Diamond Bar E Genetics’ journey to being named Vytelle’s 2023 Satellite of the Year is a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence in embryo services. Since their inception, they have focused on expanding their capabilities and enhancing client relationships, leading to significant growth and success.
“Our primary gig since 1998 was raising and developing our family’s dairy replacements and a beef cow-calf operation,” says Shannon Eldridge, who co-owns Diamond Bar E Genetics with her husband, Cory. “Providing IVF services and adding OPU (ovum pick-up) collections seemed like a natural fit.”
In 2019 Diamond Bar E Genetics began doing oocyte collections in State Center, Iowa, before expanding to Williamsburg and Winthrop in the spring of 2020. They currently maintain five Iowa-based collection locations, having recently added sites in Centerville and Manilla.
“The reason for the extra locations was ease of access,” Shannon says. “We’re trying to bring the tech closer for our customers, by doing some traveling ourselves so they don’t always have to.”
The Powered By Vytelle™ satellite operates in all 5 locations during the busy spring and fall seasons. In the slower summer and winter periods, they run strictly in State Center.
Calming fears and building confidence
Diamond Bar E typically connects with clients through veterinarian recommendations. Shannon partners with veterinarians to utilize their state-of-the-art facilities and she handles all other aspects from top to bottom including scheduling, billing and client communication.
“The first few times we did this, the clinics were a little hesitant,” she says. “I’m sure they were thinking, ‘I don’t want this person who I don’t know to upset my clients.’ Over time, we’ve built trust, and our hosts are confident everyone involved has a positive experience.”
Shannon believes Diamond Bar E’s level of customer service separates them from their competition.
“A grade one embryo is a grade one embryo,” she says. “The experience is all about communication and organization. We must drive strong communication between the clinics, the lab, the OPU techs, and the clients. From the beginning, Vytelle stressed educating the customers about the process. We embrace this and understand its importance.”
Shannon walks owners through every stage of OPU collections, showing them on screen what the techs are doing and why. They can even peek under the microscope to view their oocytes. A tasty lunch and a friendly environment wrap up sessions on an upbeat note.
“My favorite part is seeing our client’s excitement when they’re successful,” she says. “Some want show ring winners, others are more interested in production, while a few hope to replicate their favorite cow. It’s inspiring to share a small part of their joy.”
Industry changes foster excitement
Shannon believes education levels have improved since she began with Vytelle. When the no-shot, FSH-free collections were initially offered, it was a steep learning curve, explaining the process that allowed clients to keep donors in their natural environment with no lengthy series of set-up shots.
“Rather than sorting, penning, and giving the FSH shots, donors are living their best life,” she says. “Now, our clientele is more familiar, trusting, and open to the experience.”
She advises her IVF clients to maintain solid nutritional plans including minerals and supplements. If they’re experiencing issues, she points them to Vytelle’s customer service representatives, OPU technicians, or husband Cory to help provide a solid informational base.
Vytelle’s benefits stand strong
Diamond Bar E’s customers appreciate Vytelle’s outcome-based pricing model which means they’re only charged for the embryos they make. Diamond Bar E also waives collection fees if donors aren’t successful.
“Early in the OPU process, I find many, especially those long familiar with giving FSH shots, can’t believe all they have to do is get on our schedule,” Shannon says. “They’re surprised how easy and convenient it is now.”
With Diamond Bar E’s multiple locations, customers are only a week from the next OPU collection date so embryo transfer veterinarians can be confidently scheduled for fresh transfers. Confidence builds through education and OPU technician knowledge.
“They appreciate these small things,” Shannon says. “We at Diamond Bar E Genetics are extremely honored to be named Vytelle’s 1st Satellite of the Year. We appreciate our clients, but also the OPU technicians, embryologists, and lab staff. We do our best to make everyone’s job easier by being efficient and organized while going the extra mile together.”