Benchmark Imaging Group of Strongsville, OH, is an X-ray equipment sales and service company, specializing in preowned radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment of all types.

The company sells equipment worldwide, and offers de-installation and installation services nationally. President Pete Schliebner says, "At our facility we can perform various levels of equipment refurbishment, from cosmetic reconditioning to complete disassembly and rebuilding of system components." In addition, Benchmark offers all levels of service to customers in the Ohio area, including preventive maintenance and component level troubleshooting and repair.

Schliebner says that about half of his customers prefer used X-ray systems "working as-is." "Some ask us to perform different levels of refurbishment before the equipment is shipped. And others want a complete turnkey solution-- refurbishment and installation with warranty." Benchmark can capably handle it all.

One way to keep up with the business as a small company is for the staff to wear several hats, but also having special areas of expertise. As example, one tech handles surface prep and painting; another has mechanical duties; Schliebner's background is in service, calibration and trouble shooting. However, they all cross-train one another. Teamwork and backup ensure excellent refurbishment.

Benchmark Imaging Group was started in October 1995. As a service engineer, trained by the U.S. military, Schliebner had the skill set required to be successful servicing X-ray equipment manufactured by any company, to understand how the system works, regardless of the brand. In obtaining equipment, Schliebner has developed relationships with trustworthy equipment brokers, particularly for certain models of rad and R/F rooms. Schliebner also watches the DOTmed listings as well as a few other auction sites. Most of Benchmark's customers are DOTmed users and people and companies that found Benchmark on DOTmed. Schliebner also sees competitors as customers, partnering in technical expertise for a win-win situation.

Growth is important to Benchmark, to keep up with the marketplace and technology, and continue meeting customers' expectations. The internet has helped in Benchmark's business growth, such as attracting international customers and reaching wide numbers of potential customers across the country. In making the DOTmed 100 list this year, Schliebner says, "It shows that if you treat people the way you want to be treated, the old "Golden Rule," that you can build a reputation that other people respect. The 100 status tells others in the industry that Benchmark can be trusted, and trust, Schliebner feels, is everything in business.