Howard “Hojo” Johnson is one of the most accomplished commercial leaders in medical device sales, known for being the first hire trusted to build markets from zero and scale teams into category leaders. In this episode of the Chase MedSearch Podcast, Howard shares how he helped launch and grow organizations at Nevro and Axonics—turning early-stage companies into national forces in neuromodulation.

We dive into what it takes to build high-performance MedTech sales teams, how to lead people through rapid growth, and why servant leadership and belief drive sustainable results. Howard breaks down his approach to hiring elite talent, developing future leaders, executing go-to-market strategies, and avoiding the common mistakes new managers make.

This conversation is essential listening for medical device sales reps, managers, and executives who want to scale markets, build winning cultures, and grow long-term careers in MedTech.

RESOURCES:
🫶 Hojo’s was heavily involved with this non-profit in 2025. If you like to learn more and support this cause, please go to Naplesshelter.org

📕 One of the top influential books in Hojo’s life:
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz.
Click here to purchase at Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qyKXO0



🎧 Love what you hear? Share this episode with a friend and subscribe to the podcast! / @chasemedsearchpodcast


📄 Looking for your next role in medical device? We’d love to connect with you! Send us your resume and let’s get started! https://chasemedsearch.com/resume/

In this episode of the Chase MedSearch Podcast, Jordan Chase sits down with Peter Calabrese — Senior Digital Product Program Manager and longtime neuromodulation leader—to unpack how digital ecosystems, data interoperability, and AI are transforming deep brain and spinal cord stimulation.

Peter shares how the next era of neuromodulation will be defined not only by implantable devices, but by the data they generate—and how that data improves outcomes from the PACU to long-term follow-up. He explains the emerging shift toward software-as-a-subscription in MedTech, the growing expectations from payers for interoperability, and why companies are racing to build secure, scalable data “lakes” before deploying front-facing AI tools.

Peter also takes us through his personal career arc: 15 years as a high-performing field rep, his fascination with solving complex problems, and the transition to in-house marketing and product development. He shares the real profile of a Medical Device Sales Rep. who should consider this path—and what the first week in marketing feels like after years in the operating room (OR).

Whether you're a medical device rep, sales leader, or someone tracking the digital shift in MedTech, this episode delivers key insights into where neuromodulation is going next—and how sales professionals can prepare for the future.

RESOURCES
https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-a-calabrese

Biodesign Courses Recommended by Peter Calabrese: https://med.stanford.edu/biodesign/programs/stanford-courses.html

🎧 Love what you hear? Share this episode with a friend and subscribe to the podcast! / @chasemedsearchpodcast


📄 Looking for your next role in medical device? We’d love to connect with you! Send us your resume and let’s get started! https://chasemedsearch.com/resume/

This Thanksgiving week, I sat down with two true pioneers of the medical device industry — Gregory L. Peel and Dave “Dino” Harris Jr. — to talk about the book that’s already inspiring the next generation of MedTech talent.

Greg’s new book, The Pivot Point, captures the stories of 16 African-American trailblazers who built careers in an industry almost no one knew existed when they started. Their stories of grit, door-knocking, resilience, and career pivots are pure gold for anyone in (or trying to break into) medical device sales.

In this episode we talk about:

• How pioneers navigated being the first in a territory
• Why most people still don’t know this industry exists
• The Mayo Stand test — the real scoreboard for reps
• The “door-knock theory” and why rejection is a skill
• Why you must build multiple income streams
• How a single career pivot can change an entire life trajectory

Whether you're a junior rep, a veteran leader, a transitioning athlete or veteran, or someone trying to break into medical sales — this conversation is a roadmap.

RESOURCES

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-peel-b645511/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daviddharrisjr/

🤝 https://www.salesnetwork.org/

2026 Conference: August 12-14, 2026 @ Washington, DC

📘 Purchase The Pivot Point by Greg Peel at www.thepivotpoint.vip/

🎧 Love what you hear? Share this episode with a friend and subscribe to the podcast! https://www.youtube.com/@ChaseMedSearchPodcast


📄 Looking for your next role in medical device? We’d love to connect with you! Send us your resume and let’s get started! https://chasemedsearch.com/resume/