Thinking Strategically: Meet New TAG Awards Judge, Rick Curtis

Rick Curtis

At The Aebli Group, we believe in recognizing the outstanding achievements of businesses and leaders who push the boundaries of innovation, strategy, and impact. That’s why we’re proud to host the TAG Awards, an initiative dedicated to celebrating excellence across industries. These awards honor organizations and individuals who embody the principles of strategic growth, operational efficiency, and transformative leadership—values that drive success in today’s ever-evolving business landscape.

To uphold the integrity and prestige of the TAG Awards, we’ve assembled a panel of distinguished judges—leaders who have made a significant impact in their respective fields. One of these esteemed judges is Rick Curtis, an accomplished executive with a proven track record of driving MedTech innovation and business transformation.

A Career Built on Innovation and Strategic Investment

Rick’s career spans over 20 years, during which he’s held leadership roles at world-class medical device organizations. With a background in strategic planning and investments, Rick has seen firsthand how essential it is to place bets on emerging technologies and innovative solutions. He’s worked across various areas of the industry, from implantable devices to bioresorbable polymers, always with an eye toward what’s next. This visionary approach has helped him identify key trends and guide companies toward success, and it’s this mindset that he will bring to the TAG Awards judging process.

Why Rick Chose to Join the TAG Awards Panel

When asked what motivated him to become a judge for the TAG Awards, Rick shared his belief in the importance of programs like ours. He’s seen how awards programs can provide crucial visibility to early-stage companies, helping them differentiate themselves in a competitive market. For startups, especially, winning or being nominated for an award can be a game-changer, helping them gain recognition and open doors for future growth. Rick is excited to help identify companies that are pushing boundaries and solving problems that many may not even know exist.

Rick’s Approach to Judging the TAG Awards

As a judge, Rick’s leadership experience will be invaluable in evaluating the nominees. He approaches judging the same way he approached business decisions in his career: by looking at the overall business, the market they’re entering, and the uniqueness of their offerings. What sets a company apart? How do they leverage their capabilities to increase the probability of success? These are the questions that will guide his feedback and recommendations.

The Future of MedTech and What to Look for in 2025

Rick’s passion for the medtech industry is evident, and he’s particularly excited about emerging trends in tissue engineering, bioresorbable polymers, and drug-device combinations. These technologies have the potential to reshape the way healthcare solutions are delivered, and Rick is eager to see how they evolve in the coming years. As the industry continues to push forward, Rick’s insights will be instrumental in evaluating the nominees and identifying the next wave of game-changers in the MedTech space.

Looking Ahead to the TAG Awards Ceremony

With Rick Curtis joining the judging panel, we’re confident that the TAG Awards will continue to highlight the most innovative and impactful companies in the medical device and manufacturing sectors. We look forward to seeing which companies will rise to the top, and we’re excited to see how the recognition from the awards will propel them forward on their journey.

Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the big day, and be sure to join us in celebrating the exceptional work happening in the MedTech space!