Meet The Team at Sarasota Medical Products, Inc
Dr. Walter F. Leise III, PhD
CEO, CSO, Founder
Founded in 2010, Sarasota Medical Products began as an MBA business plan and has grown into a globally recognized innovator in custom hydrocolloid technology and medical‑grade adhesive systems. Under Dr. Leise’s leadership, SMP has developed proprietary platforms adopted by healthcare partners worldwide and expanded through strategic acquisitions, including Cymed and Entrust Ostomy Care.
A defining strength of Dr. Leise’s career is his deep and diverse research experience across multiple scientific and applied domains. His work integrates biotechnology, polymer chemistry, microbiology, materials science, mechanical process engineering, and translational manufacturing, enabling him to bridge laboratory discovery with scalable, regulated medical products. This multidisciplinary fluency allows him to operate simultaneously as a scientific innovator and an execution‑focused business leader.
Dr. Leise is a named inventor on multiple U.S. patents focused on antimicrobial hydrocolloid dressings and peroxide‑based wound and ostomy technologies. These innovations reflect a systems‑level approach that merges chemistry, biology, materials engineering, and clinical skin physiology to solve complex, real‑world healthcare problems.
In addition to his patent portfolio, Dr. Leise has contributed to the scientific and technical literature through published research spanning academic and applied domains. His early scholarly work includes publications in genetics and developmental biology, demonstrating a strong foundation in hypothesis‑driven research, experimental design, and biological systems analysis. In later phases of his career, his published and proprietary work shifted toward applied biomaterials, antimicrobial systems, and skin‑interactive technologies, emphasizing the translation of fundamental science into practical, clinically relevant solutions. Across both academic and industrial contexts, his publications reflect an interdisciplinary, translational philosophy focused on real‑world impact.
In addition to his technical and executive leadership, Dr. Leise is deeply committed to mentorship and talent development, with particular focus on supporting women in business and science. Over the course of his career, he has mentored women across operations, manufacturing, regulatory, R&D, and leadership roles—helping individuals develop confidence, strategic clarity, and the skills needed to pursue expanded leadership roles, entrepreneurial paths, and other life‑changing professional opportunities. He regards mentorship as a core responsibility of leadership, not a secondary activity.
Beyond his professional work, Dr. Leise is also active in competitive athletics. In 2025, he competed in NPC Men’s Classic Physique, appearing at the NPC Monsta Classic and placing across multiple Classic Physique classes. He continues to strength train year‑round, applying a disciplined, data‑driven approach to physical development and ongoing physique refinement. He views bodybuilding as a practical extension of the same principles that govern successful research and leadership: consistency, feedback loops, resilience, and continuous improvement.
Prior to founding SMP, Dr. Leise held scientific leadership roles at Abbott Laboratories, including group leader in biologic process development within the Diagnostics Division and head of the Molecular Biology group in Global Pharmaceutical Research, where he led work on recombinant biologics, proteins, and antibody technologies. Prior to pursuing his secondary education, he served in the U.S. Army, becoming a decorated combat veteran. His service as a squad leader and Cobra helicopter crew chief, with deployments in Germany and Panama, shaped his leadership philosophy around accountability, team development, and performance under pressure.
Life Vision Statement
At the center of Dr. Leise’s professional and personal pursuits is a clearly defined life vision:
“To be a level‑headed leader, gritty discoverer, and optimistic problem solver that inspires my family, my friends, and my teammates to reach higher, achieve more, and enjoy life while becoming more than we ever thought we could be.”
This vision informs how he leads organizations, mentors individuals, approaches innovation, and invests in long‑term personal growth. Whether building medical technologies, developing people, or refining his own performance, Dr. Leise remains guided by the belief that meaningful success is measured not only by outcomes, but by the impact left on others along the way.
The SMP Team
The team at SMP is exceptionally diverse and talented, bringing together individuals with a wide range of professional backgrounds, experiences, and specialized expertise, which collectively create a dynamic and highly capable group whose depth of knowledge and collaborative strength enable innovative problem-solving, informed decision-making, and the consistent delivery of high-quality results across a broad spectrum of challenges and opportunities.
Wendy Bellville
Adrianne Luetzow
Adrianne Luetzow
Production Manager
Wendy started at SMP in February of 2018 manufacturing several Ostomy products. She is now serving as Production Manager specializing in the manufacturing of ostomy powders, paste, deodorants and pouches. Wendy also has previous experience as a Director of Operations in which she proved to be a team leader in day-to-day operations. In her own words, “I feel privileged and proud coming to work every day with such great team members. I look forward to a growing company and what the future holds for all of us here at Sarasota Medical Products.”
Adrianne Luetzow
Adrianne Luetzow
Adrianne Luetzow
Customer Engagement / Fulfillment Specialist
Adrianne joined the SMP team in March 2021 and brings dedication, enthusiasm, and a passion for improving lives through meaningful healthcare solutions. During her time at SMP, she spent two and a half years in Quality Assurance before transitioning into her current role overseeing Customer Engagement and Fulfillment Operations. With a strong commitment to excellence, Adrianne helps connect SMP’s daily operations with the company’s mission of delivering products that support patient comfort, care, and quality of life.
Victor Delgado
Adrianne Luetzow
Michael Brandenburg
Production Supervisor
Victor has been with Sarasota Medical Products since July of 2013. He is experienced in working as a machine operator and has worked as a Production Supervisor since July of 2019 overseeing the hydrocolloid production. Victor is a positive force at SMP and an essential, dedicated team leader who looks forward to the bright future SMP has to offer.
Michael Brandenburg
Michael Brandenburg
Michael Brandenburg
Product Design & Development
Michael has been with Sarasota Medical Products since 2013 as a product and packaging designer and developer. He is a goal-driven team player and a dedicated professional that has been recognized for his contribution in designing tools, prototyping, and producing final products. Michael is a key player in providing exceptional products for our partners and excels at working with staff at all levels.
Kamila Olive
Michael Brandenburg
Kamila Olive
Quality Control / R & D
Kamila was born and raised in Europe, where she developed a deep appreciation for micro- and macro-organisms, the interconnectedness of nature, science, and human health. Her passion for microbiology, environmental systems, human anatomy, and the relationships between them continues to shape her professional approach today. She holds both a Master’s Degree and a Master of Science in Engineering in Environmental Management and Protection. Prior to joining SMP, Kamila built experience across both the agricultural and medical sectors, strengthening her expertise in research, analysis, and quality-focused processes. In 2025, Kamila joined SMP Inc. as a Research & Development and Quality Control Specialist. She is highly detail-oriented and committed to maintaining rigorous testing standards to ensure consistency, accuracy, and reliability throughout the quality control process.
Jeff Place
Michael Brandenburg
Kamila Olive
Fortis Entrust
Jeff Place is a seasoned sales and product expert at Fortis Entrust, bringing decades of experience in the ostomy and wound care product industries. Based out of Chicago, Illinois, Jeff has built a distinguished career rooted in deep technical knowledge, strategic insight, and a strong commitment to client success. At Fortis Entrust, Jeff plays a key role in guiding product strategy and supporting sales initiatives. His extensive background enables him to provide valuable perspective on market trends and product positioning, making him a trusted resource both internally and externally.
Known for his collaborative approach and clear communication style, Jeff excels at working across teams to drive forward-thinking solutions that deliver measurable value for partners and customers.
Ashleigh Facenda
Ashleigh Facenda
Ashleigh Facenda
Cymed MicroSkin
Ashleigh Facenda is the Sales Director at Cymed, bringing over a decade of experience with Sarasota Medical Products, where she began her career in 2014. Her background includes five years in Key West, FL managing fine art gallery operations and founding a small publishing company for contemporary fine-artists, experience that strengthened her skills in client engagement, team leadership, and highly personalized service. A true people person, Ashleigh is deeply committed to a patient-centered approach. She works closely with internal QA teams, WOC nurses, healthcare providers, and patients to deliver meaningful support and improved outcomes. She is deeply passionate about Sarasota Medical Products and Cymed, dedicating her energy and commitment to the success of the company, its team, and most importantly, the patients they serve.
Rachel Crumbley
Ashleigh Facenda
Ashleigh Facenda
Purchasing / Finance Supervisor
Bianca Blanchard
Ashleigh Facenda
Bianca Blanchard
Manufacturing Process & Engineering
Sonya Hamar
Cora Roberts
Bianca Blanchard
Quality Assurance Supervisor
Cora Roberts
Cora Roberts
Cora Roberts
Digital Marketing Specialist
Get in touch to learn more about Sarasota Medical Products
Sarasota Medical Products is a Veteran Owned Small Business
All products are proudly Made In The U.S.A.
Sarasota Medical Products, Inc
1451 Sarasota Center Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34240
Copyright © 2026 Sarasota Medical Products, Inc - All Rights Reserved.
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