MAKO Medical Laboratories, led by founder Chad Price, has steadily climbed the ranks of Business North Carolina's Top 125 Private Companies, recently securing the 55th position.
While the company's financial growth is significant, its success story goes beyond revenue. Its community-driven initiatives, philanthropic efforts, and dedication to education and workforce development are important to its positive reputation.
MAKO Medical Laboratories was founded to transform the healthcare industry by offering a unique approach focused on speed, precision, and integrity. From the outset, the company aimed to challenge conventional practices by delivering faster test results, thus enabling patients to make informed decisions more quickly.
Leveraging cutting-edge technology and a team of highly skilled professionals, MAKO Medical Laboratories consistently ensures accuracy in every diagnostic result. The co-founders’ commitment to innovation drives them to adopt the latest medical science and technology advancements. MAKO Medical Laboratories delivers a patient-first experience designed to simplify healthcare interactions. In this article, we explore the various factors that make MAKO Medical Laboratories a respected leader in the North Carolina business world.
Commitment to Veteran Employment
MAKO Medical Laboratories' deep commitment to supporting U.S. military veterans is a key differentiator. Since its founding, the company has made it a priority to hire veterans and offer them opportunities for career development. Veterans play an integral role across various departments within MAKO MAKO Medical Laboratories, from operations to management.
"We donate to military organizations. We go and build houses for them on the weekends, our staff volunteers. But we also wanted to create jobs, and the only way to do that is to carve out positions for veterans to say, ‘Hey, these positions are going to be reserved for the veterans.’ That was one key thing that we wanted to do,” says Chad Price, MAKO Medical Laboratories CEO.
The prioritization of hiring veterans across departments initiative is not just a gesture of goodwill but part of the company's ethos of creating a disciplined, values-driven, and service-oriented workforce—qualities that veterans embody. MAKO Medical Laboratories’ veteran recruitment efforts have set the company apart as a socially responsible employer, earning it praise from veterans' organizations and the broader community.
Philanthropy and Community Engagement
Thanks to Chad Price, philanthropy is a cornerstone of MAKO Medical Laboratories' culture. The company has forged partnerships with numerous nonprofit organizations, offering financial support and hands-on involvement to improve the lives of needy individuals.
One of the most significant examples is MAKO Medical Laboratories' collaboration with Compassion International. Through this partnership, Mako provides financial backing for developing a childcare center in Guatemala. This initiative focuses on comprehensive care for children and their families, emphasizing physical, cognitive, emotional, and spiritual growth. With Mako’s support, the center aims to impact the lives of 275 children and their families.
Another notable partnership is with Mission Triangle, which helps local nonprofits in the Raleigh-Durham area grow and thrive. Mako's work with Mission Triangle underscores its belief in empowering smaller organizations to create long-term community impact. Furthermore, Mako has also teamed up with Rebuilding Together to help restore homes for U.S. military veterans, highlighting its ongoing dedication to community improvement and veteran support.
“We started with two goals—disrupt healthcare and use the revenue we create to fund the charities and causes we were all passionate about," explains Chad Price MAKO Medical Laboratories CEO. “The latter saved us. Our entire team focused on causes and charities they were passionate about. We pooled together money to donate, volunteered, and did what we could to help. This became the fuel for our team and we pushed through every setback."
"We ate together, did Bible study together, volunteered together, and always encouraged families to be apart so they would support what we were trying to build."
MAKO Medical Laboratories is committed to consistently engaging in local charitable efforts, including educational programs, healthcare outreach initiatives, and fundraising events. This dedication to community service has built trust and loyalty with individual clients, local governments, and healthcare providers who value companies that give back.
The Launch of MAKO U
Innovation and education are at the heart of Chad Price and MAKO Medical Laboratories' vision for the future. To help bridge the skills gap in the healthcare and diagnostics industry, the company launched MAKO U. This internal training program allows employees to develop new skills, advance their careers, and stay ahead in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
MAKO U is an investment in the company's workforce and a commitment to excellence in diagnostics. The program provides comprehensive training in the latest laboratory technologies, quality control processes, and customer service practices. By offering its employees continued education, Mako ensures that they remain at the cutting edge of the industry, capable of delivering high-quality healthcare solutions.
Taking on Medical Giants: MAKO’s Competitive Edge
In an industry often dominated by national healthcare behemoths, MAKO Medical Laboratories has made a name for itself as a North Carolina-based company capable of competing nationally.
Larger corporations benefit from expansive resources and established brand recognition, but MAKO Medical Laboratories has carved out its niche by offering personalized services, faster turnaround times, and advanced diagnostic technologies that often rival or exceed those of its larger competitors.
MAKO Medical Laboratories’ focus on flexibility and innovation sets it apart from the medical giants. Many large testing companies follow rigid protocols, but Mako prides itself on adapting quickly to the needs of its clients, whether through customized testing solutions, tailored customer service, or quicker, more efficient reporting systems. Its agility during the COVID-19 pandemic was a key example, as MAKO Medical Laboratories rapidly scaled its testing operations to meet unprecedented demand.
MAKO Medical Laboratories’ investments in cutting-edge laboratory equipment and its commitment to continuous employee education through programs like MAKO Uy ensure that the company remains at the forefront of medical testing advancements. This combination of adaptability, technological prowess, and client-centric service has allowed MAKO Medical Laboratories to effectively challenge larger, more established players in the diagnostics field.
Innovation and Continuous Improvement
One of the key reasons for MAKO Medical Laboratories’ rapid rise and strong standing on the Business North Carolina Top 125 Private Companies list is its focus on innovation and continuous improvement. Unlike many traditional business leaders, Chad Price has created a culture that encourages and actively pursues technological advancement and new ideas.
MAKO Medical Laboratories consistently invests in cutting-edge diagnostic technologies, ensuring its laboratory processes remain ahead of industry trends. The company has implemented automation in its labs, which has enhanced both speed and accuracy in test processing. This forward-thinking approach has not only improved operational efficiency but has also allowed Mako to take on more complex testing procedures, catering to the evolving needs of the healthcare sector.
The business leader’s dedication to staying on the cutting edge extends to research and development. MAKO Medical Laboratories and its founders continually explore new avenues for expanding its testing capabilities, including genetic and molecular diagnostics, which positions it to meet the growing demand for personalized medicine. The co-founder’s commitment to improvement is also evident in its feedback loops with clients—gathering insights from healthcare providers and patients to refine its services further.
What the BNC Listing Means for MAKO Medical Laboratories
MAKO Medical Laboratories’ top position on the BNC Top 125 Private Companies list reflects the company's outstanding business performance and commitment to values-driven leadership. For the company, this listing validates its efforts to combine profitability with purpose, proving that success can be measured not just by revenue but also by social impact.
The company’s ranking offers reassurance for customers and stakeholders that they are working with a trusted, reputable organization that values community engagement and strives to make a difference. Whether providing cutting-edge healthcare solutions, supporting nonprofits, or creating opportunities for veterans, MAKO Medical Laboratories continues to build a legacy of excellence and impact.
