History of Texas Medical Distributors

Texas Medical Distributors (TMD) was founded in June 1990 by Ernie Cates Jr., starting humbly in the loft of A family owned business in downtown Rockdale, TX. Initially, TMD focused exclusively on distributing incontinence products for Health Tech to long-term care facilities. This focus soon expanded as the company’s ambitions and opportunities grew.

Within a year of its founding, TMD moved into a warehouse and began serving pharmacies and Home Medical Equipment (HME) companies in addition to its initial customer base. By the end of 1991, the company’s portfolio expanded to include capital durable medical equipment, becoming a distribution partner for Lumex. The company’s rapid growth necessitated another move—this time to a larger warehouse down the street. By then, TMD had forged relationships with a dozen vendor partners and expanded its reach into neighboring states, including Oklahoma, Louisiana, and New Mexico.

Texas Warehouse TMD

 

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By 1999, TMD had settled into its fourth warehouse and current headquarters, which they have expanded multiple times in the past 20+ years. At this point, the company was distributing products for some of the top brands in the home medical industry, such as Nova, Graham-Field, Attends, First Quality, Salter Labs, Abbott, Nestle, and many more.

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The next generation of the Cates family, Ernie III, Eddie, and Elliot, grew up working in the warehouse and making deliveries for TMD. After graduating from Texas A&M University, all three returned to contribute to the company’s growth in a professional capacity. For the past 15 to 20 years, they have played integral roles in carrying forward the family legacy and business values.

In 2005, TMD expanded its reach by opening a second distribution center in Tempe, Arizona, serving the Valley area. By 2024, the company further solidified its presence by launching a third distribution center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Over three decades, TMD has grown from a small operation in a loft to a regional leader in medical distribution, remaining a family-owned and operated business.

Today, TMD boasts a work family of over 50 employees across more than a dozen states, continuing to deliver on its mission of providing quality medical products and exceptional service. The company’s enduring success is a testament to its strong foundation, family involvement, and commitment to its customers and employees alike.