Ryan’s Story - A Career Built in High-Stakes Healthcare
Ryan Normandeau is an entrepreneur, business leader, medical device executive, and author whose career has been defined by resilience, leadership, and a passion for helping others succeed. As the author of Connective Tissue: Finding Your Path Through Mentorship and Resilience, he shares lessons drawn from decades of experience in business, healthcare, and personal growth.
With more than twenty years in the medical device industry, Ryan built a strong reputation in spinal and orthopedic technologies, working closely with surgeons, hospitals, and healthcare teams in high-performance environments. His career includes experience with several leading healthcare organizations, where he became known for strategic thinking, relationship-building, and delivering results.
In addition to his corporate success, Ryan is an accomplished entrepreneur who founded and successfully existed two businesses before the age of forty. His ability to recognize opportunities, build strong teams, and create long-term value has been a hallmark of his professional journey.
Beyond business, Ryan is deeply committed to mentorship, leadership development, and philanthropy. He is the founder of 33 Spine Align, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to life-changing spine care for underserved patients in Africa. Through his writing, charitable efforts, and community impact, he continues to inspire others to overcome challenges, pursue growth, and create meaningful change.
At the center of it all is a strong commitment to family, gratitude, and the values that keep success in perspective.
Ryan’s real-world credibility & nonprofit work
- 20+ Years in spinal device sales and distribution
- 2 Companies Built & Sold
- Leadership Roles at major medical device organizations
- Founder of 33 Spine Align
When you’re not handed the rulebook, resilience becomes your advantage.
Career Timeline
- Manager, Distributor Relations
Medtronic (Accra, Ghana)
2023–2025 - President
Empire Property Investment
2022–2025 - Distributor Principal
Empire Medical
2020–2023 - President
KSB Solutions
2018–Present - President & Founder
33 Spine Align
2018–2026
Early Career Foundations: Began developing skills in sales, communication, and relationship-building that would become the cornerstone of his professional success.
Growth in Medical Device Industry: Entered the medical device sector and built extensive expertise in spinal technologies, surgeon support, case management, and healthcare operations.
Leadership & Industry Expansion: Advanced into leadership roles involving business development, team management, strategic growth, and high-level partnerships.
Entrepreneurial Milestones: Founded and scaled two successful businesses, later achieving successful exits before age forty.
Author & Thought Leader: Published Connective Tissue, sharing lessons on mentorship, resilience, and leadership with a broader audience.
Philanthropic Impact: Expanded efforts into charitable initiatives supporting access to specialized spine care for underserved populations.
Leadership Roles
Throughout his career, Ryan Normandeau has been associated with respected organizations in healthcare and medical technology, including:
- Medtronic
- Stryker
- DePuy Synthes
- NuVasive
- Conventry Health Care
These experiences contributed to his broad perspective on leadership, innovation, and delivering results in highly specialized industries.
Entrepreneurship Highlights
- Founded two successful businesses before age forty
- Built companies through strategic growth and operational execution
- Developed strong expertise in sales leadership and business scaling
- Successfully exited ventures after creating measurable value
- Continues to mentor others on entrepreneurship and career development
Family / Personal Grounding
Behind Ryan’s professional accomplishments is a strong commitment to family, relationships, and living with purpose. He often emphasizes that true success is not measured only by titles or financial milestones, but by the impact you have on others and the values you carry with you along the way.
His story reflects the belief that resilience, humility, gratitude, and meaningful connections are the true connective tissue behind a fulfilling life and career.