Fran Lessans was called to action when her 4-year-old son was diagnosed with diabetes more than 30 years ago.
“I wasdesperate for knowledge,” she said, and couldn?t find an accessible and central source for facts.
What began as a mother?s search for knowledge led to the 1994 founding of Passport Health, a travel medicine provider, offering vaccines, security and health information to corporate and leisure travelers.
“I needed to develop a comprehensive program that included lots of education,” said Lessans, chief executive and president, of her travel health business.
Passport Health has grown into a leading travel medicine provider with 125 locations across the nation.
The company has contracted with the U.S. military, and is in discussions with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Locations are slated to open in New York City and in Ireland this year, according to Lessans.
“People are ready to go bird-watching in Belize; Vietnam is becoming extremely popular. And if you aren?t doing business abroad, you will probably go out of business,” she said.
Initially, the idea for Passport Health didn?t attract many supporters.
“They blew me off or laughed in my face,” she said, adding that she believed women have to work twice as hard.
“The big change in our business came when we discovered we shouldn?t be in hospitals,” said Peter Savage, part owner and vice president. “Our competitive edge is easy parking; we don?t smell like formaldehyde. You don?t have to have a badge and you don?t have to go the 7th floor.”
Many doctors see opportunity in owning a Passport Health franchise because it is a cash business, Savage said. The franchise fee is $25,000 which includes a weeklong immersion program and marketing support. Franchise owners must be registered medical personnel.
Charlene Riikonen met Lessans by happenstance at a travel store and has been a client for six years.
“I?d never heard of anyone offering services to a full travel group. Everyone gets the vaccinations and a book on safety and security and what to look out for where they are going,” she said.
She remembers Lessans? old office as a 10-by-10 space, covered in postcards from traveling clients all over the world.
Passport Health
» Location: The Foundry, Fort Avenue, Baltimore
» Founded: 1995
» CEO: Fran Lessans
» Web site: www.passporthealth.usa
