode with a friend and subscribe to the show! https://www.youtube.com/@ChaseMedSearchPodcast


📄 Looking for your next role in medical device? We’d love to connect with you! Send us your resume and let’s get started! https://chasemedsearch.com/resume/

Just in time for Halloween, Jordan Chase talks with medical device veteran turned author John J. Polizzi, whose debut thriller Pipeline of Death exposes the dark side of the OR. They discuss how a career in surgical sales inspired the story, and how John balanced a demanding job with writing a chilling psychological page-turner.

RESOURCES

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-polizzi-a62293108

📘Pipeline of Death by John J. Polizzi
Buy it at https://a.co/d/8wpajXE


🎧 Love what you hear? Share this episode with a friend and subscribe to the show! https://www.youtube.com/@ChaseMedSearchPodcast


📄 Looking for your next role in medical device? We’d love to connect with you! Send us your resume and let’s get started! https://chasemedsearch.com/resume/

In this episode of the Chase MedSearch Podcast, Jordan Chase talks with RJ Kedziora, AI and healthcare tech expert, about how medical sales reps can leverage AI to work smarter, close more deals, and gain a competitive edge. From summarizing complex clinical studies to coaching reps on territory strategy, AI is already transforming the way reps operate — and those who adopt it early will stay ahead of the competition.

RESOURCES

🔗 www.estenda.com

🎧 Love what you hear? Share this episode with a friend and subscribe to the show! https://www.youtube.com/@ChaseMedSearchPodcast

📄 Looking for your next role in medical device? We’d love to connect with you! Send us your resume and let’s get started! https://chasemedsearch.com/resume/

Gina Catalano went from leading sales teams in medical devices to coaching surgeon leaders and healthcare executives. In this conversation, she shares how emotional intelligence (EQ), communication, and team strength drive real results in the operating room, the boardroom, and beyond.

RESOURCES

www.centroforzagroup.com

📖 Buy The Leadership Wake-Up Call by Gina Catalano at https://amzn.to/4nVc83w

*We may receive a small commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.

🎧 Love what you hear? Share this episode with a friend and subscribe to the show! https://www.youtube.com/@ChaseMedSearchPodcast

📄 Looking for your next role in medical device? We’d love to connect with you! Send us your resume and let’s get started! https://chasemedsearch.com/resume/