With more than four decades in health care, Rick Spiegel brings a unique perspective shaped by experience across managed care, home medical equipment and manufacturing. Now serving as MK Battery’s Vice President of Corporate Business Development, Spiegel reflects on lessons learned, the culture that sustains his company and the personal passions that fuel his life beyond work.
What is one lesson from your early days in this industry that still influences the way you lead today?
I started my health care career in the early 1980s in a branch management role with Abbey Medical. I learned very quickly that while we provided products and services, what we were really providing was education and solutions to improve the quality of life for both the consumer and their support group. The branch I worked at in Downey, California, provided a comprehensive range of home health care equipment, with a special focus on pediatric rehabilitation. Fast forward to today, and that lesson remains the same — always focus on education and solutions that lead to the best possible outcomes.
In a business where some may see batteries as a commodity, how do you show customers the value of MK Battery beyond the product?
We spend a lot of time educating consumers, providers, funding agencies and user groups that not all batteries — or battery companies — are the same. Much of our education is on battery care and maintenance as well as selecting the best chemistry to meet a consumer’s lifestyle. Properly matching battery chemistry to the consumer improves their experience and reduces overall downtime and repair costs.
As someone who values mentoring, how do you “translate” MK Battery’s culture for the next generation of employees who may view work and loyalty differently?
We frequently talk about maintaining the “MK Way” in how we treat people, internally and externally. While I do my best to explain that philosophy to new hires, it’s something they must experience for themselves. It is not unusual for new employees to say, “I wish I had found you guys sooner!” Former employees also remain strong advocates, recommending MK Battery as a great place to work. While expectations of younger workers may differ from those of my generation, the strong work ethic, can-do attitude and genuine concern for helping customers and colleagues are contagious and self-perpetuating at MK Battery.
You have said that you enjoy learning from everyone you meet. What is the most unexpected lesson you have picked up in conversation with a customer, colleague or even competitor?
Daily, I try to learn something from everyone I meet, as I tend to be very inquisitive and always looking to learn. Sometimes learning means revisiting deep-rooted knowledge you haven’t thought about in a while. Recently, I spoke with the CEO of one of our key partners, who emphasized the importance of staying intentional with his plans and actions. I learned that it’s easy to let big issues “manage us,” but by being deliberate, we always carve out time to make sure we touch all aspects of what we want to accomplish.
You have been in this industry for a long time. What personally drives you each day as a leader, and how do you stay motivated during challenging times?
We have certainly had our share of challenging times, and there seems to be no end in sight. I always approach challenges that may seem insurmountable with a “how do we make this work” philosophy. Through it all, I try to remain positive and forward-thinking. From a business perspective, two things drive me daily. First, as a health care company, we are making a difference in people’s lives — and that must always transcend any challenge. Second, I thoroughly enjoy the people I work with at MK Battery. Many have been here as long (24 years) or longer than I have. I truly want to do well for the people who make MK Battery such a great place to work.
In addition to the support of many industry trade associations, are there other initiatives you would like others to know about?
Two come to mind. We are involved with the United States Power Soccer Association (https://www.powersoccerusa.org/) and enjoy working with the athletes and their families as they grow this sport internationally. For the past 10 years, I’ve also participated with All Wheels Up (https://www.allwheelsup.org/), which has become a real passion of mine — helping make air travel more accessible and removing barriers for those who rely on mobility devices.
How do you maintain a balance between your professional responsibilities and your personal life, especially when it comes to family and hobbies?
I have been blessed with a very supportive family that understands what I do in the health care arena is important not only to me, but also to those my products help every day. That said, family comes first, and I have always prioritized my time to make sure family time takes precedence. Now that my children are grown, my hobbies once again occupy more of my time.
Tell us about your family. How has it coalesced around baseball, specifically the Dodgers?
My wife, Lynn, and I have always been Dodger fans, both of us growing up not far from Dodger Stadium. Over the years, we raised our two kids, Michael and Michelle, to also be passionate fans. We are now working on our granddaughter, Emme, who, at 7 years old, is a big Mookie Betts fan. During the season, we attend quite a few games together. It’s great to share that fandom as a family.
What do you do for fun or relaxation? How did you get started refinishing furniture?
I have always enjoyed the challenge of fixing things. Nowadays, thanks to YouTube, I can fix almost anything around the house. Refinishing antique furniture became a passion of mine 30 years ago when we lived on the East Coast. I would find distressed antiques — the more distressed the better — and enjoyed the process of restoring them to beauty and utility.
Spiegel’s career illustrates how a commitment to both innovation and human connection can define leadership. From mentoring the next generation to restoring antique furniture in his spare time, he blends practicality with purpose. Above all, his dedication to making a difference — whether in the lives of consumers, colleagues or athletes — remains the hallmark of his professional journey.
Rick may be reached at ricks@mkbattery.com.
Rick Spiegel, a longtime industry veteran, began his health care career in 1980 and joined MK Battery in 2001, where he is now Vice President of Corporate Business Development. His 45 years of industry experience includes five years in managed care, 15 years as a provider and over 20 years on the manufacturing/distribution side of health care products. Rick and his wife, Lynn, live in Valencia, California.