Today we’d like to introduce you to Dennis Cataldo.
Dennis, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 1977 (I won’t say how old I was!), my parents, Bob and Diana Cataldo opened the doors to Somerville Ambulance Service, now known as Cataldo Ambulance Service. I joined the family business in the 90s after attending Malden Catholic High School and Suffolk University, and was fortunate enough to lead the company through multiple strategic endeavors and acquisitions, growing the company to one of the largest emergency transportation providers in the northeast. We started with 2 ambulances and 3 employees and now operate well over 200 vehicles, supported by close to 900 employees across 27 communities in Massachusetts — and more importantly, providing exceptional care through clinical excellence to over 160,000 patients a year.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road, and we continue to hit many bumps along the way- most being the same bumps that we have historically encountered over the years. From a state and federal perspective, we continuously face challenges around health care regulation and inadequate reimbursement rates for this industry. Inadequate reimbursement rates lead to inadequate compensation that we can offer potential employees which leads to staffing issues across the board. These are the main obstacles that we have faced and continue to face. Fortunately, despite this, we have continued to grow and have continued to provide a positive experience for our patients and healthcare partners.
Cataldo Ambulance Service – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Cataldo Ambulance is the largest 911-contracted provider in Massachusetts, servicing 18 cities and towns across the northeastern part of the state. We also partner with various healthcare institutions- from major hospital systems like Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center to skilled nursing facilities – to strategize and provide medical transport solutions for their patients and residents. We are also honored to be the EMS transportation provider of Fenway Park and the Boston Red Sox, as well as the TD Garden, the Boston Celtics and the Boston Bruins.
In addition to fulfilling the medical transportation needs for these facilities and cities/towns, we are also a Massachusetts accredited training institution, with a full range of training capabilities and technology – everything from simulation training to code drills to emergency preparedness.
We are very proud to have remained family-owned and operated for 41 years, and my parents have always been committed to giving back to the communities in which we serve through various community service programs. We truly view ourselves as a philanthropic community partner in the areas we service.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Outstanding clinical care is the obviously the most important goal we have. Personally, the fact that we have been and continue to be a family-owned and operated business is definitely an important factor leading to our success as a company. With that comes tremendous pride and dedication that is hard to come by these days. We have always shown a strong commitment to our employees, our patients and our communities. EMS is a 24/7/365 business and can be tiring for everyone involved, but we really like to make it a team effort and view our entire team as an extension of our family.
Contact Info:
- Address: 137 Washington Street
Somerville, MA 02143 - Website: www.cataldoambulance.com
- Phone: 617-625-0126
- Email: info@cataldoambulance.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cataldo_ambulance/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CataldoEMS/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/CataldoAS
Image Credit:
Kristina Moran
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