30 Best CEOs of the Year 2020 30 Best CEOs of the Year 2020 | Page 73

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and to bring the technology
already in place in Europe and
further continue to enhance
this technology as we grew
our presence in the US
marketplace.
In the beginning, it was
difficult and there was a
lot of travel to show our
potential customers and users
the benefits of using our
products. In the beginning, I
recognized that I needed to
have a core team surrounding
me and I hired in Quality and
in Sales—with my core team
of 4 including myself in place
since inception. I saw quickly
that the market was receptive
to our portfolio and was able
to grow our sales and revenue
fairly quickly.
The goal was to start an IDE
for the new technology that
we had developed in Europe
and it has shown clinical
benefits through its use thus
far.
FX Shoulder was started
with two of us sitting
across from each other at a
boardroom table and is now
up to 20 employees in our
approximately 8,000 square
foot head quarters.
What is your greatest fear,
and how do you manage to
overcome the same?
Moving from France with my
family, the success of FX Shoulder,
and my ability to grow a new
venture from zero were my
greatest fears – as there is a lot of
potential for failure. Overcoming
these fears, on the other hand,
drives you to be successful every
day.
What were the biggest
initial hurdles to building
your business and how did
you overcome them?
We work in a very dynamic
and competitive market set and
our ability to grow is dependent
on our ability to work cohesively
as an international company in an
established US market. Likewise,
believing in your abilities to
achieve success in this market can
be a hurdle all in itself—which at
times can be a daunting task.
What would you say was
the single most influential
factor in your business’
success?
My passion to succeed in the
venture I had started—with
FX Shoulder USA, and surrounding
myself with
my core management team.
What other CEOs do you
look up to?
My Father, but he left too early.
However, I had time before he
passed to learn from him as he
shared his experiences. More
over, I often look up to Steve Jobs.
He inspires me because he faced
tremendous adversity in his life,
but he never gave up.
What do you think is the
most memorable moment
in your career?
The first prosthesis that had been
scheduled and performed in the
US was the most memorable
moment in my career. It was hard
work—but, also, new work for me.
SR
Baptiste Martin: A Formidable Leader
Baptiste Martin’s customer and team-oriented approach to business is rooted
in his early career in the hospitality industry where he had to be detail-oriented,
customer-focused, and passionate about his craft and career. Baptiste had spent time
in the US, early on, to complete his studies in hospitality management while working
a full-time position as an international intern. Upon his return to Europe, his career
would soon change paths to be the foundation for his current role and venture.
Baptiste’s father, Jean-Jacques had Baptiste begin as a sales rep in the Rhone-
Alpes region where he learned what it meant to develop business relationships,
grow these relationships and add a new business. He turned his region into a $1M
territory before assuming the role of Sales and Marketing Director with FX Solutions.
Baptiste Martin, CEO
In spring 2017, Baptiste’s father (and Mentor), Jean-Jacques Martin passed away.
This turning point was the platform for major changes in Baptiste’s life. Baptiste’s
new passion would drive him to continue the adventure that his father has started;
developing FX Shoulder USA with the support of Ekkio Capital since December 2017.
Starting with just a small core group of management, FX Shoulder (in its current
state) has an approximate team of 20 employees.
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