“60% of diabetics live in Asia. For father and son, JP and Francois, addressing this alarming statistic is the focus of their wound care company in Singapore.”
What’s your story?
Recura Pte Ltd is a family owned business by father, Dr. JP Saltre and son, Francois Saltre. We began three years ago as a consulting firm helping US and European biotech and medical device start-ups and SMEs assessing their marketability in Asia. We provide services from market research through to advice on regulatory processes. Because of the demand for distributing advanced wound care products, we decided to launch a medical distribution company with a focus on wound management. With the growing diabetes type II endemic, there is an urgent need for new technologies to be brought to Asia. We focus only on the most high end and high tech products within the wound industry.
What excites you most about your industry?
What excites us most is that we are in the industry of helping people. Diabetes has been exploding in Asia at an alarming rate and there hasn’t been a solution to the problem. Our concept is to change people’s lives by bringing in only the best and newest technologies that can make a difference.
What’s your connection to Asia?
Between the both of us we have worked in Asia for over 30 years. We love the people and Asia’s fast moving and dynamic culture. As one of the pioneers in getting MNC to expand their footprint in China and South East Asia, JP has made Asia his home for the past 25 years.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Why Singapore, of course! Singapore has given us so many opportunities to develop our business and everyone has been extremely supportive. The ease of meeting people and government support makes Singapore a fantastic platform to grow and expand into the region.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Not to give up within the first two years. As we all know having a start up is a roller coaster. One day you are on the top of the world, the next you think it’s the end. So for the first couple of years you just have to ride the wave. Every hurdle you surpass is a day closer to success. Another suggestion, was to partially outsource in order to get the best and most experienced people in the market and simultaneously lowering our operating expenses. That was key to our survival.
Who inspires you?
American marketing author, consultant and professor Philip Kotler. His thoughts and ways to approach the market has greatly inspired us.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
60% of diabetics live in Asia. That is an alarming amount of people.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
We would have probably taken a bigger leap, hiring people sooner.
How do you unwind?
To unwind we like to pack our bags, get out of town and travel on motorcycles. It’s been our passion to experience the world on two wheels and in the elements. A couple months ago we travelled through the Himalayas and Kashmir on motorcycles. What a life changing experience that was.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
We love going to Ubud in Bali. It’s a great place to get away from it all, see some art and eat some great food.
Everyone in business should read this book:
Islands of Profit in a Sea of Red Ink by Jonathan Byrnes
Shameless plug for your business:
We are the first Asian advanced wound care company
How can people connect with you?
Best way to get to us is via email directly:
[email protected]
Twitter handle?
Twitter account: RecuraWound
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This interview was part of the Callum Connect’s column found on The Asian Entrepreneur:
Callum Laing invests and buys small businesses in a range of industries around Asia. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is the founder & owner of Fitness-Buffet a company delivering employee wellness solutions in 12 countries. He is a Director of, amongst others, Key Person of Influence. A 40 week training program for business owners and executives.
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