Shelby Owusu-Dapaah
Liem Nguyen
Lyvian Loh
Case Western Reserve University - Weatherhead School of Management
Scot Lowry
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In 2008, Jim created a business that had first started as an idea, and then blossomed into a software program that financially rewards people take care of their health thus improving their quality of life and work. Bravo's unique programs embed rewards into companies' health plans that are offered to employees. Bravo does not approach the market as a one-size-fits all offering. The company takes pride in understanding their clients' needs and health plan concerns, and customize their offering based upon the feedback and communication with customers. Bravo's main goal is to understand the pain points and deliver a solution that is dedicated to driving good and responsible health behaviors.
Bravo’s proprietary technology platform provides their clients with a powerful solution for coordinating biometric screenings with tracking incentives and employee compliance. Jim saw a need for a wellness solution in the healthcare industry as healthcare costs for businesses was steadily rising. (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure)
Bravo continues to see strong growth and an increased demand from companies trying to control health care costs by employing innovative wellness solutions. Bravo's product offering is dedicated to implementing a mindset of "Good Health and Well-Being" for their clients and their employees (Good Health and Well-Being).
Jim stated that one of the main drivers of creating Bravo was to create jobs in the Northern Ohio area. He wanted to create a business that would drive up the economy and gives those that lost their job during the economic crisis, the opportunity to start over (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
Bravo has grown to a $30MM company in the last 10 years. Their growth gives the company the financial freedom to donate to charitable organizations and to partner with organizations in the community whose mission align with that of Bravo's. (Partnerships for the Goals).
Jim's inspiration for creating in his company was rooted int he pain he felt during the economic crisis in 2008. Jim outlines in our interview that he was "dedicated to social good, creating an opportunity for people that lost their jobs in the local community". He became passionate about creating jobs and exploring an industry in which he felt there was room to learn, grow and gain more expertise on. The company's main vision is, of course, to help their clients (and their employees) feel their personal best, and be rewarded for making health a priority, but what inspires them more is the "measurable impact" the solution has created for the clients they serve. This month, Bravo will celebrate its 10 year anniversary, and will also mark saving/impacting 1 million lives with their programs over time. Their clients include 175 companies across the US and 175 of their own employees in their Cleveland office.
Jim continuously highlighted the value that Bravo's products bring to their customers. Bravo's users regularly receive detailed health assessment, which also highlights their risky behaviors. They are then connected to health professionals who can help create a customized stress reduction and health management plan, and hold them accountable until it is completed. Bravo tracks the involvement, progress, and impact that each individual has achieved as time goes by, which is impactful and a motivators for the company to continuously reach out to more people across the US.
Bravo provides solutions using their technology platform to create wellness-based programs for organizations. 75 percent of all health care spending in the United States is lifestyle related and linked to individual behavior. Lifestyle choices significantly influence health care costs, and adding accountability through a wellness program can reduce these costs in both the short and long term. Unlike most wellness programs that are based on participation, Bravo’s programs are based on biometric data (smoking habits, body mass index, cholesterol, etc.) that give the individual the opportunity to impact meaningfully to their health and to reduce insurance premiums.
Bravo Wellness is a $30MM+ sized company and has 175 employees. Since its establishment in 2008, Bravo has created well-being solutions for employers across the U.S. Bravo provides unique solutions to empower employers with configurable wellness plans that improve employee well-being and drive down the long-term healthcare claims trend. Bravo's data-driven approach has established models for controlling rising healthcare costs, and inspiring personal improvement at the companies that they serve. Jim stated that Bravo continuously measures their program and its impact for each customer. In the last 10 years, they have worked with ~1 million people and have helped to attract and retain top talent through robust healthcare programs.
One of the foundational principles at Bravo Wellness is to be philanthropic and build a team that does what it can to support each other and the community. Bravo Wellness has supported charitable organizations such as the Cleveland Animal Protective League, Laura’s Home Women’s Crisis Center, Prayers from Maria Children’s Glioma Cancer Foundation and Youth Challenge. Jim says that giving back doesn’t require a massive commitment of time and resources. He said that “A small amount of time and what you might consider a donation can make a big difference for the person at the end of the chain who receives support.” He believes that if you can align the needs of the community with the heart and priorities of employees and the core values of your company, everybody wins.
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Bravo Wellness specializes in creating wellness programs that helps companies inspire their employees to focus on personal improvement, reduce healthcare costs, and attract and retain top talent. Bravo's primary goal is to work with clients to build a better culture that helps to achieve a balanced measure of those three targets.
