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By Debra Solomon
Baker
STEPHANIE PATTON,
founder,
Panic Line |
Stephanie Patton helps to maintain the ideal of independent living
for those most at risk of losing it. After 12 years in the health
care business, she recently founded Panic Line, a Clayton-based
company, which installs and monitors personal alarm systems for
the elderly and for people with disabilities.
The system is designed to help people who are unable to reach their
phones in an emergency. It consists of a small waterproof transmitter
worn as a necklace or a wristband and a console box that is connected
through the existing telephone line. When activating Panic Line,
customers reach a 24-hour monitoring center, and can have a two-way
conversation with the operator. The operator automatically knows
the identity and address of the caller and any pertinent family
contact information.
It is also often used for non-emergency situations as well. The
sensor component allows customers to receive reminders to take medicines,
or to leave for a doctor’s appointment.
“What we give people is peace of mind,” says Patton, a single mother
of four children. “If they fall, or if they just cannot find their
glasses, help is just a push of a button away. We know how important
it is for seniors to keep their independence in their homes.”
While business currently centers mostly in the Midwest, with clients
in Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Mississippi, Patton
expects nationwide expansion. She projects that Panic Line systems,
which cost $60 for the initial installation and $35-$40 each month
for the monitoring, will ultimately reach 700 to 1,000 new homes
a year. She plans to continue to target baby boomers, concerned
about the well-being of their aging parents. A scholarship program
exists for those unable to afford the cost of the system.
“What makes us different is that we become partners with the whole
family. We’re not just selling a product,” Patton says. “For me,
meeting the seniors and hearing the wisdom in their stories is the
best part of this business. You simply cannot put a price on that.”
Recognizing that circumstances will sometimes necessitate future
additional assistance, the staff at Panic Line, which includes a
social worker, offer independent living consulting and nursing home
searches, all free of charge to existing customers. Those without
the system can receive these services for a fee.
Debra Solomon Baker is a St. Louis-based free-lance writer.
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE INSIGHTS
What business offer did you turn down that you now regret not
having taken?
“Without reservation, I can say that I have no regrets concerning
career choices. The opportunities provided to me over the years
by General Motors have, without exception, been challenging and
fulfilling growth and learning opportunities for which I am thankful.
I can truly say after nearly 40 years, that I have never experienced
a single boring day!”
MICHAEL H. CAMP
plant manager, General Motors Corporation
“Before we started
our business in 1985, I interviewed with a nationwide construction
company for a Business Development job. I would have loved to have
been involved in building buildings for a career ... to leave something
behind, like my uncle and grandfather who had a general contracting
company in Detroit and built schools and churches.”
TAMI MARTENS
principal, Corporate Interiors
“During a private dinner overseas with a few pipeline, oil, and
gas executives, I was advised to invest in their company. I was
hesitant, because the previous few years had been tough on their
earnings. Little did I know that there would be a price increase
of +400 percent over the next six months. I did invest what free
cash and money market funds I had. But, I still regret not having
borrowed additional funds for this outstanding investment.”
HARRY FABICK
president and chairman of the board, Fabick Companies
“After thinking about this long and hard, I can honestly say I have
no regrets. I think we learn from every decision we make, and every
action we take. It’s all part of the journey.”
DONNA VANDIVER
CEO & president, The Vandiver Group
For more information on Leadership Circle, please contact John Diefenbach,
associate vice president-membership, 314/444-1184 or jdief@stlrcga.org.
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