Podiatrist had foot in the door

Podiatrist had foot in the door: "Dec. 15, 2003 - For 12 years, Dr. Michael Esber, a Peoria podiatrist, has been treating patients and running health clinics. Now he is putting his expertise into a retail enterprise.

An orthopedic surgeon who is a friend approached him with the Z-Coil dealer concept, and Esber was hooked.

'He bought the shoe, I looked at it and liked what I saw,' Esber said. 'I wanted to get into business and help more patients.'

In December 2002, after contacting Z-Coil, passing a credit check, finding a prime location and attending a three-day training course, Esber and another friend prepared a business plan and drew on support from Z-Coil headquarters in Albuquerque. Then they opened Dr. Coil Footwear.

Esber provided a personal touch by having his five employees wear medical scrubs as uniforms.

Esber does his own marketing on a local level as many of his customers are referrals from health care providers in the area."