Marra’s celebrates 25 years with plans for prosperous future
John H. and Nancy A. Marra in the “CPAP Corner” of Marra’s Homecare Equipment and Supplies, outer Coffeen Street in Watertown. The Marras are celebrating 25 years in business. Photo by Norm Johnston.
John H. Marra has witnessed the medical equipment and supply industry change dramatically over the years.
“Everything 25 years ago was bigger, heavier and noisier,” Mr. Marra said. “Technology today has made the equipment smaller and more efficient.”
Marra’s Homecare Equipment & Supplies has grown steadily in reaching its silver anniversary, expanding its services and locations throughout the north country. Starting in a small downtown office in Watertown with three employees, Marra’s Homecare now has three locations and 51 employees.
The Watertown company specializes in the sales, service and rentals of medical equipment and supplies, including complex rehabilitative and sleep apnea products, wheelchairs, scooters, oxygen, mobility aids, lift chairs, bath safety products and hospital beds.
“Ninety-nine percent of our business is referral-based,” Mr. Marra said.
The biggest growth for Marra’s Homecare in recent years has been with sleep apnea devices, with more doctors diagnosing patients with sleep disorders. Sleep apnea is a relatively new market in the medical field and a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine is the most common treatment for people with sleeping problems, Mr. Marra said.
A CPAP machine uses a mask that fits over a person’s nose and mouth. The machine gently blows air into the throat, with the air pressing on the walls of the airway. The air pressure is adjusted just enough to stop the airway from becoming blocked during sleep, giving a person a more pleasant night’s sleep.
The company’s showroom on outer Coffeen Street features “The CPAP Corner,” which provides customers with various sleep apnea devices and supplies.
“It’s the largest sector of growth for us right now,” Mr. Marra said. “It is becoming more recognizable on the physician level.”
David Winters is a former Watertown Daily Times reporter and freelance writer who lives in Adams. Contact him at potsdamdave@gmail.com.
