AmeriPro EMS, a tech-enabled emergency medical services company, is featured in a new video created by Ameris Bank focusing on how the two organizations came to the rescue for first responders.
Suhas Uppalapati, CEO of AmeriPro, knew when he entered the ambulance service industry that the existing systems and equipment were very antiquated. Uppalapati envisioned building a business that could become a technology leader with unprecedented equipment and technology for an unmatched premier patient experience.
“AmeriPro is raising the bar by doing the same thing differently,” said Uppalapati. “We do this with the implementation of state-of-the-art equipped ambulances, packed with technology and operational efficiencies, run by highly skilled staff. This helps us not only increase transportation logistics, but also improves patient care.”
However, it is a major undertaking to equip new vehicles with state-of-the-art equipment and technology. This is where Ameris Bank came into play, and a partnership was formed.
“AmeriPro’s biggest expenses come in the form of equipment, said Scott Cleveland, Commercial Banker for Ameris Bank. “For them to grow, they have to add ambulances. The way we support AmeriPro primarily is we finance the bulk of their fleet as needed.”
AmeriPro relies on sophisticated, tech-enabled vehicles that provide instantaneous wireless transmission of patient data and real-time safety monitoring of patients, helping to ensure the best patient outcome possible. This translates into reduced wait times for patients and increased hospital throughput and revenue capture. These vehicles do not come cheap, so the partnership with Ameris Bank helps AmeriPro expand and keep these high standards in the equipment they use.
Ameris Bank has become a partner and key player in AmeriPro’s growth. “I was introduced to Suhas years ago, before AmeriPro even came about,” says Jason Faulkner, Branch Manager at Ameris Bank. “The company has been around just for a few years now, and they are just growing at a rapid pace. My responsibility, my job here, is to help Suhas take the worry off his plate so that he can grow his business. We set him up with remote deposit, lockbox services, and a line of credit.”
AmeriPro uses Lockbox, a service provided by Ameris Bank that provides a way for a business owner to offload some of the work that maybe their accounting department would normally do. This frees up the AmeriPro team to focus on patient logistics services. “All of our checks go to that lockbox, and the Ameris staff handles those checks, deposits them right away. This process has worked great for us,” added Uppalapati.
When AmeriPro has a need, they know they can count on their team at Ameris Bank. “When Suhas comes to us and has a need, he’s already thought through it in a very similar way that we have,” adds Cleavland. “AmeriPro is going to be extremely successful over time just because of the leadership.”
AmeriPro appreciates the personalized service it receives from Ameris. “The personal touch that comes with Ameris Bank, it’s like a family,” said Uppalapati. “Working with a bank that is like a family helps us continue to grow in markets where we can make a difference.”
Both companies have a plan to grow together. “They don’t have to have a branch location right around the corner for us to help them out, adds Faulkner. “They can grow into other areas of the country. Ameris Bank is going to be able to continue to help along that way.”
Together, they are coming together to help AmeriPro expand and help more patients.